Can a partner’s hygiene cause recurring rashes at age 23?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am writing to you about my partner's allergic reactions, which occur when we are together. She is already allergic to dust and has had atopic dermatitis on her right hand since childhood (she is 23, and I am 27). Her symptoms fluctuate but are always present. We have met three times in different places, but each time she experiences symptoms. Small red rashes appear on her hands, then on her legs. Her face gets itchy and breaks out in pimples. These symptoms start days after we meet and improve a few days after we part. We also tried sleeping apart, which slightly helped (we have not had sexual intercourse yet).

I am concerned that I might be causing these reactions. She suspects my dreadlocks, which can indeed catch dust, but I will cut them before we meet again to rule that out. She lives in a very clean environment due to her dust allergy, so staying in a dustier place like my flat might trigger her symptoms. Additionally, the stress of traveling to meet me likely exacerbates her skin issues.

We have slept in hotels, suspecting local washing powders as a cause, but at my place, I bought a new linen bed specifically to avoid this problem (though I washed it before use). The dishes varied in the three countries we visited, so I do not see a common cause for an allergic reaction. I plan to buy new clothes and wash them according to her hygienic standards, and we will see if that helps. I do not regularly use deodorant or aftershave, and I have used different shower gels each time.

What else could we change to prevent her reactions or identify the cause?
How can we soothe her symptoms?

Perhaps if we spend more time together, she will adjust to my flora and eventually stop reacting, especially in a less stressful environment. I have also advised her to see a specialist to determine if I am the cause.

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You have described your partner's problem very nicely. She is suffering from chronic urticaria. Urticaria is an allergic reaction that takes the form of itchy red bumps on the skin, as shown in your pictures. (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

Name anything that can cause an allergy, and it can also cause hives, including pollen, dust, dander, dust mites, shellfish, and other foods. The first step in managing hives is to identify the trigger. To avoid hives, you need to determine what causes them. If you are unsure, start keeping a daily diary. The most likely suspects are things that you eat, drink, swallow, supplements, and medications. Even if you do not notice any obvious connections, continue keeping your diary, noting other factors like weather, stress levels, clothing, or the amount of time you spend in the sun. With careful tracking, you may link a specific lifestyle factor to the appearance of those red, itchy welts.

Foods most likely to trigger hives include shellfish, nuts, chocolate, fish, tomatoes, eggs, fresh berries, and milk. Some people react to preservatives in certain foods and wine, such as sulfites. Once you have identified a food trigger, eliminate it from your diet and see if you have fewer outbreaks.

Common drug triggers include antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Aspirin and Ibuprofen. However, doctors have identified many other triggers, including sedatives, tranquilizers, diuretics, diet supplements, antacids, arthritis medications, vitamins, eye drops, ear drops, laxatives, and douches.

Seek emergency medical treatment if you develop hives around your eyes or in your mouth, or if you experience difficulty breathing, wheezing, light-headedness, or dizziness. You may have a life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis, where internal tissue swelling can block breathing passages. It is recommended to get a blood allergy test done, which can provide clues about your trigger so you can avoid it.

Tablets like Levocetirizine or Desloratadine are helpful when you have a rash. Calamine lotion or astringents help shrink blood vessels so they do not leak as much histamine. You can also mix one teaspoon of any kind of vinegar with one tablespoon of lukewarm water and apply the mixture to your hives with a cotton ball or tissue to soothe the itching. Taking fish oil in capsule form three times a day can also help.

The primary treatment focuses on increasing the body's immunity. A good remedy is to take one teaspoon of turmeric powder with a glass of milk or water two to three times a day. Massage the skin with mustard oil for 15 minutes, followed by a bath with lukewarm water. You can also make a paste of two cups of oatmeal and three teaspoons of cornstarch mixed with water. Apply this paste to the affected areas until the itching subsides.

Stress can cause hives or make them worse, so it is important to avoid it in any form. Try meditation or yoga to boost your immunity. After identifying the specific trigger through an allergy test, make sure to avoid it.

Hope I have clarified your query.

Please feel free to reach me again, in case of further queries.

Thank you.