How long does it take for penicillin allergy to work through your body?

[Puddingandcustard]

I've just discovered that I'm allergic to penicillin (after taking a prescribed dose). I have a swollen face and hives on my body.

The doc has prescribed antihistimes and steroid tablets.

But how long will it take for this allergic reaction (hives, swelling) to pass?

Anything I can do to speed it on?

[Puddingandcustard]

Bump

[Puddingandcustard]

One last bump

[redpriestandmozart]

Not penicillin but similar reaction to a drug, it took about 24hrs for redness around face & eyes to subside but eyes remained slightly swollen for another day, scabs from hives about a week. So all in all it took me about a week to look and feel 100%, the steroids given were for 3 days, antihistamines were 5 days. That was my experience.

[Puddingandcustard]

Thank you redpriestandmozart! The redness has faded for me, too, 24 hrs later. But still feel bloody awful! Arg to allergies!