Allergic reaction still worsening after 24 hours

[MamaGrubs]

Morning.
Just looking for insight/advice as we will be taking our little boy to the walk in centre once open.
Yesterday (Friday 2nd) he woke up covered in hives, was on every body part except face and genitals, but milder on his trunk than his limbs.
Took him to the doctor as felt concerned by it appearing overnight, who confirmed it was an allergic reaction and to continue with piriton.
Last night it had spread a little to his face, one itchy eye and a very itchy cheek. Now this morning it is worse still, one buttock absolutely raging with it, spread to both facial cheeks too and his top lip is a little swollen.
No trouble breathing or anything like that.
Why would it still be worsening?
We can only think it’s either a reaction to green pepper that he’s never eaten before (consumed Thursday evening) or a delayed reaction to penicillin that he finished taking Tuesday. I read a little that it is possible for reaction to delay but up to two weeks.
I’d appreciate any advice. Thank you.

Have you change the washing powder you use?

Hi,
No we haven’t changed anything at all. That’s why we think it can only have been one of those two things. He’s used no new soap or shampoo or anything. 😕

My four year old had a similar reaction to something last year. I think it might have been his flu spray, but it was delayed (48hr), so we’ll never know.

He had hives that over the course of a weekend covered his body, but in sections. We gave piriton, and he wasn’t too fussed by it. It didn’t affect his sleep. We had him seen by OOH, who prescribed a steroid cream - I’ve no idea whether it helped, or whether it was just the natural end of the hives, but they were gone within three days.

Oh he also is experiencing a lot of wind (much more than usual), though he says he doesn’t have a stomach ache.

Other than the rash is he unwell (temp, sore throat, runny nose?) does the rash feel like sandpaper or is it smooth?

Thank you Callamia,
That’s reassuring to hear. I’m very pleased also that it cleared up for your son.
Hopefully we can be prescribed some steroids also. I am mostly concerned because now his lip is swollen and I don’t want it to affect anything else.

If the reaction was to food it usually comes up within 20 mins or so. How old is your DS? I’d continue with the piriton but if anything happens to his breathing then I’d take him to hospital straight away. Have you called 101 to ask them?

My DS is anaphylactic to nuts so we get very severe reactions quite quickly.

Thank you IggyAce,
No temperature or any other symptoms. It’s not rough like sandpaper, it’s just a raised itchy red rash.

Headhurtstoomuch;
Thank you. Sorry that you have sever allergies to deal with, very frightening.
We spoke to 111 yesterday and then saw the practice nurse at the gp surgery. Said to go back if it continues or gets worse so we are heading for the walk in centre once open today. I was just keen for experience from others as this has never happened to him before and although it’s not severe I do tend to worry.
He’s just finished a course of antibiotics for a chest infection, he’s usually a very healthy and strong boy.
He’s 6 and not usually ill but he’s having a bad run!

Thanks. We’ve been dealing with allergies since he was a tiny baby and he’s now 11....

Your DS - the hives will go down. Most important thing is his breathing which you need to monitor.

Just one piece of advice I learnt early on - no new food at night. Always try food during the day in case of a reaction...saved me many a midnight trip to AE when he was younger as back then he had multiple allergies.

How did you get on?
Was it an allergy to the antibiotics by any chance?

Hope he is ok yes sounds like abx allergy?

How is he doing now?

Has he had any colds or viral infections recently? After a bad cold or other virus I often get total body hives, including swollen eyelids and lips. It took me some years to see the pattern. Apparently this type of allergic reaction to a virus is fairly common in children (although not adults). I find it lasts quite a few days and is fairly severe, but harmless. Steroids and portion for treatment.
All the best.