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Original poster

I think I might be allergic to our new rats :(

13 replies

IHeartKingThistle · 14/01/2017 16:41

We have two new boy rats - they're fab. Had lots of advice on here before Christmas and we all love them!

I got a blotch on my stomach the day after they came home just after Christmas. Now I have blotches from my chest down to my thighs, front and back. They're not going away. I keep getting more! I'm itchy.

But... nothing on my arms or face, which is weird as when we take them out they run straight up your arm to your neck. I'm not sneezing. What do we think? I'm not getting rid of them either way but I've never had an allergy so not sure what to do! I really am covered in rash.

Help!

OP posts:
BembaNugget · 14/01/2017 16:44

Why don't you try taking antihistimenes and using cream? Is there no way your partner could be the one to handle them?

BembaNugget · 14/01/2017 16:44

Why don't you try taking antihistimenes and using cream? Is there no way your partner could be the one to handle them?

BembaNugget · 14/01/2017 16:44

Why don't you try taking antihistimenes and using cream? Is there no way your partner could be the one to handle them?

BembaNugget · 14/01/2017 16:45

Why don't you try taking antihistimenes and using cream? Is there no way your partner could be the one to handle them?

Original poster
IHeartKingThistle · 14/01/2017 16:48

They belong to the DC so they do the vast majority of the handling. I clean out the cage weekly with the DC though, DH made that a condition of getting them which I don't mind.

I guess if I try antihistamines and it goes down I'll know it's the rats?

OP posts:
Original poster
IHeartKingThistle · 14/01/2017 16:49

I just made DH sound horrible, he's not! He will take over I'm sure if it is the rats.

OP posts:
Original poster
IHeartKingThistle · 15/01/2017 00:08

I didn't touch them for 2 days this week and the rash didn't improve. Weird.

OP posts:
ijustwannadance · 15/01/2017 00:22

Seems odd that the rash is on your torso and not somewhere that is actually in contact with the rats.
Have you changed shower gel or soap powder lately to one not used before?

Could the rats have some sort of mites?

Original poster
IHeartKingThistle · 15/01/2017 00:40

Urgh don't say that! Wouldn't the DC have a rash too?

Have changed shower gel. Will stop using it and see.

OP posts:
BembaNugget · 20/01/2017 14:43

I apologise for the repeated reply. The app glitched out.
How did changing the shower gel go? Did you notice any difference?

Original poster
IHeartKingThistle · 20/01/2017 14:59

It's definitely the rats. Stayed away from them as much as possible for a week. Rash faded a bit. Held one last night as an experiment, he cuddled into my neck for about 30 seconds and I got a rash on my neck by the time DD took him back.

I need to try antihistamines don't I, when I'm cleaning them out? I'm really gutted, they are so cute and I want cuddles!

OP posts:
Footle · 20/01/2017 15:31

Rat rash ! I can think of a simple solution...

BembaNugget · 20/01/2017 16:53

Oh no :(
I'm really sorry! Maybe the antihistamines will mean you can hold them and have none of the rashes?
I have a rat myself (in the process of getting my second) and I know how much it must mean to you to be be able to hold them x

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