Can Rats Cause Hives?
WouterMany people wonder, “Can rats cause hives?” These symptoms can appear due to an allergic reaction to a rat allergen. Symptoms can range from hives and watery eyes to difficulty breathing, sneezing, congestion and coughing. If you have any of these symptoms, you may want to contact your doctor. Luckily, there are a number of treatments available for these allergic reactions.
If you’re allergic to rats, you can take antihistamines or steroidal nasal sprays to help alleviate the symptoms. You can also visit an allergist, who can administer an allergy test to determine if you’re allergic to rats or another allergen. The allergy test involves pricking your skin with a needle and watching how it reacts to different allergens.
You should consult a doctor if you’re concerned that you might have an allergic reaction to rat droppings or urine. Rat allergens can be very complicated, and they are based on the proteins found in rat saliva, urine, and skin. In some cases, these allergens can mimic seasonal allergies, so be cautious if you notice these symptoms.
You should wear protective clothing whenever handling rats. If possible, wear fingerless gloves or long pants. It’s best to wear fingerless gloves and hoodies, since rat saliva contains allergens. In addition, keep the cage in a well-ventilated area and avoid exposing your arms and legs to the allergen.
