allergic reaction to skin cream

Inflammationseasider - immune system ramped up and blood flow increases to the area. So it will feel hot.

Thanks everybody . Very useful information. I have been trying to figure out which cream caused the reaction. Thanks Jess never really knew the difference. The affected area was very hot to touch like it is if you have sunburn.

E45 cream is very soothing with any skin problem.

Take a scientific approach. Tiny dab of cream one on the inside of your elbow. Wait 4 days to see if any redness develops. Then do same with cream 2. While all this is going on avoid all 3.
If it is red and itchy it is probably allergy and antihistamine cream (or even hay fever pill if it is driving you mad). If it is not itchy it is "dermatitis" in other words a non allergic inflammation of the skin. Wait for it to get better and if it doesn't settle see your doctor.

Seasider this happened to me about a month ago and the cause was a new additive to the cream that I have used for a long while. My eyes closed and swelled and I could have scratched my skin off it was so bad,I got anti histamines from Dr.as the ones in the Chemist where not strong enough and used vaseline to ease the tightness it did take about 3/4 days before any improvement,I did write to the Company but am still awaiting a reply.
Aka I know the programme you are talking about it was an ingredient that had been banned in USA but here and in Europe can't think of the name,the one I had problems has Hydra IQ in the new blend so it is very well known.
seasider Also make sure you change your bedding if you have not already done so as you will be still have contact from the cream.

As my skin is quite sensitive I tend not to use scented bath stuff and lotions but never had such an extreme reaction. Anti histamines stopped the itching but the skin on my chest looks like very bad sunburn. I have put some patches on DP 's arm to see if he has a reaction!

There was something on Watchdog recently about some creams, especially suncreams, causing reactions like this. Sorry I can't remember the ingredient which was to blame.

This applies even to creams/lotions that are supposed to be for "sensitive" skin. If they contain perfume avoid them. Baby oil gives me a rash. It's not the oil that's the problem.

Yes, anti-histamine is a good idea. You can either wash all the skin cream off and apply anti-histamine cream directly to your skin or use internal anti-histamine (tablets).

And then, I suggest, avoid all skin creams which contain perfumes of any kind, 'natural' or otherwise. It's usually the perfumes that are the problem.

Anti histamine would be a start. Some creams change their formzlation without notice which means that an old favourite suddenly becomes the cream from hell. I would send a strong complaint to the manufacturers and obviously avoid it from now on.