Treatment and Management of Hypersensitivity Type

IV
There is no cure for type IV hypersensitivity, the treatment and management solely aims at
symptom control. Different treatment plans are provided according to the severity of allergic
reaction.The treatment options can be given alone or in combination, including allergen avoidance
and pharmaceutical treatments.

Allergen avoidance is the prevention of possible allergen that trigger the signs and symptoms of
hypersensitivity to emerge. For instance, in the case of patients with latex allergic, they should
avoid themselves to contact with any latex-containing substance and expose to latex-containing
aerosols. However in some Type IV hypersensitivity cases, the cause of allergic response cannot
be identified and so this treatment approach is not applicable to them.

Pharmaceutical treatment varies, including over-the-counter and prescription drugs. The most
common pharmaceutical treatment for mild to moderate reaction are topical antihistamine and
soothing lotion such as calamine or hydrocortisone cream. If these drugs do not work, prescription
of stronger steroid cream or steroid pills are needed. Antihistamine reduces or blocks histamine
release in the body and subsequently relieve the symptoms of hypersensitivity. Calamine is used
to relieve pain, itching and discomfort from minor skin irritations while hydrocortisone cream which
is a mild corticosteroid is used to reduce swelling, itching and redness of skin. For severe reaction
cases, prescription of anaphylaxis kit with an epinephrine shot is needed.

References:
1. https://www.amboss.com/us/knowledge/Hypersensitivity_reactions#Zffe2d28606962b4940d48f
a2a48a52a1
2. https://acaai.org/allergies/types/skin-allergies/latex-allergy
3. https://www.webmd.com/allergies/latex-allergy-symptoms-treatment
4. https://www.myvmc.com/diseases/hypersensitivity-reaction-type-iv/#How_is_it_diagnosed
5. https://www.webmd.com/allergies/antihistamines-for-allergies
6. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-62085/calamine-plain-topical/details
7. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-148380/anti-itch-hydrocortisone-topical/details