I've always had allergies, everything from local anesthetic, ether and Demerol through to sulfites, wine, lactose and now, because the rest wasn't enough, Gluten.
They all start out the same way, with mild redness or bumps and itchiness then as I keep exposing myself to the allergens I get rashes/eczema and flushing and finally they degenerate into either Quink reaction or Anaphalxia.
I learned something from my GP...allergies are allergies mild or severe, they are the same thing. If you keep exposing yourself to the allergens they will eventually get worse. There is no difference between the rash and anaphylaxis except for the severity of your body's reaction.
I saw a lot of algologists. The only answer they gave me was to avoid the culprits and start taking 1 antihistamine daily for life. I did for about 5 yrs but with a k pouch and stoma it caused problems...it seemed to dry me out and aggravate my dehydration.
I went off of them, other than seasonally for hayfever. (can't go without them).
My dad and grandmother both had the same allergies so I get it from them.
I keep my EpiPen around at all times, a pillbox full of antihistamines and I am careful. It doesn't mean that I won't react to something or another but I always have what I need in case I do.
Sharon