was tun bei einer allergischen reaktion — what can you do yourself?

For a mild allergic reaction (e.g., hives, itching, mild swelling), you can take these steps yourself: 1) Immediately avoid the allergen (e.g., remove insect stinger, wash skin). 2) Apply cool compresses or ice packs (wrapped in a cloth) to reduce itching and swelling. 3) Take an over-the-counter antihistamine (e.g., cetirizine, loratadine) – follow label instructions and check for interactions. 4) For skin rash, use a mild hydrocortisone cream (0.5–1%) short-term. 5) Drink plenty of water to help your body flush out allergens. 6) Monitor symptoms closely. If you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of tongue/throat, severe dizziness, or loss of consciousness, this may be anaphylaxis – call emergency services (911 or local number) immediately and use an epinephrine auto-injector if available. Important: These self-care measures do not replace medical advice. For recurrent or severe reactions, consult an allergist. Evidence is based on established first-aid and allergy guidelines.