What Should I Do if My Arm Gets Itchy After Touching Yams?

If the skin on the arm becomes itchy after touching yam, the affected area should first be cleaned with warm water to remove any residual allergens. Avoid further contact with yam. If a rash appears, topical applications of calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream can be used. For severe cases, oral antihistamines such as cetirizine hydrochloride dispersible tablets or loratadine tablets may be prescribed. The affected skin should also avoid exposure to hot water, soap, and saltwater.

After contact with yam, if the skin on the arm becomes itchy and accompanied by a rash, this is a case of contact dermatitis, caused by an allergic reaction to certain components in the yam. First, clean the affected area with warm water to remove the allergens on the surface. Then, avoid further contact with yam in the future. If a rash appears, topical applications of calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream can be used to relieve the itching and anti-inflammatory effects. For larger areas, oral antihistamines such as cetirizine hydrochloride dispersible tablets, loratadine tablets, or chlorpheniramine maleate tablets may be needed.

During the itching period, patients should pay attention to their diet and avoid consuming seafood, spicy, and irritating foods such as fish, shrimp, crab, shellfish, chili peppers, raw ginger, garlic, and onions. The affected skin should also avoid exposure to hot water, soap, and saltwater. It is important to maintain skin moisture and hydration.