Question - Skin reaction after direct contact with guinea pig

[monilovespuhi]

Hello!I want to ask something that includes my health and my guinea pigs health.Recently i have seen that i have got red itchy marks on my face after hugging or kissing my guinea pig on his face.It has been happening these couple of weeks and i do not know why.Is it because of hygiene or what?

 

[lemanpiggies]

Do you have any pet hair allergies? I’m definitely not an expert but allergies would probably cause that

 

[Pantalaimon]

It could be that you have an allergy to something, or it could be coincidence. The best thing to do to start with would be avoid putting your face on him or touching your face after touching him and not washing your hands. If the irritation is still happening then it may be something else.

 

[piggl]

Firstly I wouldn’t recommend kissing your guinea pigs, for your sake and for your pigs.
I personally wouldn’t want to share bacteria with someone who eats poop

Secondly, is there a chance you are allergic to the pigs? Do you have any reaction anywhere else when you clean their cage out/touch them?

I would recommend always washing your hands thoroughly after cleaning/cuddling, this is what I do as I have a minor allergy to them and I find this helps keep it under control. It’s also just good practice!
And although I know it’s hard, perhaps stop the cuddles, or atleast keep your pigs away from your face. You can always have lap time and cuddles, but maybe from now on you have to do so away from your face.

 

[monilovespuhi]

Do you have any pet hair allergies? I’m definitely not an expert but allergies would probably cause that

well i am asking this because i always kiss my guinea pig the red marks started happening these couple of weeks so i dont think its an allergie

 

[monilovespuhi]

It could be that you have an allergy to something, or it could be coincidence. The best thing to do to start with would be avoid putting your face on him or touching your face after touching him and not washing your hands. If the irritation is still happening then it may be something else.

Okay thank you so much for the advice!

 

[poggle]

I'd see a doctor, but it could definitely be allergies. I suffer with this periodically ever since moving in with my husband (who came with a free cat and dog, bargain!) and it was put down to allergies. Not sure which one I'm allergic to but time will tell. Try taking an antihistamine when it flares up and see if that makes a difference

 

[monilovespuhi]

Firstly I wouldn’t recommend kissing your guinea pigs, for your sake and for your pigs.
I personally wouldn’t want to share bacteria with someone who eats poop

Secondly, is there a chance you are allergic to the pigs? Do you have any reaction anywhere else when you clean their cage out/touch them?

I would recommend always washing your hands thoroughly after cleaning/cuddling, this is what I do as I have a minor allergy to them and I find this helps keep it under control. It’s also just good practice!
And although I know it’s hard, perhaps stop the cuddles, or atleast keep your pigs away from your face. You can always have lap time and cuddles, but maybe from now on you have to do so away from your face.

I really do not think I'm allergic since the red marks started recently and i have always kissed or cuddled him.But i will start to keep my distance and not bring him next to my face.it does make sense since he does live in his own waste and me bringing him next to my face isnt something good.Thank you so much for the inofmation and help!

 

[Wiebke]

I really do not think I'm allergic since the red marks started recently and i have always kissed or cuddled him.But i will start to keep my distance and not bring him next to my face.it does make sense since he does live in his own waste and me bringing him next to my face isnt something good.Thank you so much for the inofmation and help!

Hi

Allergies never happen instantly; they can only ever start after initial contact. Pet allergies often build up but they will get worse rather than better. They can either affect the airways or the skin. You seem to have the second variety.

Most people are allergic to guinea pig urine of which you always find particles in the coat. Please avoid direct skin contact and see a doctor for tests.

 

[monilovespuhi]

Hi

Allergies never happen instantly; they can only ever start after initial contact. Pet allergies often build up but they will get worse rather than better. They can either affect the airways or the skin. You seem to have the second variety.

Most people are allergic to guinea pig urine of which you always find particles in the coat. Please avoid direct skin contact and see a doctor for tests.

Okay thanks so much for the help!

 

[Pound Shilling & Pig]

It is also possible it is the hay not the piggy that is causing the irritation and he is transferring pollen, etc from his hay onto your skin, especially if your problem coincides with having started a new batch of hay.