Could I be Allergic?

[firefly]

Every time I get pocked by my hedgies quills I get a small white bump on my hand and it gets red around it. Then they itch for about 30 mins. Could it be that I'm having a small allergic reation to my hedgies quills? If I can get a pic later I'll post so you can see. This has only beed happening for about a week so far as I can remember.

[PrettyHate]

I get the same thing where ever hedgie quills or even feet touch me. It seems to be pretty normal among hedgie owners, and I really wouldnt worry about it too much. I think it is just a reaction to something on their quills (probably has alot to do with annointing). I find that washing the area well with some soap and warm water makes it go away pretty fast :)

[firefly]

Ya, me too. Thank you for the help!

[razzle]

I get the same thing. Usually it goes away pretty fast. Everyone knows when I've been giving Razzle kisses though - I end up with a big fat lip. My nose gets all red too from snuggles. :rudolph: It's worth it though.

[HamorHollow]

Try giving your hedgehog a bath and see if that helps. You could be allergic to something on his quills.

What type of bedding do you use? If it is pine or aspen, you may be having an allergic reaction to that. Since the point of the quill will actually push a little bedding dust through the first layer or so of your skin, you may be reacting to it even though you can touch it without any problems.

Minor skin reactions aren't uncommon. Be sure to wash your hands right after you play with your hedgehog. Washing them before you play is a good idea too.

[tijya]

My skin doesn't get too irritated by it, but I do get a bit itchy. Because of this, I always wash my hands ASAP.

[hemi_mygirl]

I find that I don't get itchy from Hemi, but whenever I go play with petstore hedgehogs (I'm trying to satisfy my want for another one by borrowing from a petstore), I get little red dots on my hands that itch for about half an hour. I really think it's from the hedgehog's saliva, when they annoint. I figure, maybe each hedgehog has a slightly different chemical makeup in their saliva, just like humans. It's funny though, there's one petstore baby that I never get a reaction to, and I absolutely love her...she's so sweet.

It must be a sign that she should come home with me. LOL.

[razzle]

I find that I don't get itchy from Hemi, but whenever I go play with petstore hedgehogs (I'm trying to satisfy my want for another one by borrowing from a petstore), I get little red dots on my hands that itch for about half an hour. I really think it's from the hedgehog's saliva, when they annoint. I figure, maybe each hedgehog has a slightly different chemical makeup in their saliva, just like humans. It's funny though, there's one petstore baby that I never get a reaction to, and I absolutely love her...she's so sweet.

It must be a sign that she should come home with me. LOL.


Yup...definitely a sign! ;)

[firefly]

Try giving your hedgehog a bath and see if that helps. You could be allergic to something on his quills.

What type of bedding do you use? If it is pine or aspen, you may be having an allergic reaction to that. Since the point of the quill will actually push a little bedding dust through the first layer or so of your skin, you may be reacting to it even though you can touch it without any problems.

Minor skin reactions aren't uncommon. Be sure to wash your hands right after you play with your hedgehog. Washing them before you play is a good idea too.I use a liner, so no problem there. I always wash my hands after playing with her, but don't do it before. She smells the soap on my hands and bites.