Allergic to deer???
 

Alright, I know it sounds stupid (although it makes sense because people are allergic to all sorts of animals), but I think I am allergic to deer. I do not know anyone else that is affected this way. Any time I gut a deer or skin out a deer, I am affected. The worst was probably the second time it happened. My arms broke out in all these huge bumps and one of my eyes swoll shut. Normally it is not that bad. Partly because I am aware of it and I wash my hands as soon as I am done handling a deer and I make sure not to rub my eyes or face. Usually my arms just break out in bumps and it goes away after several hours. Sometimes washing doesn't seem to make a difference. What gives? I don't tell people about it until they see it because it doesn't appear to be common. I think it is something in their coat. This past season a buddy of mine was with me when I weas gutting out my deer. He saw it firsthand. He knew about this site and said I should see if anyone else has this problem. It sucks because it makes helping people with their deer something I don't want to do unless I have the rest of the day to recover. The only other thing I can guess is an allergy to something they are in contact with in the wild. I know it sounds far-fetched, but I know of no other explanation.

1: Does anyone else have this problem?
2: What can be done about it? Medicine?

RE: Allergic to deer???
 

Most likely, it's a reaction to the dander in the hair. Try benedryl, it should help.

RE: Allergic to deer???
 

Probably is the dander. Use a dusk mask, latex gloves and benadryl. I always use latex gloves to gut, just to avoid the mess.

RE: Allergic to deer???
 

hey, that happens to my mom,and my brother just starts sneezing, but that might be because hes allergic to cats.

RE: Allergic to deer???
 

You are definantly having an allergic reaction. Talk to your doctor because allergic reactions can cause death. I am allergic to bee stings and get alot of the problems you are describing. It gets worse in each case. Your doc can give you a kit that can save your life if he thinks it is necessary. At least you will have the peice of mind of knowing after you talk with the doc.

RE: Allergic to deer???
 

Take benadryl, wear a dust mask. wear latex gloves, wear a long sleeve shirt that you plan on ruining. I dont know if this works but try hosing the entire deer down with a water hose first.

RE: Allergic to deer???
 

If your eyes are swelling then you are having a pretty good allergic reaction. It could get progressively worse as MOTOWNHONKEY wrote.
I'd play it safe and talk to an ENT doc about it.

I get the little bumps on my forearms when gutting deer, but not when skinning or processing the meat.

Now when I skin raccoons, I sneeze and wheeze and am generally miserable. (after a couple hundred raccoons, you'd think I learn.....) ;)

RE: Allergic to deer???
 

Friend of mine can field dress with gloves and generally handle a deer. But if he takes even a little bite, he has a severe reaction. Only person I know like this.

Steve

RE: Allergic to deer???
 

I'm sure this is like any other dog/cat allergy. You should see a doctor they can probably give you something to clear things up when you have to handle a deer.

I carry benedryl, eye drops and latex gloves in my fanny pack. For the most part I only get minor symptoms, but some deer have made me rather itchy, while others don't affect me at all. The worst time was when i was at the zoo and they had a whitetail petting zoo.....wow, it was bad, both eyes swelled shut, and I broke out in hives pretty bad.

RE: Allergic to deer???
 

I actually have the same reaction you have when I gut a deer.

My eyes start swelling and I break out in hives.

Now I always wear latex gloves and a long sleeve shirt when I gut one. I have learned over the years how to gut one without getting bloody so my shirt isn't ruined.

When I am finished, I take the gloves off and I wash my hands and face with soap and water. If I start to feel itchy I take a benadryl.

RE: Allergic to deer???
 

my cousin is the same way. he wears regular latex gloves, and then elbow length ones. he has the biggets problem taking the hide off. he's just allergic to the hair though.

wearing gloves to avoid the mess woody7?

sissy

slayer

RE: Allergic to deer???
 

My dad is also the same way. He just Sneezes uncontrollably and his eyes swell. He usually Takes Advil Cold and Sinus or Alieve COld and Sinus before hand, and its not nearly as bad. He's also allergic to cats and long haired dogs...

RE: Allergic to deer???
 

I have the same problem with dogs. It really used to stink, since I love dogs. However, my doctor prescribed me zyrtec, an anti allergy medicine. I used to break out in rashes, sneeze, eyes water, I looked like I just snorted battery acid. The zyrtec suppresses it all. I can pet my shepard all day long and not get the least bit itchy or rashy. Hope this helps.

RE: Allergic to deer???
 

That happends to me too but it seem's like when i eat the meet i'm fine

RE: Allergic to deer???
 

Me, too. I occasionally get a reaction to the hair when I'm gutting and skinning, but eating the meat is no problem! My stepdad has the same deal, only worse, but he can still eat about 12 pounds of deer steak in a meal.

RE: Allergic to deer???
 

If you are allergy prone, you should not use latex gloves, you can develop an allergy to latex from continued contact. Use the "latex free" Nitril gloves. They work just as well....

RE: Allergic to deer???
 

I ain't no sissy deer slayer. But then again a nice gallon jug of water or some baby wipes (they call them HOO-AHHS and yes them suckers come in a resealable camo pack) makes clean up easier. I wouldn't wanna get blood stains on my new ostrich skin cowboy boots LOL!!!!

RE: Allergic to deer???
 

I am also allergic to deer fur, however my reaction isn't as bad. I'm a pharmacist and I use a prescription allergy medication (ie. Allegra, Zyrtec etc). I take it every morning before going out into the field, it'll prevent the allergic reaction from happening if you come into contact w/ deer fur throughout the day. Benadryl also works well, one drawback though, it makes most people drowsy . . . not much fun when you need to be wide awake. Hope the advice helps.