The best way of treating allergy is to avoid exposure to the substance in question; for example, drug allergy is best treated by using an alternative drug if one is available. In some cases an individual can be desensitised by starting on very low doses of the drug, then gradually increasing them until the normal doses are reached.

Severe allergic symptoms may need to be treated specifically; for example, asthma attacks can be treated with drugs such as salbutamol which helps to clear the airways.

Anti-histamines and steroids are usually effective in curbing allergy. Steroids tend not to be used much in HIV infection because they suppress the immune system, possibly increasing the risk of infections.