I don't know where to post this, and it's not exactly a rant either, just something that slightly bothers me that I want to get off my chest.

So for the past year, my skin (face and otherwise like arms, legs) has been breaking out in hives, very itchy and slightly burning when my old sweet kitty rubs me. It looks like this though a lot worse (and redder) when you see me in real life:
https://imgur.com/a/3cfmral

I've had her for 3 years, and the problem has only started in the last year since I stayed home with her during COVID. I'm not exactly sure what specifically from her either, as I don't think I have allergies against cats. I have met/petted/rubbed a lot of cats and never got this kind of problem. In fact, I also have another cat in my house who licks and rubs me (aggressively on my face even) which (besides her scratchy tongue) doesn't break me out in any way.

I'm starting to think it might have something to do with the old kitty's mucus or eye fluid, I can't confirm but I don't have any reactions if I rubs against her fur. It's only her face when she rubs me that causes this reaction.

I've tried taking Antihistamine to no help. My Doctor doesn't think it's worth it to do allergy test (specifically against cats) since I don't have any allergies to other cats.
These usually go away in a day or so, so it's not the worst thing, but sometimes it makes me feel conscious when my sweet old lady rubs up against my face. She's ultra affectionate, and the first thing she wants to do every morning is rubs against my face which obviously results in my flare-up throughout the day. It also doesn't help that she wants to do that whenever she can, but I kinda avoid that....

I feel a bit selfish but I combat this by directing her to rub my arms and legs, which makes them breakout as well, but I can tolerate it since it's not as obvious, and my skin on my face is a lot more sensitive. I feel bad though, as I do have another kitty who I cuddle and frequently rubs and licks my face, and I let her while I don't really let the other kitty do that :(

I don't know what I'm going for here, I guess I'm just a bit sad that something with my old cat makes my skin breaks out, and I'm conscious when these hives are on my face. I don't know how to prevent that beside not letting her rubs her head on my face. But I also kind of don't want to stop, she's 13 years old and I love her very much... But it literally makes my skin crawl every time she rubs her head against me.

Any thoughts/suggestions on how to tackle this, or just share in some stories (if you experience something similar) would be appreciated.