Skin Allergy

Irritated itchy skin is very common and can be caused by a variety of factors which are difficult to pinpoint. When an allergen is responsible for triggering the skin reaction, then it is an allergic skin condition. The most common allergic skin conditions include Eczema/Atopic Dermatitis, Hives/Uritcaria and Contact Dermatitis.

Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis is the most common skin condition, affecting 10-20% of children and 3% of adults. It is sometimes described as an “itch which rashes.” It is now thought to be due a skin barrier problem causing skin to dry out and become prone to irritation and inflammation by many environmental factors. Also, some people with eczema have a food sensitivity which can make eczema symptoms worse.

Eczema is often linked with asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever) or food allergy. This order of progression is called the atopic march.

People with eczema, especially children, are sometimes ignored or singled out by others who believe the rash is contagious.

How can I Diagnosis Eczema?

For difficult to treat skin problems including eczema, it is important to see an allergist / immunologist for diagnosis and management. Additional input from a dietician and dermatologist may be needed as well.

Our expert team at Breathe Easy Allergy and Asthma will complete a thorough history and Physical Exam to help identify potential food, aeroallergen and chemical/irritant triggers. Skin prick testing and/or Immunocap blood testing may be completed to identify the culprit allergens.

How can I treat Eczema?

Treatment is usually customized to each individual patient and depends on regular use of moisturizer and topical medicines to dampen down the inflammation. Our team will help develop comprehensive skin action plan to : Identify and avoid triggers

Suggest hypoallergenic free and clear products

Prescribe topical skin medications (ex topical steroids or nonsteroidal formulations: antibacterial, antifungals, or calcineurin inhibitiors)

Prescribe antihistamines to decrease itching

Assess the need for short bursts oral steroids or antibiotics

Start intensive emollient applications or “wet wraps”

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is caused when the skin touches either an allergen or something that irritates it, causing symptoms such as a rash, blisters, itching and burning. Most cases of contact dermatitis are not caused by an allergen but by something that irritates the skin such as chemicals, metals, and some plants.

What causes contact dermatitis?

Irritants and allergens that can cause contact dermatitis include:

Cosmetics, nail care products
Dyes and hair coloring
Fragrances and perfumes added to products, such as soaps, fabric softeners, deodorants, body creams, cosmetics, tissues and toilet paper
Latex, which is used in things such as plastic gloves, waistbands, bras, condoms, toys and balloons
Medicines
Metals
Soaps and cleaning products
Poison ivy and other plants

What are the signs and symptoms of contact dermatitis?

Symptoms can range from mild to severe on the area of skin that touched the irritant or allergen. These may include:

Redness and swelling
Itching
Itchy bumps or blisters that may ooze fluid
Rash
Warm or hot to the touch
Cracking or peeling of the skin

How can I diagnose and treat contact dermatitis?

The team at Breathe Easy Allergy and Asthma will review your medical history, perform a History and Physical and perform diagnostic testing which may include Laboratory testing, skin prick testing, or patch testing.

Depending on your sensitivities, we will help you avoid these triggers and identify cosmetics and common household items which may contain these irritants. Common treatments also include topical steroids, oral antihistamines and oral steroid courses.