Are you experiencing symptoms of dermatitis, or eczema? About 17 million American adults and approximately 10 million American children struggle with the itch and other discomforts of this skin allergy condition. Are you ready to be tested for skin allergies so you know how to treat them? In this blog, we will explore symptoms and triggers of skin allergies. We also will outline what to know about testing with your allergist in Georgetown, TX.
What Causes Skin Allergies?
Dermatitis, or eczema, results from contact with ordinary substances in the immediate environment—outdoors, at home, and other places. As with respiratory allergies, a person’s own immune system overreacts to these substances, causing iconic skin allergy symptoms.
Studies show that genetics factor into the development of all types of allergies, including eczema. So, if someone in your immediate family has allergies or asthma, you are likely predisposed to also develop them.
Skin allergy triggers can include contact with:
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Mold
- Fabrics
- Food
- Cosmetics
- Cleaning and hygiene products
- Fragrances
Additionally, excessive sweating, temperature extremes and even stress can trigger flare-ups of skin allergy symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Skin Allergies?
If you have atopic dermatitis, you know your allergic symptoms only too well. They can include:
- Skin redness
- Rough, scaly skin patches
- Raised hives
- Itching
- Changes in skin texture and color
- Crusts and oozing blisters
Most people with skin allergies—both adults and children—report that this chronic dermatologic condition impacts their quality of life. They itch frequently, experience sleep disturbances, and may even become anxious, depressed, and feel socially isolated. These psychological effects often stem from how these patients feel physically and perceive how they look to others.
What Does Testing for Skin Allergies Involve?
If you have persistent skin allergy symptoms which impact your quality of life, you should visit your allergist for testing. They will discuss your symptoms with you and perform a skin inspect.
Likely, your allergy doctor will perform an in-office assessment called a skin prick test. This test introduces minute amounts of a probable allergen under the skin of the forearm. Positive reactions—usually red, raised bumps—identify the specific substances which trigger your skin allergy symptoms.
In addition to skin prick tests, your allergist may recommend an oral food challenge or patch testing. An oral food challenge involves ingesting small amounts of a suspected food allergen under careful medical supervision. Patch testing, on the other hand, applies potential allergens onto the skin with adhesive patches. Your allergist will also monitor you for positive skin reactions to the foods or to the substances on the patches.
What Does Skin Allergy Treatment Involve?
If you are diagnosed with skin allergies, your doctor will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. This will include limiting your exposure to the environmental irritants which the results of your in-office tests revealed.
Tracking of Your Symptoms
Additionally, your allergy specialist may advise you to keep a diary of your symptoms and potential triggers. This detailed record can help identify patterns and specific allergens which may be causing your reactions.
Over-the-Counter or Prescription Medication
Your allergy doctor also may recommend using over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines, corticosteroids, or immunomodulators to manage your symptoms. Simple interventions like wearing loose fitting clothing, staying cool, and taking warm (not hot) baths or showers, help manage skin allergies.
Immunotherapy
In some cases, avoidance and medication may not be enough to control skin allergies. In these situations, the allergy doctor may recommend immunotherapy, or allergy shots.
Immunotherapy involves regular injections of small amounts of your allergens. Over time, you will build up tolerance to these substances. The frequency and severity of your skin allergic reactions should decrease.
Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms during treatment. Continue to be aware of your triggers and avoid them as much as possible.
See Your Experienced Allergist in Georgetown, TX
At Georgetown ENT, Dr. Scott William Franklin provides state of the art skin allergy assessments and treatments for both children and adults. You can trust his experience and expertise in finding what triggers your skin allergies and how best to control them.
To learn more, please call our office for a friendly and informative consultation with this board- certified specialist at (512) 869-0604. You may also request your visit here.
Let us help you get those skin allergies under control. You can look and feel like yourself again with the right evaluation and treatment plan.
