Skin Allergy Doctor in New Orleans

A skin allergy is an immune system reaction to an allergen or irritant that causes scaly, itchy skin, bumps, redness blisters, welts, or skin rashes. Skin allergies can flare up when an irritant makes direct contact with the skin, or when you eat certain foods that you’re allergic to. Skin allergy rashes are not contagious. Asthma related skin rashes are also common.

Hives – also called urticaria – appear as itchy, red and white raised bumps or welts that range in size and can appear anywhere on the body. Hives occur when your immune system triggers the release of histamine in response to eating a certain food or coming into contact with something that you are allergic to. In excess, histamine causes small blood vessels in your skin to leak, causing swelling near the surface of your skin. Swelling in deeper layers of the skin is called angioedema, and usually appears on the face, around the eyes, cheeks, or lips. Some of the more common skin allergy triggers for hives are: exercise, sweat, hormones, stress, illness, scratching, cold, sunlight, pressure, or vibrations. Skin allergy triggers vary from person to person.

The term chronic urticaria is used to describe hives that last longer than 6 weeks. Hives that last longer than 6 weeks generally have a different underlying cause than acute hives, and usually are not caused by allergies.

Angioedema is swelling below the surface of the skin and fatty tissue, usually occurring in the face, throat, hands, feet, abdomen, or other areas of the body. Angioedema swelling may be painful. Angioedema is often associated with hives, but it can occur with and without hives.

Allergic contact dermatitis can occur when your skin comes in direct contact with something that you are allergic to, like certain jewelry, fragrances, or plants. In response, the skin becomes red, bumpy, scaly, itchy, or swollen at the point of contact.

Patch testing is a form of skin allergy testing that is used to identify causes of allergic contact dermatitis. Very small chambers containing different potential allergens are taped to a patient’s back for several days to see what skin reactions occur. Chambers may contain a variety of substances, including metals, rubbers, fragrances, preservatives, and sometimes medications. Localized patches of inflammation appear within 2 to 4 days, or even up to a week, if a skin allergy is present. Patch testing is primarily used to look for delayed skin reactions, and to determine if a person’s skin allergy symptoms are due to contact with something in their home or work environment.

There are steps you can take to minimize exposure to allergens, effectively manage skin reactions if they occur, and prevent skin reactions altogether. Be sure to discuss any medications with your skin allergy doctor prior to using them.

Avoid Allergy Triggers

A formal diagnosis can help you find out if certain allergens or foods are causing skin reactions. In general, individuals with skin allergies should avoid using soap products that contain laureth sulfate. An allergist can inform you of common skin allergy triggers and help you determine other triggers specific to your case that should be avoided.

For most skin allergies, itching makes the rash worse. This is especially true in the case of eczema. Cotton undergarments and body suits can help protect the skin from irritants and stop you from scratching.

Dilute bleach baths once or twice a week may help improve eczema rash and decrease the need for antibiotics. Be careful not to use too much bleach; the recommended beach bath consists of one quarter to one half cup of bleach mixed with 40 gallons of water.

Dupilumab is an injectable biologic therapy that is used to treat adults and children age 12 and older with moderate-to-severe eczema that is otherwise difficult to control. Dupilumab may also be an option if you cannot use topical therapies.

Oozing, crusting, and painful skin are usually signs of an eczema infection. If your skin allergy doctor determines that a bacterial infection is causing your eczema flare up, antibiotics can help.

Certain blood pressure medications, such as ACE inhibitors, can cause angioedema. Switching to another blood pressure medication may help relieve swelling..