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Live Comfortably with Skin Allergies
Skin Allergy Doctor in New Orleans
Doctor Reena Mehta is a board-certified skin allergy specialist in New Orleans that can help you and your children live comfortably with skin allergies.
“Dr. Mehta is a knowledgeable and caring doctor that diagnosed my daughter with different allergies when no other doctor could determine what was going on with her…She is a great doctor and I would highly recommend her if you have asthma and allergies or suspect you might be allergic to something because Doctor Mehta will not stop until she gets an answer to your concerns.“
– Gail R, 16-year old daughter Chanel
Overview
Diagnosis
Management
Eczema Treatment
Hives Treatment
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.
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Eczema – also called atopic dermatitis – is a condition that makes your skin red, itchy, and scaly. It is the most common skin condition, especially among children. In infants, eczema rash often appears on the face, whereas children typically have the rash at the bends of the elbow joints, wrists, behind the knees, and behind the ears. Adolescents and young adults typically have the rash in the same locations as children, as well as on the hands and the feet. When infected, eczema rash leaks fluid that crusts over when scratched.
Hives (Urticaria)
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.
Chronic Urticaria
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
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
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.
An allergist / immunologist is best equipped to diagnose allergic skin reactions. Dr. Mehta can help you identify what you’re allergic to so you can learn how to live comfortably with your skin allergies.
Allergy Testing
Following a detailed medical history, your skin allergy doctor will typically order skin tests and blood tests to help determine what is causing your allergic reactions. Skin allergies are often linked to asthma, nasal allergies, or food allergies, so additional testing for these conditions may be required to pinpoint your skin allergy triggers.
Patch Testing
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.
Avoid Scratching
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.
Moisturizers & Topical Ointments
In some cases, eczema can be suppressed with regular use of moisturizer and topical medicines, such as topical steroids, calcineurin inhibitors, or phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor.
Wet Wrap Therapy
Wet wrap therapy is individualized and should be performed under the guidance of your allergist. In wet wrap therapy, the skin is soaked in warm water for about 15 to 20 minutes and then patted dry. Topical medications (prescribed by your allergist) are then placed on the skin rash, followed by a wet (but not dripping) dressing being applied on top of the rash areas. This wet wrap is then followed by a dry wrap material, such as elastic bandage, pajamas, sock, or warm blanket. Wraps are typically used for 2 to 6 hours.
Bleach Baths
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.
Biologic Therapy
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.
Antibiotics
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.
Oral Antihistamines
Oral antihistamines can usually control the itch and prevent recurrence of hives. Sometimes hives symptoms are not controlled by the standard dose, in which case your allergist may prescribe a stronger dose for better symptom control. In some cases, antihistamines may be ineffective at controlling your skin rash or leave bruises. If you’re experiencing this, be sure to check in with your allergist so they can evaluate you for alternative treatment options.
Biologic Therapy
Omalizumab is an injectable biologic therapy that may be helpful in individuals with chronic hives that are resistant to antihistamine treatment.
Switching Blood Pressure Medications
Certain blood pressure medications, such as ACE inhibitors, can cause angioedema. Switching to another blood pressure medication may help relieve swelling..
See a Skin Allergy Specialist in New Orleans
If skin allergies are complicating your life, it might be time to see a skin allergy specialist. Dr. Mehta has a reputation for developing strong relationships with her patients and being exceptionally attentive to their needs and concerns.
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