Skin Allergy
This page covers skin allergy and allergic dermatitis — Asthma & Allergy Care, P.C. treats both adults and children across our New Jersey offices.
What Skin Allergy Is
A skin allergy is an allergic reaction that shows itself on the skin. It often appears as a rash, welts or persistent itching, and it can happen in response to something you touched, ate, or were otherwise exposed to.
Skin allergy can look different from person to person, and it can come and go over time. Because the skin often reflects what is happening elsewhere in the body, any persistent or recurring reaction is worth having evaluated.
Asthma & Allergy Care, P.C. evaluates and treats skin allergy and allergic dermatitis in adults and children across our New Jersey offices.
Symptoms to Watch For
These are common signs of skin allergy. If you notice any of these, it's worth having them evaluated.
A red or raised rash
Raised welts or hives
Itching, sometimes intense
Dry, scaly or cracked patches
A rash that appears after contact with a particular substance
Skin that flares and settles repeatedly
How We Evaluate It
Evaluating a skin allergy starts with understanding you as an individual. We use these methods:
A Full History
We start by talking with you about your symptoms, when they appear, and anything you may have been exposed to.
A Physical Examination
A hands-on exam of the affected skin helps us understand your symptoms and rule out other causes.
Allergy Skin Testing, Where Relevant
If an allergy may be involved, we may recommend allergy skin testing to identify triggers.
Blood Testing, Where Appropriate
In some cases, blood testing can help us understand what may be contributing to your symptoms.
Patch Testing, Where a Contact Allergy Is Suspected
When a substance touching your skin may be the cause, patch testing can help identify it.
How We Treat It
Our approach to treating skin allergy includes:
Managing Medication
We help you manage medication to reduce your symptoms and keep flares under control.
Identifying and Avoiding Triggers
We work with you to identify the substance or substances involved and how to avoid them.
Allergy Shots, Where Appropriate
When appropriate, allergy shots, given as injections, may be part of your treatment plan.
An Individual Treatment Plan
We build a treatment plan specific to you and review it with you over time.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
A little preparation makes your first visit go smoothly.
Plan for a Longer Visit
Your first appointment takes longer than a routine visit, so we can take a full history and get to know you.
Bring Your Insurance Card
Please bring your insurance card, along with any referral your plan requires.
Bring a Medication List
A list of the medications you currently take helps us understand your full picture.
Complete Forms in Advance
You can save time by completing your forms in advance from our Patient Forms page. Visit Patient Forms