Skin Allergy Treatment – Maryland & Virginia
Allergic reactions and immune responses can affect many parts of the body, including the skin. That’s why our immunology specialists have the training to provide diagnosis and treatment for skin conditions, including angioedema, hives and eczema.
Whether you’re having an allergic reaction or you’ve already been diagnosed with ongoing dermatitis, our specially-trained allergy team can help you manage your symptoms and flare-ups.
If you’re ready to find relief for your skin, schedule an appointment with us today.
FAQs on Angioedema
What is angioedema?
Angioedema is a swelling that starts beneath the skin, much like hives. In fact, angioedema sometimes occurs alongside hives. However, the difference lies in the fact that angioedema affects the deeper layers of the skin. It most often shows up on the face and around the lips, and can be identified by the following symptoms:
- Rapidly-forming welts
- Swelling and redness around the eyes, cheeks, lips
- Pain or warmth in the affected areas
Angioedema is common and usually clears up within a day; however, if your symptoms continue for a few days, schedule an appointment with your doctor immediately as it can become dangerous.
What causes angioedema?
In some cases, angioedema can be present from birth. However, the majority of angioedema cases are an allergic response to an environmental trigger, such as a food, medication, pollen, animal dander, or insect bite. Here are some of the most common triggers we see at Premier Allergist:
- Allergic reaction (food, drug, environmental)
- Latex
- Penicillin, aspirin, and ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors
- Pregnancy
- Certain birth control pills
- Infection
- Hereditary (C1 inhibitor protein)
What is the treatment for angioedema?
Angioedema treatment will depend on its cause. However, most of the time it is treated with antihistamine medication. It can also be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, immune-suppressing drugs, and injections of epinephrine. Your allergy specialist will work with you to develop the treatment plan that’s right for your needs.
FAQs on Eczema
What is eczema?
Eczema is the common term for atopic dermatitis, a very common skin condition causing patches of skin to become itchy, red, cracked, blistered, or inflamed. Eczema is not contagious, and is thought to be hereditary.
What are the most common symptoms of eczema?
Eczema symptoms vary depending on age. Here are the most common signs and symptoms of eczema for babies, toddlers, and adults:
- Infants (under 2 years)will often display a scalp and cheek rash and rashes that leak fluid. They may frequently scratch and rub the rash, which can lead to skin infections.
- Children and teenagers tend to show rashes that are bumpy and knotty, and may suffer from itching that does not subside. Rashes may also appear in the creases of elbows, knees, buttocks and legs, as well as the wrists, ankles or the neck.
- Adults with eczema will usually show scaly, widespread rashes in the creases of the elbows and knees, as well as on the nape of the neck, face and around the eyes. Their skin may also be generally dry.
What is the best treatment for eczema?
While there is no cure for eczema, our team can create a personalized treatment plan that will heal your skin and minimize flare-ups. Medications to treat eczema include antihistamines, topical corticosteroid creams and systemic corticosteroids (injected or taken orally). If you or your child’s eczema leads to a skin infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antiviral and antifungal medications.
