Itching, redness or hives often sends people searching for a new cream or a different skincare product. However, treating a skin allergy before understanding what’s going on could do more harm than good. An allergy specialist can identify the true trigger behind your symptoms, and help manage the allergy long-term. Let’s look more closely at just how Atlanta allergists support patients with skin allergies.
What an Allergy Specialist Can Do for Your Skin Allergy
Managing a skin allergy effectively involves treating the reaction and preventing it from coming back. This starts with determining the trigger before developing a treatment plan.
Identify What Is Causing Your Skin Reaction
Common skin reactions (such as hives, itching, swelling, redness and rashes) can have many possible causes. The following substances represent the most likely triggers that are causing a reaction.
- Contact Allergens – metals, fragrances and skincare products.
- Irritants – soaps, detergents and certain fabrics.
- Environmental Allergens – pollen, pet dander and dust mites.
- Food Allergens – nuts, shellfish, eggs and dairy.
- Medications – antibiotics and certain topical treatments.
To add to the difficulty of finding the trigger, reactions may be delayed by 24 to 48 hours, so it can be hard to pinpoint the cause yourself. An allergy specialist will review your medical history, symptoms, medications and substance exposure to narrow down the cause.
Provide Testing for Skin Allergy Triggers
If you haven’t yet received a skin allergy diagnosis, you should see an allergist for skin allergy symptoms. Allergists test for skin allergies to see how the body reacts to a suspected allergen, then reviews test results in conjunction with examining the patient’s history and symptoms. Patch testing is a common skin allergy test involving a series of substances taped to a patient’s back for around 48 hours. The appearance of a skin reaction to the substance likely indicates an allergy.
Create a Skin Allergy Management Plan
Some patients will have already tried simple allergy management techniques, but failed to receive the results they expect. Your allergy specialist can recommend a better approach based on your diagnosis. This could involve avoiding certain substances, using medication, or changing health and beauty products. The plan can also be adjusted occasionally if a specialist has found your skin sensitivity has changed.
Treat Skin Allergy Symptoms and Prevent Future Reactions
Skin allergy specialists consider the type and severity of the reaction before recommending the best allergy treatment. For some patients, antihistamines are needed for itching and hives, while others may need topical medication for inflamed skin. Severe reactions might require prescribed medication for long-term prevention. Specialists can also help patients recognize the warning signs of a reaction, so that they can react quickly and address such symptoms as soon as they appear.
Speak With an Atlanta Allergy Specialist About Skin Allergies
If you or your child are struggling with skin allergies, visit Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center for expert help. Our allergy specialists provide testing and treatment services at locations across the Atlanta area. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment.
