Dr. Songhui Ma of Empire Allergy serving greater New York City specializes in skin allergies. Skin allergies come in many different forms. They are almost always itchy. The most common rashes are eczema, hives and contact dermatitis.
Eczema, atopic dermatitis
Eczema also called atopic dermatitis is most commonly found in infants and young children where it can be caused by a food allergy. Older children and adults who have eczema often have seasonal or indoor allergies. Stress and strong emotions can make it worse.
Eczema is very itchy and looks like dry, red, scaly patches. The more you scratch, the worse it gets and people can scratch until they bleed. If eczema gets infected, it can blister and ooze.
The most important thing to do if you have eczema is to get a good moisturizer and use it every day. Bathe only with a mild soap and limit contact with things that can irritate your skin such as detergents and household cleaners. Wool clothing can also be very irritating.
Hives, urticaria
Hives also called urticaria are caused by many things. They are common during allergic reactions. They can be brought on by heat, exercise, cold or pressure. Some people seem to develop an allergy to themselves. In rare cases, the hives are associated with a more serious underlying medical problem. Like eczema, stress and strong emotions can make it worse.
Hives look like raised red bumps of differing sizes and shapes. Each individual bump typically goes away within a few hours but the bumps can continue to come and go for long periods of time.
Some people who get hives also get swelling of the lips, eyes, hands and feet. The swelling is called angioedema. Angioedema is not itchy. Rather, it typically causes a burning, stinging feeling. If it is severe and causes swelling of the tongue or the throat it can be very dangerous.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction to something that touches your skin. Common causes are chemicals found in cosmetics and other skin care products, metals and dental materials. A well known example is the itchy rash that happens after brushing up against poison ivy.
Contact dermatitis often looks like eczema but the rash generally happens only in the areas of the skin that come into contact with the offending chemical. So reactions to cosmetics occur on the face, to metals occur around metal snaps on clothing or jewelry and to dental materials occur in the mouth. This reaction can occur many days after actually touching the chemical.
When to see Dr. Ma and Empire Allergy?
If you have one of these rashes, you should see Dr. Ma at Empire Allergy. You can find out exactly what is causing it and what to avoid to prevent it from happening again. You can also find out how to treat it and get better as soon as possible.
