Allergy sufferers usually have a pretty close relationship with their allergists if they have severe allergies. Tests, shots, and treatment plans are just another day in the life of severe allergy sufferers, but did you know that a dermatologist is an integral part of certain allergy treatment regimens?

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is when your skin becomes irritated or inflamed after coming into contact with something that creates irritation. This can be in the form of a rash, itching, bleeding and cracked skin. Common allergy irritants include:

• Poison ivy
• Makeup
• Jewelry
• Latex

It’s usually pretty easy to figure out what’s causing contact dermatitis, but there are certainly cases where it’s difficult to pinpoint what’s causing it. If you’re getting rashes but you don’t know what’s causing it, and the rash lingers for several weeks, you should consult with the experts at Rao Dermatology. It’s always possible it’s more than an allergy, and you’ve developed some sort of bacterial or fungal infection.

Skin Tests

Dermatologists are more than capable of performing skin tests to pinpoint what’s triggering or causing your allergy symptoms. Our dermatologist works closely with you to discuss what kinds of materials/substances you come into contact with on a regular basis. This helps narrow down possible allergens and makes testing more accurate. If you’re experiencing contact dermatitis, it can be diagnosed by our dermatologist based on how the rash is distributed. If a physical exam and/or history don’t provide any answers, our doctor will probably order a patch test.

Patch tests are the ideal way to diagnose contact allergies, and they provide better answers than injections or scratch testing because they show what specific allergens you’re allergic to. The medical professional applies potential allergens to your skin via tape strips that stay on for two days. You’re considered positive for the allergen if there’s a small red spot where the patch was. Patch tests are ideal for diagnosing allergies like nickel, dyes, medications, fragrances, plants, rubber and preservatives.

Learn More Today

Severe and chronic allergies often require the consultation of a dermatologist. Allergies don’t always show up as a runny nose, red eyes or an itchy throat. They can absolutely present themselves as skin conditions that may impact your quality of life. If you are having difficulty treating or recognizing the cause of your skin-related symptoms, visit Rao Dermatology. We have offices conveniently located in Manhattan, Atlantic Highlands, Fresno, and Hanford. Contact us today to schedule your appointment to learn more about your allergies.