Monthly Archives: March 2021

What Kind of Doctor Treats Skin Allergies?

Skin allergies can be annoying. You have a constant red, itchy rash somewhere on your body, and you probably don’t know why or what triggers it.

People who are susceptible to allergic reactions are most often unaware that something close to them is the problem’s source. It becomes even more mysterious if this is your first time experiencing an allergic reaction.

Therefore, it is crucial to have a qualified physician to help you figure out what the trigger is and how to treat it. But you might be wondering, what kind of a doctor treats skin allergies?

Should I book an appointment with my family doctor, an allergist, or a dermatologist? Just like you, many skin allergy patients do not know who they should consult.

Skin allergy is exaggerated skin sensitivity. It happens due to the reaction of your immune system to something that is generally considered harmless. Doctors call it an allergic reaction, and it can cause bumps, redness, swelling, heaves, rash, itchiness, etc.

This article will help you figure out which specialist to call for your skin allergic reaction.

Difference between a dermatologist and an allergist

Different people have different skin allergy triggers. For example, you might get an itchy rash if you eat certain foods, touch your pet or come into contact with a pollutant. But who do you visit to get treatment? A dermatologist or an allergist?

A dermatologist specializes in diagnosing and treating general skin issues. These include nails, hair, and mucous membranes. They treat the entire spectrum of skin diseases, including diseases as simple as psoriasis and the more complicated ones like skin cancer.

On the other hand, An allergist is a physician specializing in treating allergic reaction or immunological responses that occurs suddenly or occasionally.

They identify the allergy through the use of hypersensitivity tests or sometimes skin pricks. Once they have identified the allergy and the trigger, an allergist will develop an individualized treatment plan to treat the patient.

Types of allergic skin conditions

Below are some of the most common reactions that might need you to book an appointment with a specialist immediately.

Allergic contact dermatitis

This is when your skin immediately reacts when it comes to contact with something that others consider harmless. For example, some people are allergic to lilies and get swelling or severe itchy rash when they touch them. This condition is well manageable, as you can avoid the triggers if you are aware of them.

Atopic dermatitis or eczema

This condition is more prevalent in children than adults. It makes the skin quickly dry, irritable, and itchy. Skin specialists associate Eczema with many triggers, it can be hereditary (Inherited from family), or it can be due to external factors such as food allergies, seasonal allergies, soaps, etc.

Urticaria

Urticaria (or chronic hives) is an allergic reaction that leads to red itchy welts on the skin. These can be very uncomfortable and can interfere with your daily life. It is mainly caused by the consumption of foods that you are allergic to. The body automatically releases the histamine in response to the allergen after you eat these foods.

When should I see an allergist?

Sometimes, the skin rash or heaves might look normal, and you might even be tempted to treat it with over-the-counter drugs. But it is never that simple. Sometimes a simple rash can signal something more severe, and it is always advisable to consult a physician.

Book an appointment with an allergist immediately if you experience any of the following;

A sudden rash on your body.
Batches of red or itchy skin patches appearing anywhere on the body
If your skin becomes too sensitive to heat, exercise, and water.
Itchy scalp
Painful swelling on any part of the body

Conclusion

So there you have it. Both a dermatologist and an allergy doctor Manassas VA can treat skin conditions, but an allergist is more suitable to treat skin allergies. It is therefore recommended that you visit an allergist if you suspect that you have an allergic reaction. But if you are not sure, call your family doctor and ask them to refer you to the right specialist for your skin condition.

What Are The 4 Types Of Allergic Reactions?

If you are searching for, what are the 4 types of allergic reactions? You must be suffering from allergies, and you have heard your allergy doctor talking about the classification of allergic reactions.

Allergy reactions are indeed classified into four types: Type I, II, III, and IV.

Type I, II, and III are characterized as immediate allergic reactions as they happen within 24 hours of exposure to the allergen, while type IV reactions happen after 24 hours of exposure. Due to this, they are referred to delayed allergic reactions.

You are here because you want to learn more about the reactions, right? So let us dig deeper into them:

Type I reactions

They are also known as anaphylactic reactions, and they are mediated by proteins known as IgE antibodies produced in response to allergens such as dust mites, animal dander, pollen, and certain foods. Due to this reaction, the body releases histamine and other chemicals that cause inflammation and swelling.

Type I reactions include: food allergies, bronchial asthma, allergic conjunctivitis, anaphylaxis, and allergic rhinitis. Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of reaction, and when it happens, you should treat it as a medical emergency as it’s deadly. People with the condition experience extreme difficulty in breathing, low blood pressure, swelling, shock, and bluish skin.

Type II reaction

It’s also known as a Cytotoxic reaction, and it’s mediated by IgG and IgM antibodies. These antibodies damage the body cells by activating a complement system. Common type II reactions are common autoimmune neutropenia, immune thrombocytopenia, and autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

Type III reactions

They also come about due to IgM and IgG antibodies, and the antibodies react with the allergen to form immunocomplexes responsible for the reaction. You can see type III reactions in lupus, Arthus reaction, and serum sickness.

Type IV reactions

They also go by the name cell-mediated reactions, and they occur 24 hours of exposure to the allergen. The reactions take 48-72 hours or longer to appear after coming into contact with the allergen. These reactions are often common in long-term infectious diseases such as fungal infections and tuberculosis. They are also common in skin sensitivity reactions, such as metal reactions.

Where do the common allergies fall?

Most allergies fall under type I hypersensitivity, and this includes allergic rhinitis characterized by running nose, eyes, and sneezing.

Two common allergic rhinitis categories are seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) and perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR). SAR is associated with exposure to pollen at certain times of the year, while PAR occurs all around the year.

Allergic rhinitis is common and affects over 20 million people in the United States.

Other allergies that fall under type I reaction are food, dry, and insect allergy. Insects that can lead to allergies include: wasps, yellow jackets, ants, bees, and hornets.

The major allergens for the common allergies are animal dander, pollen, fungal spores, dust mites, and molds. The common symptoms for the condition include: shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and thick mucus secretions.

Is there a treatment for allergic reactions?

The best way to treat allergic reactions is to prevent them from occurring in the first place by avoiding the allergens, but if the reaction has already happened, try controlling it using medications. The cool thing is there are plenty of medications you can use. You only need to visit an allergy specialist doctor Manassas VA to prescribe the best one for your condition.

Some of the medications you can use include:

Antihistamines for seasonal and indoor allergies
Nasal corticosteroids for nasal allergies
Decongestants to reduce stuffiness
Mast cell stabilizers to help with itchy, watery eyes and runny nose
Oral corticosteroids to reduce swelling and stop severe allergic reactions
Epinephrine for life-threatening anaphylaxis

4 Questions about Allergies to Ask Your Allergy Doctor

If your doctor has just told you that you are suffering from an allergy, it’s common to have plenty of questions, and you have every right to ask them so you can understand your condition better.

The best person to ask questions about allergies is an allergist specialist and when asking the questions, ask those that will shed more light on your condition.

Wondering which are the best questions to ask? Here they are:

Can allergies be cured?

If you have lived your entire life without medical issues, then one day, an allergy doctor drops the bombshell that your body is reacting to allergens, the first thing you want to know is whether you can be cured of the condition.

The unfortunate thing is that you can’t cure allergies, but you can treat and control the symptoms. One of the most effective ways to control the symptoms is staying away from the allergy triggers. For example, if you are allergic to pollen, you should avoid going outside when the pollen count is high.

You can also control the symptoms by taking the necessary medication. You simply need to visit your local allergy doctor, and they will recommend the best drug for your condition.

How do you know you are suffering from allergies and not a cold?

Both the common cold and seasonal allergies have almost identical symptoms, so it’s common to be confused whether you are suffering from a cold or allergies when the symptoms kick in.

The cool thing is that it’s easy to tell them apart when you are keen enough. Some of the things you should do include:

Pay attention to the patterns: While both conditions can cause congestion, runny nose, sneezing, fatigue, headaches, and watery eyes, cold symptoms don’t have a pattern to how they develop. Allergic reactions, on the other hand, happen all at once.

Allergies aren’t contagious, so if all the symptoms come about at once and no other person in your family develops similar symptoms, you are most likely suffering from allergies.

Be on the lookout for the timing: How long does the condition last? Cold symptoms go away after 7-10 days, while allergies don’t have a set lifespan. They often go on as long as you are exposed to the allergen. The symptoms might ease when you get away from the allergy trigger, but they won’t go away.

Check your handkerchief: The act is gross, but the mucus will tell you everything you need to know. If having a cold, you will have a yellowish nasal discharge which shows you are suffering from an infection. Allergic reactions, on the other hand, result in a clear, thin, watery gunk.

Are allergic reactions dangerous?

Allergy is mild or moderate for most people, but in rare situations, the allergic reaction can be life-threatening. The most dangerous condition you can have is anaphylaxis that causes extreme swelling in the lungs and airways, making it hard to breathe and swallow.

The reaction also causes cramps, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, and mental confusion. When you are having anaphylaxis, you should get immediate medical attention to avoid losing your life.

Are there natural remedies to control allergies?

People have been taking honey and pollen for years to cure allergies, but there is no scientific evidence to support that natural remedies work.

Even if the remedies might work for some people, they might not work for you. To be safe and have peace of mind you are taking the right medication, find allergy doctor Manassas VA to advise you on the right medication to take. Remember, when consulting the doctor, ensure the doctor is certified and experienced enough.