Monthly Archives: August 2016
What Happens During Allergy Testing?
Have you been told that you have allergies? Has your child’s doctor recommended that your child be tested for allergies? This is not uncommon, but it still can be a worry for many parents. It is best to turn to a local allergist who specializes in this type of testing and treatment since it will provide you with the highest level of results possible. Generally speaking, allergy testing is no longer as painful, as troublesome, or even as long as they used to be. And, they are an excellent step in protecting your child’s or your own health.
What Happens During Allergy Tests?
Most allergy testing is done at an allergist’s office. The nurse will likely provide the test. Then, your allergist will interpret the results. Generally, this initial testing takes about 20 to 40 minutes to complete. Some tests can provide immediate information to you and show a reaction right away. Other tests take time, even days, because it can take that long for an allergy to show up.
A skin prick test is the most common option and it generally is the first step. This test involves as many as 40 different allergens, or substances that are often most likely to cause allergic reactions. It can help to pinpoint reactions to pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold, and foods. These tests are not painful. Very small pricks are made on the skin’s surface. You do not bleed from them, though you may feel some discomfort.
The goal is to expose the skin to potential allergens on a very small level to see if a result takes place. If there are allergic reactions, such as raised and red bumps that may look like an insect bite, there is then the need to measure the extensiveness of the response.
More extensive tests are also available. Your doctor may recommend more significant tests if there are reactions or there are specific types of allergies suspected. Patch testing is another form, which is often used to determine if you have any reactions to medications, hair dyes, metals, resins, or preservatives.
If you believe you could be at risk of developing allergies, it is best to schedule a consultation with an allergy doctor to learn more. Call our offices and schedule an appointment with one of the best allergists in New York City to learn more about your needs.
Is Eczema a Type of Allergy?
In some situations, eczema is an allergy. There are various forms of eczema, some of which is not brought on by an allergic reaction. However, some people suffer from allergy eczema, which is a specific condition in which the skin becomes red and blister-like as a result of coming into contact with a substance. When a person is allergic to a substance, the immune system triggers a reaction when contact is made. As a result, the body’s tissues become damaged. If you think you may be suffering from this type of allergy, it is best to turn to an allergist for the help you need in treating and preventing the condition from coming back.
Understanding Allergic Eczema
In most situations, the body does not react to chemicals or substances. Each day, most people are exposed to hundreds of chemicals and the body’s immune system does not react. However, for many people, there are triggers, or specific substances that the immune system does respond to. Allergens, as they are called, can cause a variety of symptoms in people. For some people, allergies can cause difficulty breathing, a runny nose, or burning eyes. For others, there are changes to the skin, as it is for those suffering from allergic eczema.
This condition goes by a variety of different names. It can also be called allergic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, contact dermatitis, or contact eczema. There are various causes for this type of reaction. This is also called a delayed allergy because, in most people, the allergic reaction is not instant. Rather, symptoms can develop over time, even two days after exposure to that allergy. Some of the most common triggers for this condition include:
- Perfumes with dies in it
- Adhesives
- Clothing dyes
- Nickel, often found in belts, jewelry and metal buttons on jeans
- Hair dye
- Soaps and cleaning products
- Antibiotic creams
- Poison ivy or other plants
- Latex
The key to treating and preventing this condition from worsening is to work with an allergist. Your allergist will determine what the triggers are for you and what steps need to be taken to help minimize your exposure and the condition itself. If you have itching, burning skin, red bumps, scaly skin, or inflammation, take action now. Work closely with your allergist in our New York City offices to get the care and treatment you need for the condition you are facing.
Call our offices at 212-319-5282 to schedule an appointment.
Serving all of New York City and the Tri State Area including Zip Codes: Top Allergist NYC Midtown, Chelsea and Clinton: 10001, 10011, 10018, 10019, 10020, 10036 | Gramercy Park and Murray Hill: 10010, 10016, 10017, 10022 | Greenwich Village and Soho: 10012, 10013, 10014 | Lower Manhattan: 10004, 10005, 10006, 10007, 10038, 10280 | Lower East Side: 10002, 10003, 10009 | Upper East Side: 10021, 10028, 10044, 10128 | Upper West Side: 10023, 10024, 10025
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