Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a common condition in babies and small children, but most of them outgrow it as they become older. Eczema results in itching on the skin that starts with dryness and leads to a rash that can become severe. Children facing the condition may feel irritated or different, particularly if they have diet restrictions that prevent it from occurring.

Causes of Eczema

The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is not known and there could be a wide range of reasons that trigger it. In some children, it is because of a family history of allergies while some of the other causes could include:

• Dust mites or animal dander
• Harsh soap
• Dry or cold weather
• Sweating in hot weather
• Foods such as milk, peanuts, eggs, or wheat products

Symptoms of Eczema

Itching is the main symptom of atopic dermatitis, which can be severe, and recurring, leading to a rash. A rash is like a red patch on the skin and it may be dry, itchy, or scaly. It may also become rough and thick from continuous scratching or develop into a fluid filled sore.
The most common areas affected by eczema in children are the neck, legs, arms, scalp, and face. In babies from 2 months to 2 years, the rash may ooze fluid and occur in winters when the weather is dry, leading to red patches on the skin. For children who are older than 2 years, the rash may be dry and cause the skin to thicken.

How to Prevent Atopic Dermatitis

To prevent atopic dermatitis in children, you must be very careful about the products used on their skin and not use any product that is not meant for children’s use. Always use mild and soft shampoos, soaps, and creams that contain moisture. If your baby is younger than 6 months, breastfeeding will help build their immunity and protect against allergies if it runs in the family. Keep an eye on your child’s diet as well to see if any of the foods you feed them are causing rashes.

Excessive washing is also harmful to the skin as it peels off the top layer. Make sure you are not bathing your child too much and not leaving them in the tub for too long. A bath of 10-15 minutes is sufficient. Always make sure you dry your child’s skin carefully after a bath especially in areas where the skin folds such as under the arms, back of the knees, etc, as these areas are more prone to eczema. Keep your child’s skin moisturized with a product made for children.

If you see your child suffering from atopic dermatitis, make sure you consult an allergist to prevent it from spreading. Contact us at 212-319-5282 to set up an appointment with one of the best NYC allergists today.

Dr. Hadjiev, one of New York’s leading allergy doctors, is a specialist in allergy and immunology. Immunology is the study of diseases that result from problems in the immune system. The immune system, which is made up of white blood cells that are formed in the bone marrow and travel in the blood stream and lymphatic system, is the body’s way of reacting to foreign and potentially dangerous substances in the blood and body tissues. When someone has an immune disorder, their immune system can be overactive or under-active.

The Immune System

A foreign substance in the body is called an antigen. The immune system sees an antigen and develops proteins called antibodies that are produced in white blood cells and released to fight off the foreign substance. Usually, this happens in response to bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, but sometimes the immune system develops antibodies to harmless substances, resulting in allergies. At other times, the body may even develop antibodies against its own tissues, which is what happens in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Finally, the immune system may stop working. One example is AIDS, which caused by suppression of certain cells in the immune system by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This results in an inability to fight off infection.

Dr. Hadjiev sees many patients who have allergies to substances which are usually harmless. These patients develop antibodies, and when they are exposed to the substance, their body reacts as though they are fighting off an illness caused by a virus of bacteria. The reactions can be mild or very severe.

Allergy Specialist

Allergists are specialists in diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergies, asthma, and immune disorders. Some of these disorders include hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and sinusitis, skin problems like hives or eczema, adverse drug reactions, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract caused by food allergies or sensitivities, and diseases that are associated with autoimmune responses to body tissues, like arthritis. Allergists also treat people with immune deficiencies.

Immune deficiencies, like HIV, refer to diseases that cause part of the immune system to function improperly. Perhaps part of the immune system is missing, as occurs in some genetic diseases of immune deficiency.

Dr. Hadjiev, one of New York City’s leading allergy doctors, warns that patients with immune system deficiencies may have symptoms like frequent infections, or infections that are difficult to treat. Sometimes people with immune system deficiencies acquire unusual infections that other people rarely get. Children with poor growth patterns, recurrent ear infections, recurrent pneumonia or sinusitis, may have an immune deficiency disorder. Swollen lymph nodes and an enlarged spleen are sometimes signs of an immune deficiency.

If you have any of the signs mentioned above, you should consider a consultation with Dr. Hadjiev, a top New York allergy doctor who is trained to diagnose, treat, and manage disorders of immune deficiency. Call 212-319-5282 today for your initial consultation.

Allergy Specialist

Dr. Boyan Hadjiev, one of New York’s leading allergy specialists, frequently treats people who discover that they may suffer a fatal reaction from an insect sting allergy. There are five insects that can cause a severe allergic reaction in some people, simply by injecting venom into the skin. These insects are hornets, wasps, honeybees, yellow jackets, and fire ants. Many people may have pain and even swelling from an insect sting, but some people have reactions that are potentially life-threatening. In fact, 3 percent of adults in America have severe allergic reactions to insect stings, and these potentially fatal reactions also occur in 0.4 to 0.8 percent of children in the United States.

Insect Sting Allergic Reaction

If you have an allergic reaction to an insect sting, you may experience significant pain and redness at the site of the sting, and sometimes swelling can occur in areas that extend beyond the immediate site of envenomation. Flushing or hives, in reaction to a sting, suggest an allergy, and if you have not previously had a severe allergic reaction, this may be a sign that you could potentially develop one. Itching is another sign of an allergy to venom from an insect. It’s important to recognize insect allergies, because they can lead to an uncommon reaction called anaphylaxis, which can cause the body to go into shock and can make it difficult to breath. Because anaphylaxis can easily result in death, if you have had any signs of an allergic reaction to an insect sting, you should consult Dr. Boyan Hadjiev, New York’s top allergy doctor, to determine if you should take measures to protect yourself.

Insect Sting Allergy

There are a variety of things that you can do, if you are diagnosed with an insect allergy. Dr. Boyan Hadjiev can recommend allergy shots, known as immunotherapy, to desensitize your immune system to the toxic venom of these insects. In addition to avoiding insects, people with severe allergies to insect stings should carry a special drug, called epinephrine, to inject immediately if they begin to experience signs of anaphylaxis after an insect sting. Epinephrine injections can only be prescribed by a doctor, and an allergy specialist like Dr. Boyan Hadjiev should evaluate you in case of an insect sting allergy to determine if you are a candidate for epinephrine emergency treatment.

If you have had a severe allergic reaction to an insect sting, you may have another reaction that can be even worse if you experience another sting. You should always carry an epinephrine auto-injector, and it is essential for people who think they have an  allergy to insect venom to see an allergist for recommendations.

Dr. Boyan Hadjiev, one of New York’s leading allergy doctors, will be able to test you, using a skin-prick test, to determine if you have an allergy.  There are simple ways to avoid insect stings, but it’s not always possible. Be prepared to protect yourself with an epinephrine auto-injector. Call our office today to determine if you are at risk for a severe and life-threatening reaction to an insect sting.

Dr. Boyan Hadjiev, one of New York’s top allergy doctors, treats many patients with some form of gluten allergy. Gluten is a protein that is found in wheat and other grains. It is estimated that one of every seven Americans have some type of intolerance or allergy to gluten. This can range from mild sensitivity to a severe autoimmune disorder known as celiac disease.

Gluten Allergic Reaction

The inflammation caused by an allergic reaction to gluten can result in debilitating health consequences. Dr. Boyan Hadjiev, one of New York City’s top allergy doctors, uses a simple blood test to determine if a person has antibodies to gluten in the blood, which is an indication of gluten insensitivity. However, many people who have chronic symptoms of fatigue, malaise, and irritability, resulting from mild allergic reactions or sensitivity to gluten protein, may not have antibodies circulating in the blood at a measurable level. An elimination diet may help Dr. Boyan Hadjiev determine gluten sensitivity in these patients.

Foods that contain gluten are common in our Western diet.

Some foods that cause a reaction in people with gluten sensitivity include:

Wheat
Wheat germ
Wheat bran
Couscous
Durum
Faro
Fu
Graham flour
Matzo
Semolina
Durum
Barley
Bulgur
Oats
Rye
Veggie burgers

Other common foods that contain small amounts of gluten, like soy sauce, salad dressings, chicken broth and malt vinegar Common seasonings and spice mixes

Severe gluten insensitivity and celiac disease can result in an inability to absorb important arthritis. Dr. xxx, a leading New York allergy doctor, cautions patients with arthritis that there is a link between gluten and arthritis in some patients!

What To Do If You Have a Gluten Allergy

If you have a gluten sensitivity or allergy, your health will improve quickly when you learn about how to avoid gluten in your diet. There are many foods that you can learn to substitute for gluten-containing grains. Quinoa, sorghum, rice, millet, buckwheat, and corn flours can all be used when baking, and you may need to substitute xanthan gum or guar gum for gluten when you are cooking. Unprocessed foods that are fresh and natural will help you keep your diet gluten-free and will keep your intestine healthy. When dining out, you can avoid gluten-containing foods by ordering grilled meats, fishes, and steamed vegetables, but you’ll have to avoid many sauces and fried foods, including foods that are fried in the same pan as gluten-containing foods.

The health benefits you will derive from avoidance of gluten will change your life! Dr. Boyan Hadjiev, one of New York’s top allergy doctors, has seen remarkable changes in patients who have discovered that they have gluten allergies and have learned to avoid gluten-containing foods. If you suspect you have a gluten sensitivity or allergy, call Dr. Boyan Hadjiev at 212-319-5282 today to schedule your consultation.