Atopic & Contact Dermatitis

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disorder that usually starts at age < 5 years. It is characterized by itchy skin that becomes inflamed with scratching. For this reason, atopic dermatitis is known as the “itch that rashes.” Skin findings commonly include:

Redness
Cracking
Weeping of Clear Fluid
Crusting
Scaling

Atopic dermatitis is frequently associated with other allergic conditions including allergic rhinitis, food allergy, and asthma.

Mutations in filaggrin, a skin barrier protein, are strongly associated with the development of atopic dermatitis.

Allergists are considered the experts in atopic dermatitis and diagnose this condition based on history and exam.

Triggers of atopic dermatitis include:

Allergens (environmental and possibly food)
Irritants (wool, soaps, detergents, perfume, chlorine, etc.)
Emotional Factors
Temperature
Climate

The goals of treatment are to minimize itching and prevent the development of rash.

Treatment focuses on skin moisturization, measures to decrease skin itching, avoidance of allergenic and irritant triggers, and use of topical immunomodulators including corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors when needed.

By visiting an Allergist, you too can take control of your atopic dermatitis and improve your quality of life.

Contact Allergic Dermatitis

Contact allergic dermatitis is a type of inflammatory skin reaction that can be secondary to:

Antibiotics (topical neomycin)
Cosmetics
Jewelry
Fragrances
Soap
Household and Industrial Chemicals
Rubber
Plant (poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac)

It is considered a delayed type hypersensitivity reaction.

Symptoms of contact allergic dermatitis include localized:

Redness
Cracking
Weeping of Clear Fluid
Crusting
Scaling

Allergists are considered the experts in contact allergic dermatitis and diagnose this condition based on history and, if indicated, patch tests.

The goals of treatment are to prevent the development of rash.

Treatment focuses on avoidance of the contact allergen and use of topical steroids in the case of current related dermatitis.

By visiting an Allergist, you too can take control of your contact allergic dermatitis and improve your quality of life.

Conditions Treated

Allergy Shots

Allergy immunotherapy, also called “allergy shots,” is prescribed to modify the immune system’s response to allergens with the goal of minimizing and/or preventing an allergen initiated inflammatory response.
Allergy Drops & Tablets

Allergy drops, and tablets are two forms of sublingual immunotherapy that are injection-free alternatives to allergy shots. Both contain environmental allergen such as pollen, dust mites, molds, cat, or dog.
Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung condition that usually starts in childhood but can occur at any age. Allergists are considered the experts in asthma and diagnose this condition by history, exam and breathing tests of the airways.
Allergy & Sinus

Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common chronic conditions in the US. Individuals with allergic rhinitis develop allergy antibodies (IgE) targeted against allergens including pollen, animal proteins, dust mites, mold, and insect droppings.
Food Allergy

Food allergy affects 5% of children and 4% of adults in the United States and is defined as an adverse health event that is immune mediated and occurs reproducibly. Individuals with IgE mediated food allergy develop allergy antibodies (IgE) targeted against food allergens.
Allergic Rashes

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disorder that usually starts at age < 5 years. It is characterized by itchy skin that becomes inflamed with scratching. For this reason, atopic dermatitis is known as the “itch that rashes.”
Other Conditions