ELLICOTT CITY | GLEN BURNIE | LUTHERVILLE

Get Rid of Itchy, Unsightly Rashes for Good

Is your itchy, flaky skin causing you pain and embarrassment? You don’t have to continue to suffer in silence. Mardiney® Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology Centers in Maryland can help eliminate your skin problems and get you relief fast — often in just one visit.

While other practices may require multiple appointments for consultations and treatments, we conduct any necessary tests during your first visit. This way we can identify the cause of your skin condition and prescribe the appropriate treatments. You also don’t have to wait months for an appointment. We’ll work with you to schedule an appointment within two weeks and after your initial visit, you’ll be able to contact your doctor by phone if you have any questions.

If you believe you are suffering from allergic dermatitis or are looking for a dermatitis treatment center in Maryland, call us at +1 (877) 878-9314 or request an appointment with us online by filling out our form to the right. 

What is Allergic Dermatitis?

Allergic Dermatitis is the general term that describes skin inflammation caused by allergy. Beginning stages typically consist of red and itchy skin. Allergic Dermatitis is not contagious and is usually not serious or life-threatening. Nonetheless, patients with allergic dermatitis are generally very uncomfortable and are often very self conscious about the appearance of their skin.

Types of Allergic Dermatitis

While there are various causes and types of dermatitis, we specialize in treatment of dermatitis caused by allergens. The three specific types of dermatitis caused by allergens are contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and urticarial dermatitis, which are described below.

CONTACT DERMATITIS

This type of dermatitis is caused when the skin comes in contact with a substance capable of inducing an allergic hypersensitivity response. Some common triggers for contact dermatitis include poison ivy, poison oak, hair dye, fragrances, rubber compounds, and metals such as nickel and gold. Exposure of the skin to one of these substances may lead to a reaction characterized by a red rash or bumps, blisters, itching, and swelling. This type of reaction may be delayed 3-5 days and is also called a delayed hypersensitivity response.

ATOPIC DERMATITIS (ECZEMA)

Atopic dermatitis  is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin condition characterized by itching, redness, scaling, thickening, and cracking of the skin. It is the most common form of eczema and can affect the face, hands, feet, inner elbows, and back of the knees. This type of eczema can run in families and is often associated with allergies, asthma, and defects in the skin barrier, which can allow moisture out and germs in.

URTICARIAL DERMATITIS (HIVES)

Hives are itchy red skin welts that typically occur because of the body’s reaction to a certain allergen. In most cases, a patient develops hives after ingesting a food or drug that the body is allergic to. Hives can develop anywhere on the body and can vary in size.

There are two types of hives; acute and chronic. The acute form lasts less than six weeks, and is usually caused by an allergic reaction to certain foods, insect stings, or medications. Chronic hives last more than six weeks and the cause is often difficult to diagnose. Up to 50% of patients with chronic hives have an autoimmune skin disorder. It is important to seek an experienced dermatitis or hives specialist to determine the correct course of treatment.

Allergic Dermatitis Treatment

CONTACT DERMATITIS TREATMENT

When you come into contact with a known allergen, wash your skin with soap and water right away. Washing the affected area as soon as possible may help prevent a reaction from occurring. If a reaction does occur, over the counter topical creams are available that can help manage itching and skin inflammation.

If your reaction hasn’t gotten better for a few days, or if you are experiencing extreme discomfort, come see our dermatitis specialists. If you are unsure about what caused your reaction, it may be beneficial to receive an allergy patch test. During this test, patches with several common allergens are applied to the skin so that a specialist can determine what may be causing your dermatitis. Once your evaluation is completed, we will prescribe additional medication if necessary, and give tips to prevent further reactions.

TREATMENT FOR ATOPIC DERMATITIS (ECZEMA)

If you or your child have not been diagnosed with eczema before, come see our specialists at our eczema treatment center. We’ll talk about your symptoms and medical history to identify any causes. Our dermatitis specialists may also ask about your family’s history of rashes or allergy-related conditions. A thorough examination of the skin and medical history are usually sufficient to diagnose eczema.

If you or your child have been diagnosed with eczema, it is critical to take good care of the skin to prevent flare ups in the future. Some common treatment tips to control eczema include:

• Take short, lukewarm (not hot) showers or baths
• Apply moisturizer every day
• Avoid rough, scratchy and tight clothing
• Use a humidifier in dry or cold weather

There are also many over-the-counter and prescription medications available to help control the symptoms. Our specialists will be able to provide more information on the medications that are right for you.

Adult patients whose eczema is uncontrollable with standard medications are candidates for Dupixent® anti-IL-4 therapy which is self administered every 2 weeks.

HIVES TREATMENT

The type of treatment for hives depends on the severity and duration of the episode. In most cases, a mild case of hives may go away on its own after several hours without treatment. If the hives last longer or are extremely itchy, over-the-counter antihistamines may help to get rid of the hives.

For chronic or more severe hives, see one of our specialists, who may prescribe stronger antihistamines or other medication to reduce the swelling, itching and irritation.

Patients 12 years or older with chronic hives uncontrollable on antihistamines are candidates for  Xolair® anti-IgE therapy which is administered every 4 weeks.

Contact Mardiney ® Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology Centers

If you believe you are suffering from allergic dermatitis or are looking for a dermatitis treatment center in Maryland, call us at +1 (877) 878-9314 or request an appointment with us online by filling out our form to the right.