Skin Rashes, Eczema, & Allergies

What is a skin allergy?

A skin allergy is your immune system’s response to something that is typically harmless. This can trigger a rash, hives, or general discomfort and irritation of your skin. Many different types of allergens can trigger an allergic reaction of the skin, including:

• Nickel
• Food allergies
• Dry skin
• Perfumes
• Certain chemicals
• Formaldehyde
• Cosmetics
• Soaps
• Hair dye
• Nail polish
• Certain topical antibiotics

If you struggle with dry, red, itchy patches of skin, you may have a skin allergy.

Are there different types of skin allergies and rashes?

Park Plaza Dermatology treats many different types of skin allergies and rashes at their office, including:

Atopic dermatitis (Eczema)

Eczema is a common skin condition that often develops during infancy or early childhood and continues through adulthood. Some potential triggers include dandruff , dust mites, sweating, irritating clothing (wool), fragrances in perfumes and soaps, certain foods, and more.

Scratching eczema dramatizes the symptoms of this dry, itchy, irritating skin condition, so the goal of treatment is to prevent the itch. The providers at Park Plaza Dermatology may recommend prescription lotions, corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory creams, or antibiotics in some cases and the most advanced class of medications - biologics.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis occurs when you come into contact with a certain substance that causes a rash outbreak. There are two types of contact dermatitis: irritant and allergic.

Irritant contact dermatitis flares up when you touch an irritating substance that leaves a rash. To avoid this painful condition, stay away from your triggers, and try wearing gloves until your symptoms subside.

Allergic contact dermatitis causes itchy, red blisters, or bumps on the skin. These reactions are typically triggered by poison ivy or other others, like nickel, latex products, dyes, or rubber. Though you can calm the symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis with a cold compress or soak in the tub, A provider at Park Plaza Dermatology may prescribe a topical or oral medications to relieve your symptoms and in some cases prescribe the newest class of medications - biologics

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes your skin cells to multiply up to 10 times faster than they should, resulting in bumpy red patches of skin with white scales. Although psoriasis can develop anywhere on the body, it’s most commonly found on the scalp, elbows, and knees.

There are many topical treatments for psoriasis, including steroid creams, moisturizers, retinoids, and even light therapy, lasers, and the newest most effective class of medications/biologics.

How are skin allergies and rashes diagnosed?

If your provider suspects you have a skin allergy or rash, he may perform one of the following tests:

Skin prick test

During a skin prick test, a small amount of the allergen in question is put on your skin, which is then scratched, to trigger a reaction.

Intradermal skin test

If a skin prick test doesn’t produce viable results, the allergen can be injected directly into your skin to spark a reaction.

Patch test

A patch test is used to determine whether you have allergic contact dermatitis. During this test, your provider puts a small amount of an allergen on your skin, covers it with a bandage, and checks it in two to four days for signs of a rash.

With the right treatment, you can manage skin allergies and rashes. To schedule an appointment with one of our NYC cosmetic dermatologists, call us or book a visit online.