An obvious sign of skin allergy are rashes. If you have tried getting rid of the rushes without success, you should see a skin allergy doctor.

What will a skin doctor do?

When you visit an allergy clinic, the doctor will take your medical history and get to understand your condition. If you developed the condition after brushing up against something, the doctor will diagnose the condition as contact dermatitis.

You might have come into contact with latex, perfume, or jewelry.

If the doctor feels the condition might be due to brushing into something, he will ask you to get a patch test. Here the doctor will place a patch on you that has plenty of allergens that can cause an allergic reaction.

When you have the patch on, you shouldn’t shower or bathe as the patch has to stay dry. You also should avoid sweating to keep the patch dry. This calls for you to avoid engaging in extraneous exercises such as running or going to the gym.

In rare cases, the doctor will undertake a blood test or biopsy. For a biopsy, the doctor will take a small skin sample for testing.

In some cases, the doctor may recommend against skin testing if:

You have had a severe allergic reaction: You might be extremely sensitive to certain substances such that even the tiniest amounts of skin tests could trigger anaphylaxis or any other life-threatening condition.

You are taking medications that could interfere with the test results: The most common medications that can interfere with the results are: antidepressants, antihistamines, and heartburn medications.

The doctor will determine whether you should continue taking the medications or temporarily discontinue them in preparation for the skin test.

You are suffering from certain skin conditions: Are you suffering from psoriasis, eczema, or any other condition that can affect large areas of your skin such as your arms or back? The doctor may recommend against the skin test as you don’t have enough clear, uninvolved skin to undertake an effective test.

How does the doctor treat skin allergies?

To come up with a treatment plan, the doctor relies on the test results. A positive skin test means you are allergic to a given substance where bigger wheals indicate a greater degree of sensitivity.

A negative skin test means you aren’t allergic to an allergen.

As the doctor undertakes a skin test, you should note that they aren’t always accurate. Sometimes they give false positive or skin testing may not trigger a reaction when you are exposed to something you are allergic to.

If having reactions in a small area, the doctor may prescribe a steroid cream. Follow the doctor’s instructions on how to put it on. Don’t apply more cream than advised as you can end up hurting yourself.

To get the most from the cream, put it on and after a bath or shower. If your reaction covers a large area, your doctor may suggest steroid pills and antihistamines.

In addition to taking the medication, you should avoid the allergy trigger, especially if you have hives or swelling beneath the skin.

Sometimes even after testing, the doctor can’t tell the cause of the condition. In such a case, he may recommend over the counter or prescription antihistamine pills. If there is nothing about the allergy treatment Germantown MD  you don’t understand, ask your doctor to clarify it.

What should you look for when hiring an allergy doctor?

For peace of mind you are working with the right professional, you should consider plenty of factors such as:

Board certification: Is the allergist you are looking to hire board-certified? When doing your research, ensure the professional is certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. A board-certified professional is one that has completed a fellowship and passed tests.

Specialty: Since you are suffering from a skin allergy, you want a professional who specializes in skin allergies. Avoid a general physician as they might misdiagnose your condition.

Personality: Is the professional fun to be with? When you are suffering from allergies, you are going to meet the doctor regularly, so you need a professional with a great personality that will be fun to work with.