What’s a skin allergy?
A skin allergy occurs when your skin comes in contact with a substance it considers harmful, even though it’s not for most people, triggering an immune response that creates a rash. Some of the most common skin rashes occur from an allergic reaction, including:
Eczema
Eczema, also referred to as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that may be triggered by an allergic reaction. With eczema, you may develop a red, itchy rash that sometimes oozes a yellowish liquid.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis refers specifically to a rash that develops when your skin comes in contact with an allergen, such as soap, detergent, or certain metals. With contact dermatitis, you may develop blisters and your rash may itch or burn.
Hives
Hives refer to red bumps that develop on your skin that can be acute or chronic. In addition to contact with an allergen, hives can develop from infection.
If you develop a rash and suspect it’s an allergic reaction, the board-certified dermatologists at Lumos Dermatology® can talk to you about how skin allergy testing determines if allergies are the underlying cause.
What can I expect during skin allergy testing?
The team at Lumos Dermatology® conducts your skin allergy testing at the office. All evaluations, treatment plans, and procedures are performed by the board-certified dermatologists at the practice.
During your skin allergy testing, your dermatologist pricks your skin with the suspected allergens and monitors for a reaction. You shouldn’t feel any discomfort during skin allergy testing.
About 15 minutes after your skin prick, your skin is checked for signs of a reaction. A red, itchy bump that looks like a mosquito bite may indicate an allergy.
How are skin allergies treated?
Once your allergen is identified, the team at Lumos Dermatology® works with you to develop a treatment plan to minimize exposure to the substance causing your rash. This usually means avoiding the allergen.
If you experience a skin allergy at the time of your testing, you may be provided with a topical or oral medication to help relieve your symptoms. It’s also important to protect your irritated skin from the sun, which can worsen your symptoms.
If you have concerns about allergies, contact Lumos Dermatology® by phone or online to schedule a consultation for skin allergy testing.
