Michael Wein, MD.
Allergy, Asthma, Sinus, Allergic Dermatology
Johns Hopkins now at Cleveland Clinic
(772) 621-9992

What's the doctor doing?

Overview

Red, bumpy, itchy skin can be irritating, painful and embarrassing. Rashes can be caused by many things, including exposure to poison ivy., 

Rashes can also be caused by an illness such as measles or chickenpox. Eczema and hives, both of which are related to allergies, are common.

If your skin condition is the result of an allergy, an allergist can diagnose and treat your condition, so you can live life to the fullest.

Eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, affects between 10 and 20 percent of children and 1 to 3 percent of adults.

A common symptom of eczema is dry, red, irritated and itchy skin. People with eczema often have a family history of allergies.

Learn more about eczema treatments and about identifying potential causes of eczema.

Hives

Hives (urticaria) are red bumps or welts that appear on the body. The condition is called chronic urticaria if it persists beyond six weeks.

Acute urticaria, lasts less than six weeks, and is most commonly caused by exposure to an allergen or by an infection. 

Learn more about urticaria and how to manage it.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a reaction that appears when the skin comes in contact with an irritant or an allergen. Symptoms include rash and burning.

Soaps, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, shampoos — or even excessive exposure to water — can all cause contact dermatitis.

Other items that can cause a reaction are metals (such as nickel), adhesives, nail polish, topical medications, plants and latex gloves.

Sometimes an allergen won’t cause a skin reaction unless skin is also exposed to sunlight. The condition is called photoallergic contact dermatitis.

Learn more about treating contact dermatitis rashes and about recognizing and avoiding irritants and allergens. 

FAQs

What does a skin allergy look like?

There are several different types of skin allergy reactions that allergists treat.

Eczema (also commonly called  atopic dermatitis) typically results in dry, sensitive skin. You may experience red itchy patches.

Eczema can come and go over time, and flare-ups may crack, ooze, and itch severely. It is very itchy and can be mild or severe.

Hives (also known as urticaria) are raised itchy bumps. Typically hives appear reddish, and will “blanch” (or turn white) in the center when pressed.

Contact dermatitis is typically caused by exposure to an allergen. Bumps on your skin at the site of contact with some allergen, you may result.

If you suspect you have these conditions, an allergist can examine you and test to help determine the cause of your skin reaction.

Allergists are specially trained to help treat your condition. Your allergist may prescribe a cream or oral medication to help alleviate your discomfort. Antihistamines and moisturizing ointments can also help ease irritation and dryness. Recently, new medications have been approved.

I haven’t changed my usual routine – what could be causing my skin rash or hives?

There are many possible causes for your skin rash. Some types of rashes are caused by allergies, others may be caused by infections, or rosacea. An allergist can help diagnose the cause of your symptoms and prescribe treatment to help you take control and find relief.

Should I stay out of the sun until my rash or hives are gone?

If your skin is already irritated or sensitive, exposure to UV rays and possible sunburn could cause you more discomfort. 

In addition, some types of skin rash can be caused by the sun. 

Photoallergic contact dermatitis occurs when your skin has a reaction to an irritant or allergen after exposure to the sun.

Cosmetics, sunscreen, shaving lotion, and perfume can trigger this kind of reaction.

Could my skin reaction be caused by a food allergy?

Yes! A reaction to a food allergen can cause you to have a skin reaction like hives.

There are many possible causes for hives and rashes, so consult with an allergist to determine the cause of symptoms and the best treatment.


 

St Lucie West Office        Vero Beach Office        

      320 Bethany Dr         3375 20th Street      
Port Saint Lucie, FL 34986         Vero Beach Fl  32960                
(772) 621-9992        (772) 299-7299   

family-allergy.com       michaelwein.info

(Serving Port St Lucie and St Lucie West)                                                                  

New Patients Welcome - No Referral Needed

Allergy, ENT, Sinus, Dermatology

Please call for an appointment

Michael Wein, M.D.

Dr. Wein is a Fellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.  For more information on AAAAI, and to find other members, visit www.aaaai.org. The site has excellent information on dermatology and ENT sinus problems too.


Please contact us for more information about Pre-Pen. PrePen is the major determinant of penicillin metabolism and used as a skin-testing reagent to detect antibodies in people with penicillin allergy. It was recently approved by the FDA through Allerquest and ALK Abello.

Also see www.stluciesinus.com and www.michaelwein.com



 











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