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Angioedema can be caused by a number of triggers, both food or environmental, which results in the release of histamine by the body’s immune system. The mechanism of angioedema is similar to that of hives and these two conditions often present concurrently. While hives tend to affect the superficial layers of the skin, in angioedema the swelling and inflammation is seen in the deeper layers of the skin. Since angioedema may occur in soft tissues such as the mouth, eyelids, and genitals, it can rapidly become a life-threatening condition.
Foods: nuts, milk, eggs, and shellfish
Medications: NSAIDS, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin-2 Receptor blockers (ARBs)
Genetic: C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency
Treatment for angioedema centers on strict allergen/trigger avoidance. Since angioedema can rapidly become life-threatening, patients are strongly recommended to keep an Epi-Pen accessible at all times.
Allergic contact dermatitis is a skin condition where the skin breaks out in a rash following direct contact with an allergen. While the exact cause of allergic contact dermatitis remains unknown, research has shown that the reaction is similar to that of other allergies. The body’s immune system inappropriately views a harmless substance as being harmful and develops an immune response against it. The rash of contact dermatitis appears within hours to days at the site where the skin came in contact with an allergen. The reaction typically resolves within a few days however it may last as long as two to four weeks.
Signs and Symptoms of Allergic Contact Dermatitis:
Common Allergens Causing Contact Dermatitis:
Treatment for allergic contact dermatitis centers on allergen avoidance. Allergen avoidance may be in the form of protective clothing, switching detergents/soaps/skincare products, and modifying daily routines to ensure known triggers are avoided.
Hives, also known as urticaria, is a condition where the skin becomes inflamed, swollen, and itchy (pruritic). Hives can be caused by a number of triggers, both food or environmental, which results in the release of histamine by the body’s immune system. Hives is a condition affecting the superficial layers of the skin, when the deeper layers of the skin are involved the condition is referred to as angioedema.
Acute Urticaria
Typically caused by initial contact with a trigger. Common triggers include foods, medications, environmental allergens, insect bites, exercise, and heat. Acute urticaria resolves within 6-weeks.
Chronic Uriticaria
When acute urticaria persists for several months, it becomes classified as chronic urticaria.
At Allergy, Asthma & Sinus Associates our board certified physician and highly trained staff have years of experience in diagnosing both pediatric and adult cases of hives. Since hives may be associated with several other conditions, each patient receives a comprehensive examination followed by any additional testing that would help devise a treatment plan. Additional tests can include skin testing and/or blood testing for environmental/food/drug sensitivities.
Since hives are caused by excessive histamine release, the use of anti-histamine medications/creams can often times help manage the symptoms. However since there are so many possible triggers, successful long-term control of symptoms requires proper identification of triggers followed by trigger avoidance. Many individuals affected by hives benefit from allergen immunotherapy treatment. As your board certified physician today if allergen immunotherapy is right for you.
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition where the skin becomes irritated and inflamed. While the exact cause of eczema is not yet known, it is believed to be closely linked to a defect in the skin barrier which results in loss of the skin’s moisture. Eczema is especially common amongst children however adults can develop the condition as well.
Individuals who are affected by eczema often times also experience:
**Children of parents with eczema or any of the conditions listed above are also more likely to develop eczema themselves.
At Allergy, Asthma & Sinus Associates our board certified physician and highly trained staff have years of experience in diagnosing both pediatric and adult eczema. Since eczema may be associated with several other conditions, each patient receives a comprehensive examination followed by any additional testing that would help devise a treatment plan. Certain conditions, such as food allergies, can exacerbate eczema so additional testing may include skin prick testing and/or allergen blood testing.
Since the root cause of eczema is excessive skin dryness, the treatment of eczema starts with liberal use of moisturizers. However since there are many conditions associated with eczema, it becomes imperative to evaluate for these conditions. In cases of severe persistent eczema, appropriately addressing associated conditions is imperative to achieve adequate eczema control.
*The itch associated with eczema is not caused by histamine. Unlike hives (urticaria), using anti-histamines for eczema will not control the symptoms.