Is itchy, irritated, or flaky skin causing discomfort or embarrassment? You don’t have to continue suffering in silence. Mardiney® Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology Centers provides expert care to help identify the cause of your skin condition and bring you lasting relief — often beginning with your first visit.
While other practices may require multiple appointments for consultations and treatments, we streamline the process by conducting any necessary evaluations or tests during your first visit. This allows us to quickly determine what’s triggering your symptoms so we can recommend the most effective treatments and prescribe the appropriate medications.
You also won’t be left waiting months for an appointment. We work with you to schedule a visit within two weeks, and after your initial appointment, you’ll be able to contact your doctor by phone if you have any questions.
Allergic dermatitis is a general term used to describe skin inflammation caused by an allergic reaction. Early stages typically include red, itchy skin. Allergic dermatitis is not contagious and is usually not serious or life-threatening. However, it can be very uncomfortable, and many patients feel self-conscious about the appearance of their skin.
While dermatitis can have many causes, we specialize in treating forms triggered by allergens. Three common types of allergic dermatitis include contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis (eczema), and urticaria (hives).
Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into contact with a substance capable of triggering an allergic hypersensitivity reaction. Common triggers include poison ivy, poison oak, hair dyes, fragrances, rubber compounds, and metals such as nickel or gold.
Exposure to these substances may cause a red rash, bumps, blisters, itching, and swelling. Reactions are often delayed — sometimes appearing 3–5 days after exposure — which is why this is known as a delayed hypersensitivity reaction.
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin condition marked by itching, redness, scaling, thickening, and cracking of the skin. It is the most common form of eczema and often affects the face, hands, feet, inner elbows, and the backs of the knees.
This condition frequently runs in families and is commonly associated with allergies and asthma. It is also linked to defects in the skin barrier, which allow moisture to escape and allergens, irritants or germs to enter more easily.
Hives are itchy, raised red welts that form as part of the body’s reaction to certain allergens. They often develop after exposure to triggers such as specific foods, medications, or insect stings. Hives can appear anywhere on the body and vary in size.
There are two main types of hives:
Because the causes of chronic hives can be complex, it is important to see an experienced specialist who can determine the most appropriate course of treatment.
If you come into contact with a known allergen, wash your skin with soap and water as soon as possible. Cleansing the affected area promptly may help reduce or prevent a reaction. If a reaction does occur, over-the-counter topical creams can help relieve itching and skin inflammation.
If your symptoms do not improve after a few days, or if you are experiencing significant discomfort, schedule an appointment at one of our three locations. If the cause of your reaction is unclear, allergy patch testing may be recommended. During this test, small amounts of common allergens are applied to your skin to help determine what may be causing your dermatitis.
Once your evaluation is complete, we may prescribe additional medications if needed and provide guidance on how to help prevent future reactions.
If you or your child have not previously been diagnosed with eczema, schedule an appointment at our eczema treatment center. We will review your symptoms and medical history to help identify possible causes. Our specialist may also ask about your family’s history of rashes or allergy-related conditions. In many cases, a thorough skin examination and review of your medical history are enough to diagnose eczema.
If you or your child have been diagnosed with eczema, it is important to take good care of the skin to help prevent future flare-ups. Some common steps that can help manage eczema include:
There are also many over-the-counter and prescription medications available to help control symptoms. Our specialist can help determine which treatments are most appropriate for you.
Adult and children with poorly controlles eczema on standard therapies may be candidates for Dupixent® (anti–IL-4 receptor therapy), an injectable medication that is self-administered every two weeks.
The type of treatment for hives depends on the severity and duration of the episode. In many cases, mild hives may resolve on their own within several hours without treatment. If hives persist or are very itchy, over-the-counter antihistamines can help relieve symptoms.
For chronic or more severe hives, evaluation by a specialist is recommended. Prescription-strength antihistamines or other medications may be used to reduce swelling, itching, and irritation. While most hives are not dangerous, persistent or recurring episodes should be evaluated to help identify any underlying causes.
Patients ages 12 and older with chronic hives that are not well controlled with antihistamines may be candidates for Xolair® (anti-IgE therapy), an injectable treatment typically administered every four weeks.
If you are experiencing symptoms of allergic dermatitis or eczema, you don’t have to suffer in silence. The treatments available at our centers can help relieve itching, calm inflammation, and improve your skin’s health and appearance.
If you have any questions about dermatitis, eczema, allergy testing, or any of the services we offer, please don’t hesitate to call us today at (877) 878-9314 or fill out our contact form to request an appointment. We can help you schedule a visit with a specialist at any of our three convenient Maryland locations.
Allergic dermatitis often appears as red, itchy, inflamed skin that may blister, flake, or swell. It can develop after contact with a trigger like plants, metals, fragrances, or certain products. If your rash is persistent, spreading, or keeps coming back, an allergy specialist can help determine the cause.
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic skin condition linked to genetics, allergies, and asthma, while allergic contact dermatitis occurs after your skin touches a substance you’re allergic to. Both can cause itchy, irritated skin, but the triggers and treatment approaches may differ.
No. Allergic dermatitis and eczema are not contagious. You cannot catch them from another person.
Hives are often triggered by allergic reactions to foods, medications, insect stings, or infections. In some cases — especially chronic hives lasting more than six weeks — the cause may be related to an autoimmune process and should be evaluated by a specialist.
You should see a specialist if your rash or hives:
During a patch test, small amounts of common allergens are placed on your skin using adhesive patches. These stay in place for a few days so your specialist can check for a delayed skin reaction. This helps pinpoint the exact trigger of your dermatitis.
There is currently no permanent cure for eczema, but it can be effectively managed. With the right skincare routine, trigger avoidance, and medications when needed, many patients experience long periods without flare-ups.
For moderate to severe eczema that does not respond to standard treatments, advanced therapies like Dupixent® injections may be recommended. These medications target the immune response that causes inflammation and are typically given every two weeks.
If antihistamines don’t control chronic hives, specialists may recommend Xolair® injections, a treatment that targets IgE antibodies involved in allergic reactions. It is typically given once every four weeks and can significantly reduce symptoms.
Many patients begin to notice improvement soon after starting treatment, and in some cases, relief begins after the first visit. The timeline depends on the type and severity of your condition, but early diagnosis and targeted treatment can help speed improvement.
