Skin
Atopic dermatitis, also called eczema, is a common skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It often starts in childhood but can affect people of any age. Eczema is not contagious.
Common symptoms:
• Dry, red, or scaly patches of skin
• Itching, which can be severe
• Sometimes, the skin may crack or ooze
How to manage eczema:
• Use gentle, fragrance-free, dye-free moisturizers every day to keep skin hydrated
• Avoid things that irritate your skin, like harsh soaps, fragrances, or scratchy fabrics
• Take short, lukewarm showers or baths
• Use any prescribed creams or ointments as directed
• Try not to scratch, as this can make eczema worse and may cause secondary infections.
Eczema can come and go, with periods of flare-ups. With good skin care and treatment, most people can control their symptoms and keep their skin healthy.
How are allergies related to eczema?
Food Allergies and Atopic Dermatitis: Clearing Up a Common Myth
Many people believe eczema is caused by food allergies, but current medical evidence shows that food allergy does not cause atopic dermatitis. Eczema is a skin-barrier condition—not a food-driven one. Most children and adults with eczema do not have a food allergy, and removing foods from the diet usually does not improve the skin.
It’s very common for people with atopic dermatitis to blame foods for their flare-ups—but most eczema flares are not caused by food allergies. In fact, many patients continue to have worsening skin even when they completely avoid a suspected food allergen.
Think about it this way: If you’re having an eczema flare while avoiding the food you’re worried about, is it truly a food allergy? Most of the time, the answer is no.
Eczema flares happen because the skin barrier is sensitive and easily irritated, not because of what you’re eating. Triggers like weather changes, stress, infections, fragrances, detergents, and dry skin are far more common causes of flare-ups than food.
Food allergy testing is only helpful when there is a clear, immediate reaction to a specific food (like hives, vomiting, swelling, or difficulty breathing). Avoiding foods unnecessarily can actually make things worse—both for nutrition and long-term allergy risk.
Atopic dermatitis (eczema) and allergies are closely connected. People with eczema have a weaker skin barrier, which makes it easier for things like pollen, pet dander, or certain foods to get into the skin and cause irritation. This can lead to allergic reactions and may increase the risk of developing other allergies, such as asthma, hay fever, or food allergies.
Not everyone with eczema has allergies, but having eczema can make you more likely to develop them. Taking good care of your skin—by keeping it moisturized and avoiding things that irritate it—can help reduce flare-ups and may lower your risk of allergies.
If your eczema is not improving or is getting worse, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team at Asthma, Allergy & Immunology can help you feel good and look good!
Angioedema – what is it!?
Angioedema is sudden swelling under the skin, most commonly affecting the face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, and feet. Swelling can come on quickly, last 24–72 hours, and may recur. It can also affect the GI tract, causing abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Angioedema can have many causes. Some allergies—such as reactions to foods, medications, or insect stings—can cause angioedema, and these episodes usually occur soon after the trigger. However, most types of angioedema do NOT respond to typical allergy medications like antihistamines or steroids. When swelling does not improve with allergy treatment, it is a strong sign that the cause may not be allergic.
One important non-allergic type is Hereditary Angioedema (HAE), a rare genetic condition. HAE causes repeated episodes of swelling in the skin, stomach, or throat, and these attacks can be painful or dangerous if breathing is affected. HAE is not caused by allergies—it happens because the body has too little or poorly functioning C1 inhibitor, leading to a buildup of bradykinin, which causes swelling. Attacks may be triggered by stress, illness, injury, dental work, or certain medications, and the condition runs in families.
Common symptoms include:
• Swelling of the hands, feet, face, or genitals
• Severe abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting
• Throat swelling, which is a medical emergency
At Asthma, Allergy & Immunology P.A., we determine whether your angioedema is allergic, non-allergic, or hereditary, and create a personalized treatment plan to help prevent and manage future episodes—improving your comfort, safety, and quality of life.
If you’re experiencing unexplained swelling, contact us today for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment. Relief and clarity starts here.
Hives are raised, itchy, red, or skin-colored welts that appear suddenly and typically disappear within 24 hours. They are caused by the releases of histamine, causing blood vessels to leak and skin to swell. Common triggers include foods, medications, insect bites, infections, stress, heat, cold, pressure, or exercise; often, the cause remains unknown.
Hives can also be caused by autoimmune thyroid diseases, such as Hashimoto’s and other autoimmune conditions, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. These diseases can trigger hives through autoantibodies that activate mast cells and release histamine. Hives from autoimmune diseases are often chronic and may improve with thyroid hormone therapy or other immune treatments.
Most hives are harmless and can be treated with antihistamines. However, seek urgent care if you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or dizziness.
Hives are raised, itchy, red or skin-colored bumps that can appear anywhere on the body. They often come and go quickly and may last for a few hours or days.
Evaluation:
• Our team will ask about your symptoms, possible triggers (like foods, medications, or infections), and your medical history.
• Sometimes, allergy testing or blood tests may be done if the cause isn’t clear or if hives keep coming back.
Treatment:
• Most hives go away on their own.
• Taking a non-drowsy antihistamine can help relieve itching and swelling.
• Avoid known triggers if you can identify them.
• For severe hives or swelling (especially if you have trouble breathing or swelling of the lips/tongue), seek medical help right away.
Most cases of hives are not serious and can be managed with simple treatments. If your hives last more than a few days or keep coming back, let us know!
Our aim is for you to feel better and look better – for an improved quality of life that you deserve.
Patch testing is a specialized skin test used to determine whether a substance that comes into contact with your skin is causing a delayed allergic reaction, known as allergic contact dermatitis. This type of allergy is different from seasonal allergies or food allergies. Patch testing helps identify everyday triggers such as fragrances, preservatives, metals, dyes, rubber chemicals, topical medications, or ingredients in personal care products.
How Patch Testing Works (Typical Procedure)
1. First Visit – Patch Application Small amounts of common allergens are placed on adhesive patches. These patches are carefully applied to your back. They stay in place for 48 hours, so you cannot shower, sweat heavily, or get them wet.
During this visit – you only see the nurse.
2. Second Visit – 48-Hour Removal You return to the clinic to have the patches removed. Your provider will mark the test areas and check for early reactions. Some reactions take longer to appear, so this is only the first reading.
3. Third Visit – 72–96 Hour Final Reading You come back again for the final reading. Your provider looks for red, itchy, bumpy, or blister-like reactions that indicate a contact allergy. This final visit is the most important because delayed reactions often appear at this time.
Sometimes, these reactions may occur in between visit readings. In this case, we encourage you to monitor your back at home and take photos of a suspected reaction for review at the next appointment.
What Patch Testing Tells You
Patch testing can identify the exact substances your skin reacts to, helping you know what to avoid and how to prevent future rashes, flares, or chronic dermatitis.
Meet Our Doctor
Imtiaz Ahmed, MD.
Board certified in Asthma, Allergy, Immunology and Pediatrics
With over 30 years of experience, Asthma, Allergy & Immunology P.A. is a leader in immunological medicine. With two convenient locations
