At certain times of the year, changes in weather and our surrounding plant life can be quite dreadful for seasonal allergy sufferers. If you also happen to live in an agricultural area, as we do here in Camarillo, industrial activities such as grading, plowing, spraying of pesticides and harvesting can expose you to a variety of allergens that can wreak havoc on your head, neck and chest. It is important to consider these factors, on both the patient’s and the provider’s part, when receiving aesthetic treatments as they can have some effect on the outcome. Let’s discuss some of the treatments and considerations we come across in practice.
Allergy Testing Methods
Allergies are a common medical complaint; every year millions of Americans visit their dermatologist for skin allergy testing and treatment. Allergies can range from a mild annoyance to a serious medical condition that affects your health and well being. If you suffer from allergies, skin rashes, or dermatitis in Georgia, your dermatologist at Dermatology & Skin Cancer Prevention Center can help you determine your allergy triggers and develop an ongoing treatment plan for better health and quality of life.
Types of Allergy Testing
Dermatologist have access to various allergy testing methods to determine the causes of allergies. During allergy testing, several potential allergens are tested at the same time via skin application.
• Scratch or prick allergy test: your dermatologist will scratch or prick a small area of skin and apply drops of known substance. If you are allergic to particular triggers, you will develop localized swelling, itching or redness in the affected areas.
• Intradermal allergy test: involves injecting a small amount of possible allergen beneath your skin. Similar to a scratch test, you will develop a reaction only in the areas tested.
Allergy therapy aims to improve comfort by addressing the symptoms associated with allergies, such as skin rashes and itchy skin, sneezing, congestion, eye irritation, and headaches. Dermatology & Skin Cancer Prevention Center offers allergy testing and treatment to address allergies. We offer treatment for seasonal allergies, allergic contact, dermatitis, eczema, hives, and other skin conditions that affect your appearance and comfort.
Reasons to Consider Allergy Shots
Allergy shots also called immunotherapy introduces small amounts of an allergen directly into your body. Over a period of time, these shots desensitize the immune system to your specific allergic triggers, lessening or eliminating the symptoms of your allergies.
• Allergy shots are often desirable for patients who can not avoid their allergic triggers. Triggers that may be difficult to avoid include dust mites, pollen, mole, stinging insects, and common fragrances or chemicals.
