Allergy deals with the production of chemical substances in the body to attempt to ward off any foreign or unrecognized (by the body) substance. These are called ANTIBODIES and may be localized (initially) or generalized and circulating (ultimately). After exposure a time period is required for these ANTIBODIES to develop in the lymphatic system. This usually is one week to one month for these agents to begin to appear. Once that has been done, on subsequent exposure the specific ANTIBODY will link with the exposing substance (called the ANTIGEN) when it reappears. This linkage causes release of histamine which produces redness, itching and swelling (essentially a hive (called urticaria).

This may take place in the skin by contact with various agents (e.g., poison ivy) or systemically by taking medications by mouth or by injection (e.g., penicillin). While these two familiar agents are used in discussion. there are myriads of substances that can and do cause such reactions, ONE MUST BE EXPOSED PREVIOUSLY TO HAVE STARTED THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ANTIBODIES FOR THE REACTION TO OCCUR.

If this is on the skin surface, it is called ALLERGIC CONTACT DERMATITIS. It is possible to have contact dermatitis due to irritation (no antibodies are present under this condition). This condition can be quickly and readily treated. Once the condition has abated, ALLERGY PATCH TESTING can be done to determine the cause of the condition if it is not obvious.

If medications are involved, it is possible to ferret out the offending substance by physician/patient discussion.

We are all familiar with the conditions of Hay Fever and Asthma. Another condition not as well known is called Atopic Dermatitis (the so-called skin manifestation of Hay Fever). This may begin as Infantile Eczema in infancy where the whole body is affected with rash and itching. After a year or more, the eruption tends to settle in the flexures of the upper and lower extremities and about the neck. The armpits are also involved at times. The symptoms are often seasonal (occasionally year round).

With these latter conditions it is possible to do PRICK TESTS which are small scratches on the skin to allow the ALLERGENS applied thereto to mix with the serum from the scratch. Here also is a combination of ANTIGEN and ANTIBODY with the resultant release of histamine and production of redness and swelling (a positive reaction in varying degrees depending on the extent of the allergy). These tests are done with foods and inhalants.

From these tests one can say what foods to avoid. Further, positive reactions to pollens, epidermals, fungus elements, etc. can be addressed by administration of specific antigens in small doses by injections such that hyposensitization will occur and the patient’s symptoms diminished and controlled thereby decreasing or omitting the need for medications. This usually takes a period of time with the injections being stretched out during that time. Once the maintenance dosage has been determined the injections may be taken at the office or given at home by one who is able to do so.

If you would like an appointment or more information on this condition and treatment, you may call our office at:
504-885-8363 or 504-524-9621.

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