Allergies are immune system responses to substances that are typically harmless to most people. These substances, known as allergens, can include pollen, dust mites, pet dander, certain foods, or medications.
When an allergic person is exposed to an allergen, their immune system overreacts, producing antibodies and releasing chemicals like histamine, which cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
The doctor examines your skin, understands your allergy pattern, and checks for triggers such as environmental factors, certain foods, or medications.
A treatment plan is created using the right combination of medicines, skincare guidance, and procedures if needed.
Regular follow-up helps track improvement, adjust the plan, and prevent future breakouts or scarring.
Urticaria: It is a kind of skin rash notable for pale red, raised, itchy bumps. It results from an inflammation of the skin triggered when the immune system releases histamine. This causes small blood vessels to leak, which leads to swelling in the skin. There are two kinds of urticaria: acute (occurs for 6 weeks and less) and chronic (more than 2 or more months). Acute urticarial can be triggered by various causes, such as heat, cold or exercise. Chronic urticaria (lasting more than six weeks) is rarely caused by specific allergy triggers and so allergy tests are usually not helpful. Chronic urticaria can last for many months, and or be recurrent for longer periods of time. Although they are often uncomfortable and sometimes painful, urticarial is not contagious.
Contact Dermatitis: Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when your skin comes in direct contact with an allergen. For instance, if you have a nickel allergy and your skin comes in contact with jewellery made with even a very small amount of nickel, you may develop red, bumpy, scaly, itchy or swollen skin at the point of contact.
Stinging Insect Allergies: Bee, wasp, yellow jacket, hornet, or fire ant stings are the insect stings that most often trigger allergies. However, most people are not allergic to insect stings and may mistake a normal localized skin sting reaction for a generalized allergic reaction.
The severity of an insect sting reaction varies from person to person. It is a normal reaction to have pain, swelling, and redness around the sting site. Sometimes there can also be a large local reaction with swelling at the sting site.
If you think you might be allergic to stinging insects, an accurate diagnosis and allergy test is essential so that you can be prepared for such a life-threatening reaction.
Spice Allergies: Another food allergy that is less known, and sometimes harder to detect, are spice allergies which occur in up to 2% of the population. Those with a greater risk for spice allergies include people with other types of allergies as well as those who work with food, for example, restaurant chefs, home cooks, factory and farm workers, and people who make or use certain cosmetic and home products that contain spices.
A large range of plant derived products are used as spices (dried seeds, fruits, root, bark) and herbs (leaves), often varying widely around the world and are used in various cuisines. Although spices and herbs are usually only added in small quantities to add flavour to foods, this may be sufficient to trigger adverse reactions.
It is possible to perform allergy testing to many spices.
Seasonal and perennial allergies: Millions of people throughout the country suffer from allergies – both the seasonal and perennial (or year round) variety – from allergic triggers in our environment. Perennial (or year-round) allergies are often caused by common indoor triggers such as dust mites, mould, pets and cockroaches and are the body’s physical reactions to inhaled airborne allergy triggering proteins, known as “allergens.” These perennial, or year-round, allergy sufferers deal with stuffy or runny noses, itchy eyes, sneezing, and wheezing all year long. Others suffer from seasonal allergies from trees, grasses, or weeds.
Symptoms may occur in the spring, summer or early fall or, in some individuals who suffer from tree, grass and weed allergies, from early spring through the first frost.
Food Allergies: Allergic reactions to food can range from a mild itchy mouth to a severe, life-threatening reaction. Food allergy symptoms usually develop within a few minutes to two hours after eating the offending food. The most common food allergy signs and symptoms include:
However, in some people, a food allergy can trigger a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This can cause life-threatening signs and symptoms, including:
Emergency treatment is critical for anaphylaxis. Suspected food allergies should always be evaluated, diagnosed, and treated by a qualified medical professional, such as a board-certified allergist. Do not diagnose a food allergy on your own. Self-diagnosis can lead to unnecessary dietary restrictions and inadequate nutrition, especially in children. Additionally, some people think they are allergic to a food when they actually have another type of food disorder, such as food intolerance, and treatment may differ.
We can guide you through allergy care, treatment options, and what results to expect from your plan.
Below are a few common questions that patients ask before starting allergy treatment.
An allergy is a harmful immune response to a substance that is typically harmless to most people. These substances, known as allergens, can include pollen, dust mites, certain foods, or medications. When someone with an allergy encounters an allergen, their immune system overreacts, leading to various symptoms.
Allergy symptoms can significantly impact your quality of life, causing discomfort, sleep disturbances, and even severe reactions in some cases. Early and proper treatment can help manage symptoms effectively and prevent complications.
Allergies can develop due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. If you have a family history of allergies, you may be more susceptible. Exposure to certain allergens over time can also trigger an allergic response.
Yes, there are several strategies to manage allergies:
Yes! Allergies can be effectively managed and symptoms can be controlled. However, there is no single one-size-fits-all treatment, as triggers and severity vary from person to person. Our allergy clinic focuses on identifying your specific triggers and tailoring treatment according to your needs. Nowadays we have a wide range of allergy management options. To achieve the best results, you are advised to follow the complete treatment protocol as recommended by your doctor.
In short, our Allergy clinic protocol consists of: