Get relief from allergy-related rashes in Vernon Hills area with specialist expertise

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Get relief from allergy-related rashes in Vernon Hills area with specialist expertise

There are many types of rashes with many different causes. Typically characterized by bumps, itching, and redness, rashes may be attributed to illnesses such as the chicken pox and measles, friction, excessive exposure to moisture or heat, and poison ivy and other plants.

Eczema and hives are rashes that also represent the most common skin conditions, and both are related to allergies. When your immune system mistakenly perceives a substance such as a food, medication, or insect sting as harmful, it attacks the perceived offender by releasing histamines and other chemicals. Skin inflammation is one of the ways your immune system reacts when exposed to an allergen.

While eczema generally manifests as an itchy rash, atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. It is also characterized by dryness and the tendency to blister and ooze should the area be scratched. Triggers include certain foods, animal dander, and dust mites.

A rash caused by contact with certain substances is known as contact dermatitis. Irritants such as detergents, solvents, and adhesives can produce a rash that is more painful than itchy. Nickel, latex, perfumes, and dyes may be problematic and produce itchy, red bumps and blistering.

Hives often start as itchy patches that turn into swollen red welts. They may appear anywhere on the body. Acute hives come and go for a few days or a few weeks at a time while chronic sufferers may have episodes that last for months or even years. Also called urticaria, this common condition has many triggers, including:

  • Food, especially peanuts, eggs, or shellfish
  • Penicillin and other medications
  • Stings or bites from some insects
  • Animal dander
  • Pollen

Environmental factors such as stress can make hives even worse. Since not all skin rashes are caused by allergies, Dr. Noga Askenazi and staff can determine the cause of your symptoms with tests that include exposing your skin to small amounts of a suspected trigger in a controlled, safe manner to see how the area reacts. Generally, a red bump at the site is indicative of an allergic reaction.

If you are suffering from allergy-related rashes in the Vernon Hills area, Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates and Food Allergy Center of Illinois will relieve your symptoms with a tailored treatment regimen, which may include:

  • Suggestions for avoidance
  • Lifestyle-oriented recommendations
  • Effective products to soothe skin and reduce inflammation
  • Prescription medications
  • Quick relief medications such as epinephrine delivery devices
  • Immunotherapy to retrain the immune system to tolerate the offending substance

Call (847) 888-8802 to schedule a consultation at one of Dr. Askenazi’s two conveniently located offices in Crystal Lake and Elgin.

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Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates

Meredith Cirrincione | Dr. Noga Askenazi

Amy Schack, a distinguished board-certified Physician Associate, brings a wealth of expertise to patient care. Specializing in allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma, and rashes, Amy is renowned for her commitment to excellence and compassionate approach. With a background in immediate care and orthopedics, she holds a Master's in Physician Assistant studies from Midwestern University and a Bachelor of Science from Northern Illinois University. A member of esteemed professional associations, including the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Association of PAs in Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, Amy Schack instills confidence, ensuring you can trust her unwavering dedication to your health and well-being.


Meredith Cirrincione is a board certified Physician Assistant and specializes in treating allergies, with a focus on asthma, rashes, environmental allergies, chemical and food allergies. She holds a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from The Chicago Medical School - Rosalind Franklin University of Health Sciences. She is a Fellow member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Association of PAs in Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. She likes to approach things holistically. She is a strong patient advocate and adored by her patients. She enjoys singing, reading, cooking, and the great outdoors.


Dr. Noga Askenazi is a nationally recognized asthma and allergy specialist who is board certified in pediatric and adult allergy. Her areas of special interest are innovative treatment of rashes, sinusitis, food allergies, asthma and immune disorders. She was past President of the ISAAI (Illinois Society of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology), works on state and national committees for advancement of the allergy field and is a consultant for Advocate, Ascension Health, Northwestern amongst other health care systems. Her joy is helping patients reach their goals after together determining best treatments. Her staff and patients are a chosen family, and she invests in their happiness. She enjoys gardening, biking and cooking to good music.


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