How patch testing helps Crystal Lake area specialists in diagnosing allergies causing rashes

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How patch testing helps Crystal Lake area specialists in diagnosing allergies causing rashes

For patients suffering from allergies, patch testing is a way for doctors to determine which particular substances are causing symptoms. During a patch test, your skin will be exposed to small levels of known allergy causing substances (allergens). These areas will then be looked at for signs of reaction. By finding the cause of your allergic reaction, our team is able to come up with a treatment plan to help you manage, reduce, or eliminate symptoms.

Skin patch testing can be done for a variety of allergic conditions, including:

  • Dermatitis (rashes)
  • Food allergies
  • Drug allergies
  • Latex allergies

During your initial appointment, our team will ask you questions about your medical history, your symptoms, and your methods for alleviating those symptoms. We will also perform a physical exam.

It is important to disclose any medications you are taking prior to patch testing. Certain medicines can prevent accurate results and others may aggravate an allergic reaction, this will be reviewed at the doctor’s office.

The patch test requires patients to wear a patch with the allergen on the skin for a period of 48 hours. Patients are encouraged to avoid bathing and activities that can cause severe sweating. After 48 hours, you will return to our office to have the patches removed. If the skin underneath a patch is irritated, it may indicate an allergy.

Once we have determined the cause of your allergy symptoms, we will work with you to come up with a treatment plan to manage them.

Patch testing is a great tool because it is a highly monitored, low risk way to determine the cause of allergic reactions. It can be used on everyone from infants to adults.

If you live in the Crystal Lake area and you would like to learn more about patch testing or other ways to test for allergies, call us today to schedule a consultation.

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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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