Patch testing provides a diagnosis for children’s allergies in Crystal Lake

Posted By: Noga Askenazi M.D. | Published On: Nov 1, 2017 | Patch Testing

Pediatric contact dermatitis has become increasingly popular with positive results in over 40 percent of children. If your child often gets an itchy rash, your doctor may recommend patch testing to determine the cause. With offices in Elgin and Crystal Lake, Doctors of Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates S.C. and Food Allergy Center of Illinois are available to perform patch testing for allergies.

Patch testing for contact dermatitis

Patch tests are used to diagnose contact dermatitis. There are two types, allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis is caused when your skin contacts an allergen. Your body reacts by sending out antibodies and chemicals such as histamines to counteract the foreign substance. This causes the red, itchy rash of an allergic reaction. Common causes of allergic contact dermatitis include:

Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac
Nickel, often found in jewelry
Latex
Fragrant products
Medications used on the skin

What to expect

Prior to medical appointments, it is important to prepare your child so he or she knows what to expect. Patch testing is non-invasive and is not painful. An area of the skin, usually the back, is prepared and cleansed. Potential allergens are placed on the skin. Each area is then covered and sealed to keep it from contacting anything else. In 48-72 hours, the patient returns to the office. The tape is removed and the areas of the skin are examined to determine if a reaction to the specific allergens has occurred. Redness, blisters, or welts indicate an allergic reaction and are a step toward treating the problem.

If you suspect your child has contact dermatitis caused by allergies, call (847) 888-8802 for patch testing to make an appointment today.

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Meredith Cirrincione, MS, PA-C

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.

Noga Askenazi M.D.

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.

Susan Bockman, FNP

Susan Bockman is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner who specializes in treating asthma, allergies, and related skin conditions. With both personal and professional experience in managing allergies, she brings a compassionate and holistic approach to patient care. Susan earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Northern Illinois University and is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society in Nursing. She is deeply committed to supporting families and individuals through comprehensive, empathetic care. Outside the clinic, she enjoys genealogy, long walks with audiobooks, antiquing, and watching football with her family.