Treatments bring relief to Crystal Lake residents suffering from skin rash

Treatments bring relief to Crystal Lake residents suffering from skin rash

Skin folds that rub against each other, heat and moisture, psoriasis, fungal infections, viruses, and seemingly innumerable other conditions can cause uncomfortable and unsightly rashes.

Allergies alone are responsible for many different types of rashes. It can’t be said enough that allergic rashes may seem like a minor problem, but they can be associated with far more serious medical conditions, depending on the type of allergy.

Hives

Also called urticaria, this skin reaction ranges from itchy dots to blotches several inches around. They are frequently associated with emotional stress. Foods, however, can trigger this disruptive condition. Common culprits include fish and shellfish, peanuts and tree nuts, eggs, and milk. Substances such as pollen, animal dander, latex, and stinging insect venom may be offenders, as are drugs such as penicillin, aspirin, and ibuprofen.

If your symptoms are particularly disruptive, antihistamines, corticosteroids, and other drugs may help ease the itch and redness. Severe hives and swelling may require emergency injection of epinephrine, and Dr. Askenazi can prescribe an epinephrine delivery device to be carried with you in the event of an emergency.

Atopic dermatitis

You may know this type of condition as eczema. A severe itching that often flares at night, red to brownish-gray patches of dryness and scaling, and red bumps that may fill with fluid and leak.

Eggs, milk, peanuts, soybeans, fish, and wheat are thought to be triggers, especially among children. Other potential allergens include dust and pollen, and you should practice avoidance of these items when possible as well as take steps to minimize these triggers with special cleaning and other lifestyle modifications, such as humidifiers.

Creams can help to control itching, reduce inflammation, and repair skin that may have become raw from scratching. Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates and Food Allergy Center of Illinois may fight the itch and control inflammation over the short term by prescribing other drugs. Longer-term steps may include, as applicable, controlled exposure to gradually increasing amounts of offending substances to retrain the immune system to tolerate the allergen.

Allergic contact dermatitis

It’s common for those with eczema also to have this uncomfortable dryness, cracking, scaling, swelling, burning, redness and blistering. Unlike irritant contact dermatitis frequently associated with industrial solvents and chemicals used in the workplace, its allergic counterpart is often more itchy than painful. Common allergens include latex, perfumes, dyes, nickel, and ingredients in antibiotic creams such as neomycin. Many of the same treatments and preventive measures mentioned for the other conditions listed above are applicable to allergic contact dermatitis. Prescription steroid creams may also help.

Our specialists can’t connect you with effective skin rash treatments in Crystal Lake until they know for sure which allergen is to blame. There are still other allergy related or triggered sources of rashes, which include rosacea. Call (847) 888-8802 to schedule an appointment in Crystal Lake. Our offices in Elgin are also conveniently located nearby.

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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.