Even if something gives us an allergic reaction, most of us can’t help ourselves from enjoying the allergen – such as eating certain foods, petting furry animals, or hanging out with friends in the pollution-filled city.
Once you have an allergic reaction, your skin may start to get reddish and patchy. Perhaps you’re suddenly getting this reaction, and you’ve never been allergic before.
But who should you visit to have this treated, a dermatologist or an allergist? Let’s take a look at these two different types of medical specializations and who would be best to diagnose and treat your sudden skin reaction.
When to See an Allergist or a Dermatologist
If you are experiencing one or more of the following, consult an allergist:
- A sudden rash on your body
- Red, inflamed, itchy skin (such as eczema and hives)
- Seasonal nasal congestion and hay fever
- Frequent asthma attacks
- Food sensitivities
- Unusual physical reactions to certain things
However, if you are experiencing any of the issues below, consult a dermatologist:
- Severe acne
- Skin or nail infections
- Hair loss
- Age spots
- Wrinkles
- A sudden spot, mole, or growth on or below the skin
Allergists vs. Dermatologists
An allergist is a physician who diagnoses and treats health conditions that appear suddenly or occasionally. You may have skin reactions or respiratory reactions that arise due to allergies of many kinds, including from pollen, food, mold, or dander. You may also see an allergist for asthma.
A dermatologist, on the other hand, specializes in diagnosing and treating issues of the skin. This can include the hair, nails, and mucous membranes (lips, nose, eyes). It is a good idea to have an annual dermatological checkup to help prevent skin cancer; dermatologists frequently treat acne, psoriasis, and rosacea.
What Do They Do Every Day?
While general dermatologists treat and manage skin conditions, some of them specialize in cosmetic procedures. Some dermatologists formulate products that can help diminish signs of aging and improve the appearance of blemishes or scars. They can also perform procedures such as liposuction for fat loss, cold therapy for reducing pockets of fat, and injectables such as Botox or collagen for more youthful skin.
Allergists are trained to identify triggers for allergic reactions. They have several types of equipment and procedures to conduct allergy testing on a patient in order to determine what is causing the patient’s rash or red skin patches (or respiratory reactions). An allergy test uses tiny amounts of known allergens in the patient’s skin to look for a reaction; if there is a reaction in a certain spot, the allergen is identified – and treatment can begin.
Allergy Doctors in Chicagoland
No one wants to scratch and sneeze every day. If you are starting to get unusual rashes or red patches on your skin, consult with an allergy specialist to receive an appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Our board-certified doctors here at Oak Brook Allergists can help you resolve your allergy problems once and for all. We have four locations in the Chicago area for your convenience.
To schedule an appointment with one of our caring allergists, contact us today by calling us at (630) 574-0460 or by filling out our online appointment request form now. We look forward to helping you get back in the clear!
