Eczema affects more than the skin.
Many people believe that Atopic Dermatitis (also known as allergic eczema) is a problem limited to the skin. However, digging deeper will reveal that eczema is very much a problem that affects much more than the skin. Eczema is associated with other allergic disorders (that …
The itch that rashes!
Itch-scratch-itch-scratch……..Your young child is scratching constantly! The areas being scratched are becoming red, dry, cracked and now oozing. The rash is worsening This is atopic dermatitis (allergic eczema)! In this issue of Montana Parent magazine on page 40, http://digital.turn-page.com/i/455731 , you can find some interesting facts …
Poinsettia Pitfalls for the Allergic Prone!
The poinsettia plant also known as Euphorbia pulcherrima is one species of the diverse Spurge family that is native to Mexico and Central America. The bright red and green leaves make it an especially delightful decoration during the Christmas season. The common name comes from …
Can you have an allergic reaction to the cold?
Yes, but I’m not referring to snowbirds who leave the northern states to winter in Arizona or Florida. I’m referring to the development of hives and itching after you have been exposed to cold temperatures. Cold-induced urticaria (hives) is a type of “physical” urticaria. Other …
Mosquitoes; how to prevent them from biting!
It is mosquito season as I sit on my porch watching these mini-vampires hover over me and my laptop. The problem with mosquito bites is: Transmission of infections: West Nile Virus: there are more than 1 infection per 100,000 people in Montana. St. Louis encephalitis …
It seems like anything can cause hives, even the sun! Solar urticaria.
Did you know that the sun can trigger an outbreak of hives? Although rare, this is indeed true! This is known as Solar Urticaria. This is a type of “physical” urticaria or hives triggered by exposure to visible and ultra-violet light (UV radiation). It was …
The 3 Points of Poison Ivy
In this month’s issue of Montana Parent magazine, I review some key information regarding poison ivy. The “3 points” of poison ivy refers not only to the “leaves of 3” but also to the following key issues: Identifying poison ivy: this can be tricky, even …
Asthma drug removes the itch from chronic hives!
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) just approved Xolair (Omalizumab) for the treatment of chronic hives. Xolair is a product of Novartis and Genentech that “binds up and removes” the allergic antibody IgE from the system. This is the FIRST approved treatment for hives since …
keratosis pilaris: all you need to know about chicken bumps!
Keratosis pilaris, also called KP for short, is a common skin finding in young children through young adults (50-80%) although it can occur at any age. It looks like “chicken skin” bumps. The small white, red or flesh colored bumps typically do not hurt …
Gold, Silver and Bronze Allergies
Gold: Gold allergy was found to be present in up to 9% of patients with dermatitis who underwent allergy patchy testing. Most of these individuals were women with rashes on the hands, face and eyelids. About 1/3 of these patients also had nickel allergy and …