NetWellness Allergies

Help with patch test results!

Jonathan Bernstein MD — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:10:00 EST

Question: I have recently been patch tested due to dermatitis/eczema of the scalp, face, inside the ears and vagina. I have had three positive results to Dodecyl gallate, Thimerosal and Abitol. I am dyslexic and having a night mare trying to look for these things in all topical products, is there any way of f . . .

Answer:

You doctor if he/she used the true test should have a sheet of paper associated with each positive patch test that lists products that contain the sensitizing agents. I would get this information from them. Unfortunately, at that point it is all about reading labels to make sure you d . . .

Ask an Expert: Jonathan Bernstein MD, Allergies

CT Scan Contrast Allergy

Jonathan Bernstein MD — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:10:00 EST

Question: I had a CT scan for Ischemic colitis on Sunday morning about 4 a.m. On Monday evening I broke out in an itchy red rash on my upper body. It has not improved. I have been given Benadryl and released from the hospital for the colitis. Is this normal for an allergy to the CT scan contrast medication?

Answer:

This is a well recognized reaction. Usually it is more immediate at the time of the procedure but can be delayed as in your case. Provided there are no other causes for this rash in the future you should only get contrast if absolutely necessary. If it is then use low osmolality . . .

Ask an Expert: Jonathan Bernstein MD, Allergies

Angioedema-can it come on by illness?

I. Bernstein MD — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:09:00 EST

Question: I`ve read the majority of times, angioderma is allergy-related. But can it also appear from a recent illness or if immune system is compromised by HPV? I`m a 60y old female who has never had hives of any kind. Just recently been diagnosed with high risk HPV and dysplasia. Last week got the flu (feve . . .

Answer: From your history the swellings are most likely associated with the recent viral infection. It is unlikely that HPV is involved. If lesions persist for several weeks, consultation is warranted.

Ask an Expert: I. Bernstein MD, Allergies

Allergic reactions

Jonathan Bernstein MD — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 10:09:00 EST

Question: I am curious as to why my body reacts differently to allergies. For example, sometimes my eyes are itchy or I have nasal symptoms and other times my asthma acts up. Does it depend on the allergen?

Thanks

Answer: It can depend on the allergen, the exposure route and duration of exposure. All allergens can cause upper or lower respiratory symptoms in sensitized individuals. You should see an allergist/immunologist for further evaluation and treatment.

Ask an Expert: Jonathan Bernstein MD, Allergies

Spots and periods

Jonathan Bernstein MD — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:09:00 EST

Question: I have been getting hives on and off for years for not knowen reason they say stress etc. But now for the past 5 months I have been getting hives a couple days before my menstural cycle starts and they will last 2-3 days before they go away. They get worse during this time and then will stay even a . . .

Answer:

Urticaria or hives can get worse around the menstrual cycle. Most causes of chronic hives are idiopathic or of unknown cause. However, I would see an allergist/immunologist who can evaluate and treat you more thoroughly for the hives.

Ask an Expert: Jonathan Bernstein MD, Allergies

Swollen eyes

I. Bernstein MD — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:09:00 EST

Question: My son is in fire school..they have to wear all this gear and do exercises with this on in the heat for hours(we live in s fl) today his eyes turned blood red and he felt his eyes were starting to swell shut..he did have this happen to him around 15 years ago..when playing football..is this caused b . . .

Answer: Your son needs to be evaluated more thoroughly about his heat- induced symptoms. An allergist should be consulted and after the diagnosis is confirmed, proper treatment will be instituted.

Ask an Expert: I. Bernstein MD, Allergies

Not ragweed

I. Bernstein MD — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 17:09:00 EST

Question: i have allergies once a year during the end of august through the beginning of october. i don`t think it`s ragweed because i`ll have a good day when ragweed is up and a "bad" day when it is down.

Answer: Your symptoms directly parallel the ragweed season in the eastern part of the United States. The ragweed count always lags one day behind. In addition climatic factors such rainfall and prevailing wind direction may have profound effects on day-to-day pollen counting. The height and location of the . . .

Ask an Expert: I. Bernstein MD, Allergies

Allergies

I. Bernstein MD — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:08:00 EST

Question: Is it possible for allergies or sinuses to cause dry skin?

Answer: Dry skin is often associated with allergic skin rashes such as atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis but not sinusitis.

Ask an Expert: I. Bernstein MD, Allergies

Does dye reaction have underlying cause?

Jonathan Bernstein MD — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 22:08:00 EST

Question: I read that the is a type of leukemia (c.l.l.?) that may be an underlying disease in people who have a severe reaction to i.v. contrast dye? Have you heard of this?

Answer: No. To my knowledge these is no risk factor for radiocontrast media reactions other than a previous history of a reaction. Having CLL does not increase the risk for RCM reactions.

Ask an Expert: Jonathan Bernstein MD, Allergies

Chronic idiopathic angioedema

I. Bernstein MD — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:08:00 EST

Question: I have been diagnosed with Chronic Idiopathic Angioedema. I have had this about 7yrs. It has a sudden onset, my eyes, face aand throat swells. I get a red area on the front of my throat, swelling, raspy voice and sometimes I slur what words I can form. My face becomes extremely red and will welt. My . . .

Answer: It is difficult to advise you further without knowing the details of your evaluation There are unusual forms of this serious problem and all of them should be pursued. Your primary care doctor should determine if additional opinions would be helpful.

Ask an Expert: I. Bernstein MD, Allergies