Allergy & Asthma Center, P.C. – Allergists - Oregon

Welcome

Allergy & Asthma Center, P.C., is an allergy practice based in Eugene, Corvallis, and Roseburg, Oregon. Our practice includes allergists Candice M. Rohr, M.D. and Alice H.
Chou, M.D., and nurse practitioner Holly Morrison, F.N.P

Appointments are available in the following locations in Oregon:

An allergist is a physician trained to diagnose, treat, and manage asthma and allergies, whether they are related to or caused by foods, environmental factors (such as pollen), drugs, or topical substances. Conditions that an allergist commonly treats include the following:

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
Asthma
Dermatitis/eczema
Food allergies
Hives
Sinusitis

For your information, each month we feature a topic of interest to our readers. Please read our currenty Topic of the Month below. To read previous articles that we have featured, please visit our Topic of the Month page.

February 2010 Topic of the Month

Identifying Your Itch

During the colder months of the year, skin can appear dry, itchy, and red. This might not be just the weather. Red, bumpy, scaly, and itchy skin can be a sign of an allergic skin condition.

Two common allergic skin conditions are eczema and urticaria (hives). Knowing what they are and what signs to look for are important in the treatment of any skin condition.

What is eczema?
Eczema is an allergic skin condition. It is hereditary and is often associated with food allergies, asthma, and/or allergic rhinitis. All age groups are affected by eczema, and it most often affects the face, wrists, inside of the elbows, and backs of the knees.

What signs should I look for?

Itchy, red skin
Dry skin
Rash that tends to flare up, then go away for a while before coming back

What is the most effective treatment for eczema?

Moisturize frequently
Control the inflammation with topical corticosteroids or topical creams
Treat skin infections
Avoid environmental factors that trigger allergies (e.g., pollens, molds, dust mite, and animal dander)
Avoid sudden changes in temperature or humidity
Avoid sweating or overheating
Avoid irritants (tobacco smoke, pollution)
Reduce stress
Avoid scratch materials (e.g., wool or other irritants)
Avoid harsh soaps, detergents, and solvents
Be aware of any foods that may cause an outbreak and avoid those foods
A key component of treatment is a partnership that includes the patient, family members, and doctor

What is urticaria?
Urticaria (hives) is red, itchy, and raised areas of the skin varying in shapes and sizes. Hives are the result of histamine and other compounds that are released from mast cells. Hives tend to break out in clusters. Clusters of hives typically fade away and clear up within two to 48 hours as new clusters appear on other areas of the skin.

What signs should I look for?

Red welts on the body that resemble mosquito bites
Itching
Patches that usually grow and recede in less than a day

What is the most effective treatment for hives?

Avoidance of known allergens
Antihistamines
Oatmeal bath
Injection of epinephrine – used if airway is swollen
Corticosteroids – used in more severe cases

Many people suffer from allergic skin conditions year around; but if proper treatments are taken, you can help reduce or prevent future outbreaks.

Whenever you have an unusual rash, make sure to contact an allergist/immunologist, who will work with you to determine whether it is caused by an allergy, irritant, or other trigger.

Reprinted with permission from the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology

We hope you find this website helpful and ask that you bookmark this page for your future reference. Please contact us with questions or to request an appointment.