Skin Allergy Specialist in Silver Spring, Maryland

Skin allergies can cause redness, itching, swelling, dryness, welts, and rashes triggered by contact with substances, foods, environmental allergens, or medications. At Allergy & Asthma Clinic of Maryland in Silver Spring, Maryland, our experienced team provides comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment for children and adults with allergic skin conditions.

What Are Skin Allergies?

Skin allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a substance and causes symptoms involving the skin. Reactions may appear shortly after exposure or develop later, depending on the type of allergy and the individual patient.


Because many different medical conditions can cause skin symptoms, determining whether an allergy is involved is an important part of choosing the appropriate treatment.

Skin allergy symptoms can include:

  • Itching
  • Redness
  • Dry or irritated skin
  • Raised bumps
  • Welts
  • Swelling
  • Scaling
  • Thickened skin
  • Rash
  • Burning or discomfort

Common Types of Skin Allergies

Allergy & Asthma Clinic of Maryland evaluates several types of allergic skin conditions.

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Eczema

Eczema can cause dry, rough, thickened, scaly, and itchy skin.


Although allergies can contribute to eczema symptoms in some patients, eczema can also develop for reasons unrelated to an allergy. A detailed medical history and evaluation can help determine whether allergic triggers may be playing a role.

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Hives

Hives are raised, itchy welts that can appear suddenly.


Individual hives often disappear within a day, although new ones may continue to develop. Allergens can cause sudden hives in some patients, but hives can also have other triggers or no easily identifiable cause. Patients who experience recurrent or persistent hives may benefit from an allergy evaluation.

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Angioedema

Angioedema is swelling that occurs in the deeper layers of the skin.


It commonly develops around areas such as the lips, eyes, hands, or feet and may occur at the same time as hives. Allergic reactions can cause angioedema, although other conditions may also contribute. Significant swelling involving the tongue or throat or difficulty breathing requires immediate emergency medical attention.

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Contact dermatitis develops when the skin reacts after coming into contact with a particular substance.


Symptoms may include itching, redness, bumps, irritation, or rash in the area of contact. Possible triggers can include ingredients in personal-care products, metals, chemicals, fragrances, or other substances that touch the skin. Patch testing may be recommended when allergic contact dermatitis is suspected.

What Can Trigger Skin Allergies?

The relationship between a suspected allergen and skin symptoms is not always obvious. Our team evaluates your symptoms, timing of reactions, medical history, exposures, and other factors to determine whether allergy testing may help identify a trigger.

Skin allergy symptoms may be associated with:

  • Foods
  • Medications
  • Environmental allergens
  • Personal-care products
  • Fragrances
  • Metals
  • Latex
  • Plants
  • Insect exposure
  • Household or workplace substances

How Are Skin Allergies Diagnosed?

Diagnosing a skin allergy begins with a careful medical history and discussion of your symptoms. Depending on the suspected allergy, additional testing may be recommended. Our team may ask:

  • When the rash or reaction first appeared
  • How long symptoms last
  • Where symptoms develop
  • Whether symptoms occur after specific foods, medications, products, or exposures
  • Whether symptoms are seasonal or recurring
  • Whether you also experience respiratory or digestive allergy symptoms
  • Which treatments you have already tried

Skin Allergy Testing

  • Skin Prick Testing

    Skin prick testing may be used to evaluate sensitivity to certain allergens. During the test, a small amount of a suspected allergen is placed on the skin using a tiny puncture. The area is then observed for a reaction. Skin prick testing may be useful when environmental, food, or other immediate allergic triggers are suspected.

  • Intradermal Testing

    Intradermal testing involves placing a small amount of a suspected allergen just beneath the surface of the skin. Our team evaluates the area for a reaction after a short period of time. This type of testing may be used in certain situations when additional evaluation is needed following skin prick testing.

  • Patch Testing

    Patch testing is particularly useful when allergic contact dermatitis is suspected. Small amounts of potential allergens are placed on patches that remain in contact with the skin for a specified period. The skin is then evaluated for delayed reactions. Patch testing can help identify substances that may be contributing to recurrent contact-related rashes.

    Learn More About Patch Testing →

  • Blood Testing

    Blood testing may sometimes be used as part of an allergy evaluation. A blood sample is analyzed for markers associated with allergic sensitization. Whether blood testing is appropriate depends on the patient's symptoms, medical history, and the type of allergy being investigated.

  • Oral Food Challenge

    When a food allergy is suspected, an oral food challenge may sometimes be recommended. During an oral food challenge, a patient eats carefully measured portions of a suspected food under medical supervision. This test is performed only when clinically appropriate and is designed to help clarify whether a specific food triggers an allergic reaction.

What Happens After Skin Allergy Testing?

After the evaluation and any appropriate testing are complete, our team develops a personalized management plan based on the suspected or confirmed cause of your symptoms.

Avoiding Identified Triggers

When a specific allergen is identified, reducing or eliminating exposure can be an important part of preventing future skin reactions.

Oral Medications

Certain medications may help manage itching, inflammation, hives, or other allergy symptoms depending on the diagnosis.

Topical Treatments

Topical creams or other skin treatments may be recommended to help manage inflammation, itching, dryness, or irritation.

Allergy Immunotherapy

Patients whose skin symptoms are connected to certain environmental allergies may be candidates for allergy immunotherapy.

Food Allergy Management

When a food allergy is involved, treatment may focus on avoidance, education, preparation for accidental exposures, and other individualized management strategies.

Changes to Your Routine

Dr. Kalfa may recommend changes to skin-care products, environmental exposures, or daily routines based on identified triggers. The goal is not simply to calm the current rash, but to better understand what may be causing your symptoms and reduce the likelihood of future reactions.

When Should You See an Allergist for a Skin Rash?

Because rashes can have many causes, an allergy evaluation can help determine whether an allergen may be contributing to your symptoms.

Consider scheduling an allergy evaluation if you experience:

  • Recurrent unexplained rashes
  • Hives that keep returning
  • Skin symptoms after eating certain foods
  • Reactions after taking medications
  • Rashes after using specific personal-care products
  • Symptoms that occur after touching certain materials
  • Swelling associated with possible allergic reactions
  • Eczema that may be affected by allergens
  • Skin symptoms accompanied by other allergy or asthma concerns
  • A rash with no clear cause

Why Choose Allergy & Asthma Clinic of Maryland for Skin Allergy Care?

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  • Board-Certified Allergy & Immunology Expertise

    Our team includes providers with specialized training in diagnosing and managing allergic conditions.

  • Multiple Testing Options

    Depending on your symptoms, testing may include skin prick testing, intradermal testing, patch testing, blood testing, or an oral food challenge.

  • Personalized Evaluation

    Skin symptoms are evaluated in the context of your medical history, exposures, timing of reactions, and other allergy concerns.

  • Care for Children & Adults

    Allergy & Asthma Clinic of Maryland provides allergy and immunology care for patients of different ages and stages of life.

  • Coordinated Allergy Care

    If skin symptoms are connected to food allergies, environmental allergies, asthma, or another allergic condition, those concerns can be evaluated as part of a broader allergy treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about allergies and treatments we offer at our office in Silver Spring.

Still have a question?

Call our office and our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have about treatments, scheduling, or anything else.

  • What do skin allergies look like?

    Skin allergies may cause redness, itching, raised bumps, welts, swelling, dry or scaly skin, or other types of rash. The appearance can vary depending on the type of allergic reaction and the individual patient.

  • What is the difference between eczema and a skin allergy?

    Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that can cause dry, itchy, irritated skin. Allergies may worsen eczema in some patients, but eczema does not always have an allergic cause.

  • Are hives always caused by allergies?

    No. Allergies can cause sudden hives, but hives may also develop because of infections, medications, physical triggers, or other causes. In some cases, the cause remains unclear.

  • What is angioedema?

    Angioedema is swelling in the deeper layers of the skin. It often occurs with hives and may be associated with an allergic reaction or other causes.

  • How do you test for contact dermatitis?

    Patch testing may be used to identify substances that cause allergic contact dermatitis. Potential allergens are placed on the skin and evaluated for a delayed reaction.

  • Can food allergies cause skin symptoms?

    Yes. Food allergies can cause symptoms such as hives, itching, swelling, or other skin reactions in some patients.

  • What skin allergy tests does Dr. Kalfa offer?

    Depending on your symptoms and suspected triggers, testing may include skin prick testing, intradermal testing, patch testing, blood testing, or an oral food challenge.

  • Can skin allergies be treated?

    Yes. Treatment depends on the cause and may include trigger avoidance, oral medication, topical treatment, allergy immunotherapy, food allergy management, or changes to your routine.

  • Does Dr. Kalfa treat children with skin allergies?

    Yes. Dr. Kalfa provides allergy and immunology care for both children and adults.

  • Where can I see a skin allergy specialist in Silver Spring?

    Allergy & Asthma Clinic of Maryland is located at 8630 Fenton Street, Suite 522, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

Get Answers for Red, Itchy, or Irritated Skin

You don't have to continue guessing what may be causing recurring skin reactions. At Allergy & Asthma Clinic of Maryland, our team provides comprehensive evaluation, allergy testing, and individualized treatment for children and adults with skin allergy symptoms.

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