Southwest Allergy & Asthma Center

Locations:

Plano
6101 Windcom Court,
Suite 400
Plano, Texas 75093

Serving: Plano, Frisco, Allen, McKinney, Carrollton, Richardson, Lewisville, Garland, Dallas, The Colony, Addison, Coppell, Little Elm, Celina, Prosper, Sachse, Murphy, Wylie, Rockwall, Lucas and Rowlett

(972) 398 - 3500Telephone:
(972) 398 - 3512FAX:

Denison
In the Texoma Medical Plaza adjacent to the new Texoma Medical Center
5012 South US HWY 75,
Suite 150
Denison, Texas 75020

Serving: Denison, Sherman, Bonham, Gainesville, Pottsboro, Van Alstyne, McKinney, Prosper, Durant (OK) and Madill (OK)

(903) 463 - 8400Telephone:
(903) 463 - 8500FAX:

Denton
3105 Colorado Boulevard,
Suite 101
Denton, Texas 76210

Serving: Denton, Decatur, Lewisville, Gainesville, Sanger, Corinth, Lake Dallas, Krum, Pilot Point, Justin, Argyle, Hickory Creek, Highland Village, Little Elm, The Colony, Roanoke, Bridgeport and Flower Mound

(940) 387 - 1700Telephone:
(940) 387 - 1722FAX:

Going Green to help you breathe easier!

What is a chemical allergy?

A chemical allergy is an immune reaction against a specific chemical substance. This most commonly occurs on the skin and is often called contact dermatitis.

Is this kind of allergy common?

Chemical allergy is common, but many people who have this problem are never diagnosed.

What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction to a chemical?

Typically reactions occur within a few hours to days after an exposure. Chemical allergy usually results in intense itching, skin redness, and sometimes blistering at the site of the exposure. In cases where the irritating agent remains on the skin, scratching may spread the reaction to previously unaffected areas.

How do I find out what I am reacting to?

Patch testing is the best test available to diagnose a chemical allergy. This involves placing a small amount of common chemical irritants on the skin and then checking for an inflammatory response 48-72 hours later.

What types of chemical can provoke this kind of reaction?

Many industrial chemicals including some commonly used in beauty products can trigger this type of reaction. Metals, especially nickel, and other naturally occurring agents can also produce this kind of reaction.

What can I do once I find out what is causing my reactions?

Although medications can be used to treat reactions there is no way to completely prevent reactions other than by avoiding the concerning agent.