East Africa’s Leading Allergists
info@theallergyclinic.co.ke
(+254) 0716 956 173
Mon - Fri: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Sat: 9:00AM - 1:00PM
The Allergy Clinic, 1st Floor,
Upperhill Medical Center, Ralphe Bunche Road
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) is a chronic skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed patches of skin. Eczema often begins in childhood but can occur at any age. It may be triggered or worsened by food and environmental allergens, irritants, stress and environmental factors. Managing eczema involves avoiding known triggers, using appropriate moisturizers, and sometimes using topical treatments or medications to reduce inflammation and itching.
Hives (Urticaria) are raised, itchy welts that appear on the skin, often as a result of an allergic reaction to food or an environmental allergen. They can vary in size and shape and may appear anywhere on the body. Hives are commonly triggered by allergens such as certain foods, medications, or insect stings. While they are usually not serious and resolve on their own, recurrent, persistent or severe cases may require medical intervention to identify the underlying cause and manage symptoms. They may be associated with angioedema. Severe life threatening allergic reactions can also present with hives amongst other symptoms.
Angioedema is a related condition where swelling occurs deeper in the skin, particularly around the eyes, lips, and sometimes the throat. This type of swelling can be caused by allergic reactions, certain medications, or hereditary factors. Angioedema can be more serious than hives, as it has the potential to obstruct breathing if it affects the throat, making prompt medical evaluation and treatment essential, including allergy tests for food and environmental allergens and drug allergies. Severe life threatening allergic reactions can also present with angioedema amongst other symptoms. Non allergic angioedema, while rare, is also important to identify. Your allergist will assess and make the correct diagnosis
Itchy scarring rashes that leave marks on the skin which are recurrent could be caused by a food allergy and must be reviewed by the allergist to ascertain if allergic. Insect bites can also look similar.