Eczema & Skin Allergies

If your skin is constantly itchy, red, or inflamed — or you’ve noticed hives or swelling after certain exposures — you may be dealing with eczema, contact dermatitis, or another type of allergic skin reaction. These conditions are common but can be uncomfortable, disruptive, and sometimes confusing to manage.

At Grand Rapids Ear, Nose & Throat, our specialists help patients identify the cause of hives, swelling, and chronic skin irritation so they can find lasting relief. Whether your symptoms are triggered by the environment, a product, or something internal, we’ll help you figure it out — and treat it effectively.

If your skin is sending you a message, schedule a consultation today.

Eczema and skin allergies can show up in different ways, but common symptoms include:

• Itchy or dry skin that worsens over time
• Red, inflamed, or scaly patches
• Rashes that appear after contact with specific products or allergens
• Thickened or cracked skin from frequent scratching
• Oozing, crusting, or skin infections in severe cases
• Hives or welts that come and go
• Irritation near the eyes, mouth, hands, or other exposed areas

Diagnosis typically begins with a review of your symptoms, medical history, and suspected triggers. We may recommend:

• A physical exam to assess your skin and symptom patterns
• Allergy testing to identify environmental or contact allergens
• Patch testing for delayed allergic reactions to products or chemicals
• Blood testing to check for allergic sensitization or immune-related issues
• Review of possible triggers in products you use daily, such as personal care items, laundry detergents, and other environmental exposures

We’ll work to pinpoint what’s causing the reaction and how best to manage it.

Your treatment plan will depend on the cause, severity, and frequency of your symptoms. Options may include:

• Moisturizers and skin-barrier creams to prevent dryness and flare-ups
• Topical corticosteroids or non-steroid creams to calm inflammation
• Antihistamines to help relieve itching or allergic skin reactions
• Lifestyle guidance to avoid known triggers and irritants
• Allergy testing and immunotherapy if environmental triggers are a factor
• Biologic treatments for eczema, such as Dupixent, Adbry, Ebglyss, or Nemluvio (availability depends on location)
• JAK inhibitors for moderate to severe eczema when other treatments aren’t effective, including Cibinqo or Rinvoq (availability depends on location)
• Biologic treatment for chronic hives, such as Xolair or Dupixent (availability depends on location)
• Referral to dermatology if additional evaluation or long-term management is needed

We’ll create a plan that brings relief — and helps prevent flare-ups in the future.