Allergy Care
Skin Allergies
Angioedema, Allergic Contact Dermatitis, Hives / Urticaria, Eczema & Atopic Dermatitis.
Allergic skin conditions profoundly affect quality of life — interrupting sleep, work, and social activities. At Zala Clinic, Dr. Ravikant Zala takes an immunological approach to skin allergy, identifying and addressing the underlying sensitisation rather than just suppressing symptoms. Most patients achieve long-term remission rather than perpetual flare management.
Conditions We Treat
We manage all major allergic and immune-mediated skin disorders:
- Chronic Urticaria (Hives) — recurring wheals with itching lasting more than 6 weeks
- Angioedema — deep swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat or extremities
- Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) — itchy, inflamed, cracked skin; often coexists with asthma and rhinitis
- Allergic Contact Dermatitis — rash triggered by nickel, fragrances, latex, cosmetics
- Drug Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) — rare but potentially life-threatening C1-inhibitor deficiency
How We Investigate
Pinpointing the trigger transforms management from reactive to preventive:
- Thorough history of exposure, onset, distribution pattern and associated triggers
- Patch testing for contact allergens (> 30-allergen panel)
- Skin Prick Testing and specific IgE for aeroallergens and foods in atopic patients
- Autologous Serum Skin Test (ASST) for autoimmune urticaria
- C-reactive protein, thyroid function, complement studies (C3, C4, C1q, CH50) as indicated
- C1-esterase inhibitor levels for suspected HAE
Treatment Options
Modern allergy management offers highly effective control for most skin conditions:
- Non-sedating antihistamines at standard and updosed regimens for chronic urticaria
- Topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors for eczema flares
- Emollient therapy and barrier repair regimen for atopic dermatitis maintenance
- Allergen avoidance strategies guided by patch test results
- Allergen Immunotherapy for aeroallergen-driven eczema and urticaria
- Biologic referral pathways for severe refractory atopic dermatitis
- Icatibant and C1-esterase inhibitor concentrate for acute HAE attacks
The Atopic March
Many patients with eczema as infants later develop hay fever and asthma — this progression is called the 'atopic march'. Dr. Zala takes a preventive approach, using early immunotherapy and targeted skin barrier therapy to interrupt this march before upper and lower respiratory allergy develops.
Dr. Ravikant Zala
MBBS · Allergy Specialist