Atopic Dermatitis Center

Your Appointment

Planning ahead and being prepared helps ease the way and decrease your wait. Filling out paperwork and faxing your insurance information before your appointment assists us in making sure that your appointment is as productive as possible.

Other important things to bring with you include:

• Your child’s medical records, including a growth chart and immunization records. You can ask your child’s primary care doctor for this information.

• Recent x-rays, blood test and skin test results.

• A list of the medications your child takes at home.

• Everything you use on your child’s skin.

• The name and complete address of your child’s primary care provider and anyone else to whom you would like a report sent.

• Toys and books to keep your child busy during your visit.

Medication

If your child is taking medication, it is important that you follow these directions:

• Do not give your child medicine that contains antihistamines prior to the visit.  

• Do not give your child the following medications for 7 to 10 days before your visit.

• Do not give your child Zyrtec for 10 to 14 days before your visit.

• Antihistamines are found in many non-prescription cold or allergy medicines. These should be stopped at least  3 days before the visit. Examples include:

• Benadryl
• Actifed
• Dimetapp
• Pediacare
• Triaminic cold formulas

• If you do not know whether your child's medicine contains antihistamines, ask the pharmacist or call the Allergy Program at 617-355-6117 and ask to speak with a nurse.

• If you are unable to stop the medication, or your child develops symptoms while off the medication, please call the Allergy Program at 617-355-6117 and ask to speak with a nurse.

• Do not stop other medications prescribed by your doctor. 

• Do not give your child asthma medications (bronchodilators) such as albuterol, Ventolin, Proventil, Xopenex or Maxair on the day of the visit unless your child is coughing or wheezing.

Other asthma medications and antibiotics should be given as usual.

Important Numbers at Children’s:

For scheduling /canceling appointments, to speak to a nurse or to request prescription refills: (617) 355-6117

Allergy/Immunology: (617) 355-6117

Emergency Room: (617) 355-6611

Allergist-on-Call: (617) 355-6369

If your child has trouble breathing, or is having an allergic reaction, call 911 and take him or her directly to the nearest emergency room