Allergy Shots
How do allergy shots work?
Allergy shots, also known as allergen immunotherapy, work by gradually training your immune system to become less sensitive to substances that trigger allergic reactions. They contain tiny amounts of the allergen—such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander—which are injected under the skin in increasing doses over time. This slow exposure helps your body build tolerance, reducing the severity of allergic symptoms or even preventing them altogether. Treatment typically happens in two phases: the build-up phase, where doses are gradually increased, and the maintenance phase, where you receive regular shots to keep your immunity strong. Over time, allergy shots can provide long-lasting relief, even after treatment ends.
Which allergies improve with allergy shots?
Allergy shots are most effective for allergies caused by substances you breathe in (airborne allergens). These include:
- Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds (seasonal allergies)
- Dust mites
- Pet dander (cats, dogs, etc.)
- Mold spores
- Insect stings (such as bees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets)
Eczema can also produce small, raised bumps filled with fluid. When you scratch these bumps, fluid may leak out, causing your skin to crust over. Your skin may also become extra sensitive and swollen from frequent scratching.
How long will I need to get allergy shots?
There aren’t any tests for eczema, and the team Bellagio Family Medical, makes a visual diagnosis based on your symptoms. They may recommend treatment if eczema symptoms cause discomfort and interfere with your life. Topical corticosteroid creams and high-quality moisturizers may be the best method for treating your dry, itchy skin. If your skin becomes infected, you may also need to use antibiotic creams or oral medications in addition to corticosteroid treatments. Even with treatment, you might develop flare-ups of eczema throughout your lifetime. The team can monitor your skin and adjust your treatments, as necessary. To ease discomfort and pain from eczema flare-ups when at home, you can take warm baths using uncooked oatmeal or baking soda to alleviate itching and excessive skin dryness.
Allergy shots follow a regular schedule that goes through two phases:
Buildup phase
Your provider gives you one or two shots every week, increasing your dose each time. The buildup phase lasts about 3-6 months, but the timing varies for each patient.
Maintenance
During this phase, you don’t need as many shots. You go in for an allergy shot once or twice a month and get the same dose each time. Most patients stay on a maintenance dose for 3-5 years. Your allergy symptoms continue to improve until you achieve optimal allergy relief.
How do allergy shots differ from rush immunotherapy?
If you have a severe pollen, mold, or pet dander allergy, you may be a candidate for rush immunotherapy or rush allergy shots. This therapy gives you faster relief by condensing the buildup phase into a shorter time. During rush therapy, you get a series of shots with increasing doses over the course of one day. Since this concentrated schedule increases your risk of having an allergic reaction, you stay in the office under close observation. With rush immunotherapy, most patients can reach the maintenance phase in one day. However, the schedule varies for each person, and some may need to repeat the series of shots on several days.
To learn if you’re a candidate for allergy shots, call Bellagio Family Medical, or schedule an appointment online today.