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Dr. Monika Korff, M.D.

Allergist & Immunologist

Dr. Monika Korff practices Allergy and Immunology care in Baltimore, MD. Dr. Korff specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of asthma and other allergic diseases. Allergist-Immunologists are trained and certified to treat each patients sensitivity and response to allergens of varying severity. Dr. Korff provides several means of testing and treatment to increase immunity to potentially harmful substances.
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24 years Experience
Dr. Monika Korff, M.D.
  • Columbia, MD
  • Loma Linda University
  • Accepting new patients

Itchy bumps on my body?

It is hard to tell from the pictures what type of rash you are dealing  with. However from an allergy standpoint the likelihood of food allergy is extremely unlikely. I would advise READ MORE
It is hard to tell from the pictures what type of rash you are dealing  with. However from an allergy standpoint the likelihood of food allergy is extremely unlikely. I would advise to see either your PCP or go to Urgent care where a proper exam can be done and treatment suggested - oral antihistamine for the itching and potentially topical or oral steroid. 
Monika Korff, MDDiplomate of ABAI
FACAAI
office - 410-730-6000
mkorffmd@yahoo.com

Medication allergy?

I am sorry but I do not quite understand the question. I am assuming you are asking if cephalexin can be taken by someone who is allergic to penicillin. If that is your question READ MORE
I am sorry but I do not quite understand the question. I am assuming you are asking if cephalexin can be taken by someone who is allergic to penicillin. If that is your question the short answer is a most likely - very low risk of cross-reactivity so it can be tried. However, penicillin allergy is something that is not permanent so I strongly suggests seeing an allergist and having formal testing and challenge done - most people clear that allergy after a few yrs. Establishing if you can safely take penicillins from now on will have great benefits for your future healthcare. 

My child has hives?

Hives are not uncommon and yes, you can treat them with Benadryl. They are not serious so I do not see a reason to go to the ER but you should see the pediatrician for instructions READ MORE
Hives are not uncommon and yes, you can treat them with Benadryl. They are not serious so I do not see a reason to go to the ER but you should see the pediatrician for instructions on how to treat them properly. 

Monika Korff, MD,
Diplomate of ABAI, FACAAI
office - 410-730-6000
mkorffmd@yahoo.com

What's wrong with my fingers?

I am glad that the blood work was done but I cannot make sense of what you mentioned about the results. I think that there are many medical issues that can present like this - READ MORE
I am glad that the blood work was done but I cannot make sense of what you mentioned about the results. I think that there are many medical issues that can present like this - I would advise you see a rheumatologist. I am an allergist and while there are a couple of allergic syndromes that one can thinks of in your situation they are less likely.

Should my daughter get a COVID vaccine?

Yes, the COVID mRNA vaccines are very safe and effective in reducing the risk for severe COVID disease.

Allergy to scan dyes?

Dyes for a CT and MRI are usually different - however not knowing what your reaction was to it will be hard to give any suggestions blindly. I would advise seeing an allergist READ MORE
Dyes for a CT and MRI are usually different - however not knowing what your reaction was to it will be hard to give any suggestions blindly. I would advise seeing an allergist to get a proper assessment and recommendations about the potential need for pre-treatment with steroids and antihistamines. 

Lip allergic reaction?

This really looks infectious at this time - you will need to see your PCP to be placed on the right antibiotic.

Chronic lifelong congestion, worse when talking for a long time?

Since your symptoms are long-standing I would suggest seeing an allergist who can perform appropriate testing to see if allergies may be contributing to the congestion. Depending READ MORE
Since your symptoms are long-standing I would suggest seeing an allergist who can perform appropriate testing to see if allergies may be contributing to the congestion. Depending on the results the next step may be seeing an ENT to evaluate both the sinuses and the vocal cords.

Food allergy hives?

You can certainly rely on Benadryl every 4-6 hrs as needed but if the hives are persistent then I would advise seeing a physician to determine other treatment options. Food allergic READ MORE
You can certainly rely on Benadryl every 4-6 hrs as needed but if the hives are persistent then I would advise seeing a physician to determine other treatment options. Food allergic reactions do not last that long so there is likely something else going on. If you do not have a primary care doctor then go to Urgent Care.

Latex allergy?

Yes, having an artificial plant will not be an issue, wearing nonlatex gloves will also be advisable and safe. 

Sulfa allergy?

Those two are different chemicals - your sulfa allergy will not prevent you from using those cough OTC medications. 

Red skin rash?

Allergy could be present, but not very likely. Usually allergic rashes are very itchy and they keep spreading or worsening. I would advise seeing a dermatologist.

Flushing of the face from Prednisone?

While flushing is not unusual with steroids, I suspect there is something else underlying the propensity towards flushing as the length of time of your symptoms cannot be solely READ MORE
While flushing is not unusual with steroids, I suspect there is something else underlying the propensity towards flushing as the length of time of your symptoms cannot be solely blamed on the Prednisone. Direct side effects from medications normally do not last that long - there are a few syndromes that can, but this is not the case here. You may want to see either your physician or the dermatologist back to have full evaluation. 

Monika Korff, MD

Nasal congestion?

Even with a normal exam of the nasal cavity, one can still perceive they are congested. Sometimes the congestion is higher up in the sinuses and the lower part of the nose may READ MORE
Even with a normal exam of the nasal cavity, one can still perceive they are congested. Sometimes the congestion is higher up in the sinuses and the lower part of the nose may appear completely normal. I would suggest following your allergist's advice on which medications to take and what to do to minimize the congestion. 

Happy Holidays!

Monika Korff, MD

It happened overnight?

I am sorry you are having such uncomfortable symptoms. It is hard to tell from the pictures what type of rash we are dealing with, but it  could be hives. They can appear suddenly READ MORE
I am sorry you are having such uncomfortable symptoms. It is hard to tell from the pictures what type of rash we are dealing with, but it  could be hives. They can appear suddenly and are usually very itchy. I would advise seeing your primary care doctor and if it is itchy, take oral antihistamines over the counter. Your doctor needs to review your medications and make sure this is not a reaction to some of them. 

Best of luck,

Monika Korff, MD

My lips and nails are a bluish color?

This is a very brief description and there is a lot more information needed to make a well-informed medical decision. However, one possibility of swelling of the lips and that READ MORE
This is a very brief description and there is a lot more information needed to make a well-informed medical decision. However, one possibility of swelling of the lips and that can be serious in many instances, so I would advise seeing either your MD or Urgent care as soon as possible. 

Monika Korff, MD

Will an amoxicillin allergic reaction go away on its own?

I am sorry you are experiencing discomfort now. Yes, with time, the symptoms will subside. However, you should see an allergist to go over your reaction as that will impact what READ MORE
I am sorry you are experiencing discomfort now. Yes, with time, the symptoms will subside. However, you should see an allergist to go over your reaction as that will impact what type of antibiotics you will need to avoid from here on. You will greatly benefit from seeing an allergist. 

Monika Korff, MD

What causes a non-itchy rash?

With rashes, it is impossible to know the culprit without actually seeing it. I would advise taking pictures of both rashes and seeing either your PCP or a dermatologist. The fact READ MORE
With rashes, it is impossible to know the culprit without actually seeing it. I would advise taking pictures of both rashes and seeing either your PCP or a dermatologist. The fact that it is not itchy argues against an allergic trigger. 

Monika Korff, MD

How do you know if a toddler has allergies?

At this young age, environmental allergies are not likely except for pet dander if there are pets at home. Food allergies can be present, so if he/she has ever had a reaction to READ MORE
At this young age, environmental allergies are not likely except for pet dander if there are pets at home. Food allergies can be present, so if he/she has ever had a reaction to something, I would advise having the child's skin tested with an allergist who can interpret the results and give you guidance. 

Sincerely, 

Monika Korff, MD

What causes allergies in the winter?

Common allergens in the winter are dust and pet dander. A lot of people also have non-allergic rhinitis, which is symptoms mimicking allergies, but related to sensitivity to temperature READ MORE
Common allergens in the winter are dust and pet dander. A lot of people also have non-allergic rhinitis, which is symptoms mimicking allergies, but related to sensitivity to temperature changes and humidity. I would advise to have your child properly allergy tested by an allergist to have a clear understanding of his/hers symptoms and triggers. 

Monika Korff, MD