Top Allergist in Monroe, NY

At Allergy & Asthma Care Rockland, Dr. Joel H. Selter, M.D., specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions related to the immune system’s response to allergens. We provide comprehensive care for both adults and children throughout the Rockland community, helping patients achieve relief from symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Some of the most common conditions we treat include allergic rhinitis (hay fever), which can cause sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and other bothersome symptoms triggered by pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. We also manage asthma—often linked to allergies—which can result in shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. Our team uses advanced diagnostic tools and individualized treatment plans to help you breathe easier.

Food allergies are another area of expertise at our practice. Whether your reactions are mild or severe, including potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis, we offer the latest diagnostic testing and guidance on managing food allergies safely. We also evaluate and treat drug allergies and reactions to medications, as well as insect sting allergies that can cause dangerous reactions to bee, wasp, or other insect stings.

Our allergists are experienced in managing skin allergies such as eczema (atopic dermatitis), contact dermatitis, chronic hives (urticaria), and angioedema (swelling beneath the skin). We understand how these conditions can impact your daily life, and we work with you to identify triggers and develop effective, long-term management strategies.

In addition, Allergy & Asthma Care Rockland offers evaluation and management of immune deficiencies, frequent sinus infections, and chronic coughs that may be related to underlying allergies. By identifying specific triggers and providing personalized care, our goal is to help you and your family live healthier, more comfortable lives.

Deciding when to seek help from a specialist can make a significant difference in your health and quality of life. Our board-certified allergists are dedicated to helping residents of Rockland County and the surrounding areas find relief from allergy and asthma symptoms.

If you experience persistent sneezing, nasal congestion, itching, or watery eyes that do not improve with over-the-counter medications, it may be time to schedule an appointment with our team. We specialize in diagnosing and treating allergies that require expert care.

Patients who deal with recurrent skin rashes, hives, or eczema that are difficult to manage may also benefit from a professional evaluation at our practice. Our allergists can help identify the underlying causes of your skin symptoms and recommend effective treatments tailored to your needs.

If you or your child has frequent asthma attacks, wheezing, shortness of breath, or coughing that is not well controlled with standard asthma medications, Allergy & Asthma Care Rockland can help. Our specialists use the latest diagnostic tools to identify asthma triggers and create personalized management plans to help you breathe easier.

Severe allergic reactions—such as anaphylaxis after exposure to foods, medications, insect stings, or unknown substances—require expert guidance. Our practice provides comprehensive testing and emergency action plans to keep you and your family safe.

We offer a comprehensive range of allergy testing options to accurately identify the substances that may be triggering your allergic reactions. Our board-certified specialists will guide you through the most appropriate testing methods based on your symptoms and medical history, ensuring you receive personalized care.

• Skin Prick Testing:
The skin prick test is the most commonly used allergy test in our clinic. During this procedure, small amounts of suspected allergens are applied to your skin—typically on the forearm or back—and the skin is gently pricked. If you are allergic to a substance, a small, raised bump will appear at the site within 15 to 20 minutes. This test is quick, minimally invasive, and provides immediate results.

• Intradermal Testing:
For certain cases where the skin prick test is negative but allergy is still suspected, our providers may recommend an intradermal test. Here, a tiny amount of allergen is injected just beneath the skin. This method allows us to detect more subtle allergic sensitivities, especially to environmental allergens or insect venoms.

• Blood (IgE) Testing:
If skin testing is not possible—such as if you have a skin condition, are taking specific medications, or have a history of severe reactions—we offer blood testing for allergies. The specific IgE test measures your immune system’s response to particular allergens. This can be especially helpful for children or those unable to stop certain medications.

• Patch Testing for Contact Allergies:
Patients with chronic rashes or suspected contact dermatitis can benefit from patch testing. We apply patches containing small amounts of potential allergens to your back and leave them in place for 48 hours. After removal, we check your skin for delayed allergic responses, helping to pinpoint triggers in products like cosmetics, metals, or fragrances.

• Oral Food Challenges:
For diagnosing food allergies, we may recommend a medically supervised oral food challenge. This involves eating gradually increasing amounts of a suspected food allergen under close observation in our office. This is the gold standard for food allergy diagnosis and is only performed when necessary, with emergency medications and expert care readily available.

Our team is dedicated to helping you breathe easier and live allergy-free. We will work with you to select the most appropriate allergy testing based on your unique needs and provide a clear plan for ongoing care and management.

The most common allergy test we perform in our Rockland office is the skin prick (or scratch) test. This procedure typically takes about 20 to 40 minutes to complete. During the test, our experienced providers will introduce small amounts of various potential allergens to your skin—usually on your forearm or back. We then observe the area for any reactions, such as redness or swelling. Most reactions develop within 15 to 20 minutes, allowing us to quickly identify specific allergies.

In some cases, your provider may recommend a blood test, such as a specific IgE test. The blood draw itself is quick and usually takes just a few minutes. However, please note that these results are not immediate; it typically takes several days to a week for our medical team to receive and review them.

Depending on your symptoms and history, additional testing such as intradermal tests or patch tests may be needed. Intradermal testing, which involves injecting small amounts of allergens just under the skin, takes a similar amount of time as skin prick testing. Patch testing, mainly used to diagnose contact allergies, is a bit different—it involves wearing patches on your back for 48 hours, with follow-up evaluations over several days.

Most in-office allergy testing appointments at our Rockland location last between 30 and 60 minutes, though your exact timeframe may vary based on your individual needs and the number of allergens being tested. At Allergy & Asthma Care Rockland, we are committed to making your visit as comfortable and efficient as possible. During your consultation, our providers will give you a more specific estimate based on your personalized care plan. For more information, contact us or book an online appointment. We are conveniently located at 505 NY-208, Monroe, NY 10950. We serve patients from Suffern NY, Monroe NY, New City NY, Spring Valley NY, Monsey NY, Airmont NY and Mahwah NJ.