| allergy is the body’s over-reaction to one or | | | | dust. Dust mites are tiny living creatures found in |
| more allergens in our environment. Allergic contact | | | | bedding, mattresses, carpeting and upholstered |
| dermatitis occurs when your skin comes in contact | | | | furniture. Up to 30% of the population suffers from |
| with an allergen that your skin is sensitive or allergic | | | | allergic rhinitis, and this number seems to be growing. |
| to. Jewelry metals and fragrances top the list of | | | | The majority of these people are treated by their |
| substances most likely to cause serious skin rashes. It | | | | primary care physician for their allergies. There are |
| can also be triggered by a number of factors, | | | | two components involved in a true allergic reaction. |
| including plants, animals, clothing, food and heat. | | | | The first is the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE), |
| Eczema is a term used for a group of skin conditions | | | | an antibody that circulates in the blood attacking |
| having several things in common: dryness, itching, | | | | things such as germs. The second is the mast cell, a |
| inflammation and thickening of skin, and recurrence. | | | | type of cell that is found in the body at places where |
| Contact dermatitis occurs at all ages, whereas a topic | | | | allergic reactions occur, including the nose, throat, |
| dermatitis is most often a problem in kids. Hand | | | | lungs and skin. There have been enormous |
| dermatitis is caused by skin irritants such as | | | | improvements in mainstream medical treatments |
| detergents or chemicals. Dry skin occurs because of | | | | developed by allergists. Antihistamines help reduce |
| lack of water in the stratum corneum. | | | | the sneezing, runny nose and itchiness of allergies. |
| Environmental allergies are a little trickier. Consider all | | | | Cromolyn sodium is a nasal spray that helps prevent |
| the possible triggers; weeds, trees, pollens, grasses, | | | | the body's reaction to allergens. Environmental |
| dust, dust mites, molds, pet dander, chemical fumes, | | | | endotoxin showed a strong protection against hay |
| and cigarette smoke are all popular offenders. Skin | | | | fever and allergy. |
| allergy testing is the best method to use for | | | | Skin Allergy Treatment Tips |
| diagnosis of these types of allergies if severe enough | | | | 1. Use fragrance free products when suffering from |
| to warrant this approach. Allergy treatment can then | | | | allergies of skin. |
| be prescribed based on the level of reaction to | | | | 2. A good moisturizing lotion will prevent the skin |
| certain irritants. Not everyone with allergies has to | | | | from drying out. |
| seek help from a specialist. There are quite a few | | | | 3. Corticosteroid creams or ointments relieve itchiness |
| over-the-counter medications that are very effective | | | | and halt the spread of rashes. |
| in treating symptoms, but if this doesn't work, then a | | | | 4. Using washing detergents suitable for people with |
| professional should be consulted. Many times allergies | | | | allergies will not cause any damage to the skin. |
| are present with other conditions such as eczema | | | | 5. Keeping a diary of moments when your skin is |
| and asthma, and should be evaluated in conjunction | | | | inflamed or extremely itchy with raised patches. |
| to allergy treatment since they all go hand in hand. By | | | | 6. Antihistamines and decongestants are the most |
| treating allergies, related conditions will resolve | | | | common medicines used for allergies. |
| themselves or lessen significantly as allergy treatment | | | | 7. Hydrocortisone is an anti-inflammatory steroid |
| progresses. | | | | cream. Its low potency makes it safe for self-care. |
| Allergies that occur in the fall are often due to | | | | 8. Try to determine what exposures aggravate your |
| ragweed. Many allergens, including dust mites, are in | | | | rash and avoid them. |