Allergy - 3 Steps to Managing Skin Allergies

An effective approach to managing skin allergies has three components. Firstly you must understand the condition, then you must discover if anything is triggering your skin reaction, and thirdly you must look after your skin. Many people think that allergies only affect the respiratory or digestive systems, but they can also affect your largest organ- your skin. As with other allergies the immune system overreacts to the presence of certain substances and releases inflammation-producing chemicals. Do some research and talk to your doctor. You can be confident of controlling your skin condition better if you are sure you understand what causes it. The second component in managing a skin allergy is identifying then eliminating the allergens and irritants that start the itching/scratching cycle. There are over three thousand known triggers for skin allergies. Many are natural, but there are plenty of man-made ones too. A common man-made trigger is latex, which comes from the sap of the Brazilian rubber tree. The natural proteins and those added in the manufacturing process can trigger an allergic reaction. Most people are aware that this can lead to reactions if you wear latex gloves. However latex is also present in baby pacifiers, balloons, pencil erasers and elastic bands in undergarments. There can also be problems when latex particles become airborne and are inhaled. If you have a latex allergy try to avoid the material and use vinyl or plastic where possible. Nickel is another trigger. In addition to the obvious nickel-containing metallic objects like coins and jewelry, nickel is also present in everyday objects like scissors, bathroom and kitchen cabinet handles, and zippers. Mascara, eye shadow and eye pencils also contain nickel. Experts estimate that the number of people suffering from a nickel allergy has risen about 40% in the last decade. Much of this is believed to be due to the popularity of body piercing. Some foods also have natural nickel content and people who suffer severe symptoms may need to restrict their diet under medical supervision. At present there is no way to desensitize a person with a nickel allergy. Avoidance is the best strategy. The third component of effective management is looking after your skin. The easiest thing to do is to keep your fingernails short to reduce the damage caused by scratching. Managing your skin's condition means firstly moisturizing and softening the skin to ensure it does not dry out. Your doctor may recommend you use topical corticosteroid preparations to control the inflammation. When you take a bath soak in lukewarm water for 20 to 30 minutes. Do not have hot baths or showers, as the heat will increase skin dryness and itching. You can add oatmeal or baking soda to the bath for a soothing effect, though it does not help moisturize the skin. Use a mild soap or a non-soap cleanser with neutral pH (pH7). If you wish to add bath oils do so after you have been in the water so that it can seal in the moisture. Do not use bubble baths as they can form a barrier that stops the bathwater moisturizing your skin. After the bath dry yourself by patting your skin with a soft towel. This helps retain moisture. Immediately after drying your skin apply a lotion or emollient cream to help your skin retain the moisture. To look after your skin you will also need to avoid situations where you will experience extreme physical contact, heavy perspiration, or heavy clothing. This may mean avoiding some sports. Swimming is permissible if you rinse the chlorine from your skin as soon as you leave the pool, and use a moisturizer after drying yourself. Follow these three steps and you will be able to control your skin allergy and minimize its impact on your everyday life. David Kane is the author of 'Stop Asthma Now' and is giving away copies of his 'Guide to Allergy and Asthma Relief'. To get your copy visit the Stop Asthma Now - Asthma Relief eBook site while the offer lasts. Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=D_Kane Allergy - Dog Breeds Shedding When it comes to owning man's best friend, there are some dog breeds where shedding becomes a major problem. Not only is the ghastly sight of clumped dog hair on the couch or the collection of dusty fur underneath the refrigerator a complete household turnoff, but also for allergy sufferers, the consequences can pose a major health risk. Shedding is a natural process that dogs undergo, as they lose the excess hair their body once needed to stay warm during the Winter. As warmer months prevail, the extra hair is no longer needed and begins to fall out as the climate and seasons change. For the most part, dogs with very short hair do not present as much of a problem as with other dog breeds; shedding is certainly expected with dogs, such as the Afghan Hound, which is notorious for leaving behind their hair. Some pet owners try to catch the unwanted hair before it makes its way to the floor, carpet, or furniture by brushing their dog at the first signs of shredding. Proper and frequent grooming is a great way to reduce the amount of shedding that dog breeds may deliver. For the individuals who don't want to deal with the hassle, they simply plan ahead and select dog breeds where shedding is not a major possibility. There is no denying the fact that when it comes to certain dog breeds, shedding is a definite characteristic. Below you will find a list of eleven dogs that pose the least amount of shedding and grooming concerns: Airedale Terrier: Although this specific terrier breed is rather large, the Airedale possesses a rough coat that rarely sheds. This type of dog works well with children and displays a curious nature with loyal and trainable characteristics. An Airedale commonly reaches a height of 22 to 24 inches and a weight between 50 and 65 pounds. Cockapoo: With a face resembling a Poodle, the Cockapoo is a mixture between the American Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle. The dog showcases a short, curly coat that doesn't shed much. To combat the threat of shedding, aggressive grooming is suggested. With a friendly, loyal, and playful disposition, this dog breed is good with children and other dogs. Italian Greyhound: As a miniature version of the Greyhound, this dog highlights a compact size with a gentle and obedient disposition. While this dog breed is easy to train, they also tend to get into trouble. With a short and sleek coat, shedding is not a problem with the dog breed. Poodle: There are three different sizes that a Poodle is categorized. With all Poodle dog breeds, shedding is not a problem because their coats are short and curly. A high amount of grooming is needed for this type of dog, which also gets along well with children. Standard Schnauzer: The coarse, wiry outer coat of this dog breed does not produce a heavy amount of shedding. With a handsome, powerful appearance, this dog may come as a salt-and-pepper or pure black companion. Common characteristics of the Schnauzer include a blunt muzzle, bushy eyebrows, and thick moustache. Shih Tzu: The exotic appearance of this dog breed not only offers less of a shedding problem, but also delivers one of the sturdiest of toy dog breeds. The Shih Tzu is rather small, as the average size for the breed is about 8 to 10? inches in shoulder height and around 9 to 16 pounds in weight. Basenji: Besides not shedding a great amount of hair, the Basenji (also known as the Congo Dog) possesses quite an unusual trait. With elegance and an athletic build, the dog trots like a horse and harbors hygiene habits similar to a cat. Instead of a bark, the dog lets out an odd sound resembling a yodel or howl. Yorkshire Terrier: For a rugged dog delivering a portable package, Yorkies belong to the toy dog breed, where they reach heights of about 7 to 9 inches and weighs around 5 to 7 pounds. Some of the characteristics associated with the breed include small, v-shaped pointy ears. Bichon Frise: As you consider an array of dog breeds, shedding is not a major problem with the Bichon Frise despite its white powder-puff appearance. With a cheerful disposition and high capacity for intelligence, this type of dog is a member of the non-sporting dog group with the American Kennel Club. Chinese Crested: Out of all the toy dog breeds, the Chinese Crested is one of the liveliest and charming pets an owner could ask for (not to mention the lack of hair they possess). Chinese Cresteds only possess hair on their heads, about their feet, and on their plumed tails. Miniature Dachshund: These little dogs are full of love and character and make a great family pet, although our little dog was very protective of our property and would tend to snap at people near the door if they put their hands out to love her; in all other times she was totally soft and adorable. Very little problem with shedding except that if my wife walked around with bare feet, it was not uncommon for one of the fine little hairs to actually work its way right into the skin (Lol). Some useful dog grooming tips can be found if you look at dogs questions. Our little dog in the picture decided she was better at doing jigsaws than we were!