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. allergy, eczema, skin
allergy, skin reaction, latex, nickel, emollient, moisturize, moisturise, Kane
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