An effective strategy to dealing with [wpcmtt id=”1470″]skin allergy[/wpcmtt] symptoms has 3 parts. First of all, you must recognize the condition, then you need to discover if anything is triggering your skin reaction, and thirdly, you must take care of your skin.
Many people believe that allergies solely have an effect on respiratory or digestive systems, but they can also affect your largest organ- your skin. As with other allergies, the immune system responds to the presence of certain substances and as a result, secretes annoying inflammation-producing chemicals. Do some research and speak to your physician. You can be assured that controlling your skin condition is possible if you are sure you understand why it happens.
The second part in managing a skin allergy is discovering if you have any, then eliminating the allergens and irritants that start the itching/scratching cycle. There are a whopping 3,000+ known triggers for skin allergies. Many are usually natural, but there are a lot of man-made, synthetic ones too.
For example, a frequent man-made trigger is latex. The natural proteins and those added in the manufacturing process can set off an allergic reaction. Most people are aware that this can lead to reactions in the event that you wear latex gloves. However latex is also present in baby pacifiers, balloons, pencil erasers, in undergarments and elastic bands. There may also be problems when latex particles become airborne and inhaled. In case you have a latex allergy, stay away from the material and use vinyl or plastic wherever possible.
Nickel is another trigger. In addition to the obvious nickel-containing metallic objects like coins and jewelry, nickel can be present in everyday objects like scissors, bathroom and kitchen cabinet handles, and zippers. Mascara, eye shadow and vision pencils also contain nickel. Experts estimate that the amount of people suffering from a nickel allergy has risen about 40% in the last decade. Much of this is believed to be because of the popularity of body piercing. Some foods likewise have natural nickel content and folks who suffer severe symptoms might need to restrict their diet under medical supervision. At the moment there is absolutely no way to desensitize a person with a nickel allergy. Avoidance is the only effective strategy.
The third component of effective management is looking after your skin. The easiest thing to do would be to keep your fingernails short to lessen the damage caused by scratching. Managing your skin’s condition begins with moisturizing and softening your skin, that way, dry skin won’t further agitate the problem. Your doctor may recommend you use topical corticosteroid preparations to regulate the inflammation.
When you take a bath soak in lukewarm water for 20 to 30 minutes. Do not have hot baths or showers, because the heat will increase skin dryness and itching. You can add oatmeal or baking soda to the bath for a soothing effect, though it generally does not help moisturize the skin.
Use a mild soap or perhaps a non-soap cleanser with neutral pH (pH7). If you want to add bath oils, do so after you have been in the water. That way, the oil can help seal in the moisture. Do not use bubble baths, as they can form a barrier that stops the bathwater from moisturizing your skin layer.
After the bath, dry yourself by patting your skin with a soft towel. This helps maintain moisture. Immediately after drying your skin, apply a lotion or emollient cream to keep the moisture locked in.
To look after your skin, you should try to avoid situations where you will experience extreme physical contact, heavy perspiration, or wearing heavy duty garments. This may mean staying away from some particular sports. Swimming is permissible if you rinse the chlorine from your sensitive skin as soon as you leave the pool, and apply a moisturizer right after drying yourself.
Follow these three steps and you will be in a position to control your skin allergy and minimize its effect on your own everyday life.
