Skin Allergies Causes, Symptoms And Treatments For Skin Allergies

Skin Allergies

Red, bumpy, scaly, itchy, swollen skin....any of these symptoms can signify an allergic skin condition.These skin problems can be caused by a range of different things: animals, plants, medicines, foods, jewelery or even your clothes.Generally these attacks that are brought on by the unfortunate intersection of allergies and skin rashes fall into one of two categories: dermal allergies and systemic allergies that present as skin rashes.

What are the most common allergens?
Pollen from trees, grass and weeds. aAlergies that occur in the spring (late April and May) are often due to tree pollen. Mold is common where water tends to collect, such as shower curtains, window moldings and damp basements.

Causes Skin Allergies
Dust mites, cockroaches, molds and animal dander, are examples of year-around allergens.

Tree, grass and ragweed pollens are primarily seasonal outdoor allergens. Seasonal pollens depend on wind for cross-pollination. Plants that depend on insect pollination, such as goldenrod and dandelions, do not usually cause allergic rhinitis.

Allergy is caused by an oversensitive immune system, which leads to a misdirected immune response. The immune system normally protects the body against harmful substances, such as bacteria and viruses. It reacts to substances (allergens) that are generally harmless and in most people do not cause a problem.

Grass and tree pollens
Dust mites (living in and feeding on house dust)
Food (cow's milk, hen eggs, wheat, soya, seafood, fruit and nuts)
Fungal or mould spores (in the bathroom and other damp areas)
Poison ivy is the classic example of acute ACD in North America. ACD from poison ivy is characterized by linear streaks of acute dermatitis that develop where plant parts have been in direct contact with the skin.

Symptoms Skin Allergies
Pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, and some skin cysts are markers of acne. Get up to speed on acne symptoms
allergic shiners - the dark circles children with allergies often get under their eyes
An allergic salute common in children - the upward tilt of the nose with a crease on top, caused by the child's continual upward swiping at an itchy nose.
Another skin condition, urticaria (hives), is often considered a symptom of allergies, but not all urticaria is caused by an allergic response. allergic urticaria is often related to drug, food, or latex allergies, but many times it is not known what triggers the urticaria.
wheezing, noisy breathing or shortness of breath rash or redness of the skin loss of consciousness

Treatment skin allergies
Antihistamines like diphenhydramine, chlortrimeton, or loratadine (Clari tin, Clari tin RediTabs, Al avert); and moisturizing lotions.

Keep windows and doors closed during heavy pollination seasons.
Use the air conditioner in the house and car.
Rid the home of indoor plants and other sources of mildew.
Gargle with warm salt water to help reduce swelling and relieve discomfort:
Gargle at least once each hour with 1 tsp (5 g) of salt dissolved in 8 fl oz of warm water.
Use acaricide (a chemical that kills house-dust mites) or a tannic acid solution (solution that neutralizes the allergen in mite droppings).

Mold Allergy- Treatment Of Its Causes

Along with pollens from trees, grasses, and weeds molds like microscopic fungal spores or fragments of fungi inhaled may cause allergic rhinitis.

This triggers a cascade of reactions that lead to allergy symptoms. In some people, mold allergy is linked to asthma and exposure causes restricted breathing and other airway symptoms.

Mold allergy causes the same signs and symptoms that occur in other types of upper respiratory allergies. mold allergy symptoms can include:
• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Cough and postnasal drip
• Itchy eyes, nose and throat
• Watery eyes
• Sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinuses

Mold allergy symptoms vary from person to person, and range from mild to severe. One may have year-round symptoms or symptoms that flare up only during certain times of the year like from spring to late fall also when the weather is damp, or you're in indoor or outdoor spaces that have high concentrations of mold. The mold season often peaks from July to late summer. In the warmest areas of the United States, however, molds thrive all year and can cause year-round (perennial) allergic problems. In addition, molds growing indoors can cause perennial allergic rhinitis even in the coldest climates.

If you have mold allergy and asthma, your asthma symptoms may be triggered by exposure to mold spores. In some people, exposure to certain molds can cause a severe asthma attack. Signs and symptoms of asthma include:
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath

There are thousands of types of molds yeast and spores. Since they are so small they evade the protective mechanisms of the nose and upper respiratory tract to reach the lungs. molds are very common both inside and outside found wherever there is moisture, oxygen, and a source of the few other chemicals they need. Some of the most common molds that cause allergies include Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Epicoccum, Fusarium, Mucor, Rhizopus, and Aureobasidium.

If you have a mold allergy, the best defense is to reduce your exposure to the types of mold that cause your reaction. mold grows best at room temperature, and on many things, including tile, wood, paint, plaster, fabric, bathrooms and kitchens which contain adequate food and moisture also like closets, refrigerator drip trays, air conditioners, garbage pails, mattresses, pillows, attics, carpets, upholstery. In your home and basement, a musty smell will let you know that mold has set-up so all these needs to be freed from any moisture and cleaned regularly to reduce mold spores circulating in the air. If you have a stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes or other bothersome symptoms for longer than two weeks, see your doctor.

If you have asthma or your doctor suspects you have asthma, you may need to see a doctor who specializes in allergies on inhaling tiny, airborne mold spores, your body recognizes them as foreign invaders and develops allergy-causing antibodies to fight them. While it isn't always possible to avoid mold allergy triggers, medications can help keep mold allergy reactions under control.

Similar to pollen counts, mold counts may suggest the types and relative quantities of fungi present at a certain time and place. For several reasons, however, these counts probably cannot be used as a constant guide for daily activities. One reason is that the number and types of spores actually present in the mold count may have changed considerably in 24 hours because weather and spore dispersal are directly related. Many of the common allergenic molds are of the dry spore type - they release their spores during dry, windy weather. Other fungi need high humidity, fog, or dew to release their spores. Although rain washes many larger spores out of the air, it also causes some smaller spores to be shot into the air.
In addition to the effect of day-to-day weather changes on mold counts, spore populations may also differ between day and night. Day favors dispersal by dry spore types and night favors wet spore types.

While it is Impossible to Avoid Entirely, it is Possible to Live With a Mold Allergy

Everyone is familiar with some form of mold. An organism that is found nearly everywhere, not just outdoors but inside too, it is a member of the fungus family. Mold's job is to return materials like nutrients back into its surroundings via breaking down dead items. Mold is not picky about what it digests as animals, plants and maybe even some minerals are alright in its book. It spreads its tiny spores into the air and that is why a mold allergy can be very common.

There is not a cook alive who has not seen mold live in the kitchen. Whether it is bread that is just a bit too old with a few blue green spots or cheeses that are actually considered a delicacy with the same patchwork coloring, it is all just mold. One caution to remember is that this fungus can have roots and can grow inside foods yet is unseen.

Everyone experiences the fungi in their daily lives. Luckily, for most of us, we can inhale the tiny little fungus spores and not even know that we have. Those with a mold allergy have an entirely different problem when exposed to more than their fair share of the fungus. Symptoms of this allergy are common to all other allergies and include minor annoyances like runny noses, congestion and eyes that itch and water. Some sufferers may also develop rashes or hives and this may lead to more difficult problems.

While it is impossible to remove mold from daily life, those with the allergy can take some simple steps in reducing how much of the fungus they are exposed to. Naturally, all foods should be given a thorough look over for any visible signs of mold. Some foods like yeast and mushrooms are great friends to this fungus' spores.

The smell test is a big no-no for those allergic to mold. As soon as a breath is taken, if the fungus exists within the food, the spores are on a rocket into the system. The best advice is simply to throw out any foodstuffs that are subject to question.

A surprising number of unlikely foods can harbor the fungus and add annoyance to a mold allergy sufferer's life. For example, items that contain vinegar, like everybody's favorite hotdog condiment- ketchup, are more likely to have mold than some other foods. The same thing holds true for pickles and any other pickled products. Allergies to mold are not treatable with medications. However, those who are bothered by it can take common sense approaches to limiting its presence in their lives.

How to Avoid Mold Allergies

It was years before my mother discovered that she had mold allergies. Not one, but several. She was never fond of visiting doctors and back then, she really couldn't afford to go to one. Times haven't changed too much since the economy's meltdown, but that doesn't mean you should just avoid an allergy problem either.

While not all molds are dangerous, some can be. Molds, which are also known as fungus, can be almost anywhere. There are literally thousands of molds that enter the air each and every day. Interestingly though, only a few of them are well known for causing an allergic reaction.

Usually it's the spores and not the fungi itself that causes the allergy. When spores germinate, they allow for new growth of fungi and even more spores. Once someone inhales those pesky spores they can wreak havoc on the respiratory system causing a negative reaction.

Molds are generally found anywhere there is moisture and oxygen. They can specifically be found in closets, basements, bathrooms, air conditioners, humidifiers, pillows and mattresses. Of course, this is only a small number of the areas where fungi may be hiding.

Symptoms that may be present when you find yourself under an allergy attack are sneezing, runny nose, cough, itchy or watery eyes, and irritated sinuses. Not everyone may experience the same symptoms or severity of them. Some may find that they are only slightly affected by molds while others may find that they have a very severe reaction and may even experience asthma, which can be triggered by the fungi.

If you suspect that you are allergic to fungi, you should set up an appointment with your doctor immediately. Your doctor may then want to determine your specific allergy with a simple skin or blood test. Once the allergy has been diagnosed; you can then begin taking the necessary steps to keep the problem at bay.

A few steps you may want to consider is to keep your home's windows closed during the allergy seasons. If you're planning to do any type of yard work, you may want to consider wearing a respiratory mask to keep spores away from your face.

If you find that the problem lies indoors, be sure to remove any moisture that may be lurking in your basement, bathroom, closet, air conditioner and bedding. Use a dehumidifier to keep the areas dry and remove any troublesome fungi with a specialty-cleaning product that will get down below the surface of the area.

And finally, if you find that your mold allergies are out of control, you may want to see your doctor about prescribing a medication that will reduce your symptoms or seek an over-the-counter medication. While a fungi allergy can be troublesome, it's certainly not the end of the world. You just have to minimize the problem, one fungi at a time!

Air Purifiers For Mold Allergy Relief

Mold - the microscopic fungi that invades your home to expose you and your family to severe health risks. Although mold comprises the "blue" of bleu cheese, it is neither tasty nor inviting when it's invading your home. Now more than ever, allergy and asthma sufferers (and even those who aren't allergic to mold) are looking for a solution to their mold troubles.

Are air purifiers the answer to mold problems?

Inside the home, molds like Alternaria, Aspergillus Chaetomium, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Mucor, Penicillium and Stachybotrys grow frequently in places that are warm, damp, and dark. However, mold itself does not trigger allergic or asthmatic reactions. Instead, the microscopic mold spores (seeds) floating through the air cause coughing, wheezing, stuffy and runny noses in those who are allergic. These awful mold spores make indoor and outdoor air quality unbearable for some. As tiny mold spores float in the air and evade the protective mechanisms of your respiratory system, you'll find comfort in the fact that there are effective ways to reduce and eliminate mold in your home.

Most air purifiers combat the multiplying presence of mold using a very powerful weapon: the HEPA air filter. HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters excel at trapping microscopic particles. True HEPA filters must meet strict standards of efficiency, capturing a minimum of 99.97% of pollutants at 0.3 microns.

As mold spores range between one and five microns in size, HEPA filters are certified and proven to remove virtually all airborne mold spores. Thus, air purifiers provide mold allergy relief. Ensure that your air purifier contains a HEPA filter by looking on the package. Each HEPA filter is marked accordingly and represents the strict guidelines for which HEPA certification requires.

HEPA filters eliminate mold spores by filtering the airborne spores from the air and trapping them within the HEPA filter. To effectively filter mold spores, place the air purifier where mold is frequently found: basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and rooms with upholstered furniture. Replace your HEPA filter frequently, as advised on the packaging, to ensure that your air purifier will continue to provide air free and clear of mold spores.

Austin Air Allergy Machine air purifiers include HEPA filters which consistently rank as #1 in the world. Also included in the Austin Air Allergy Machine air purifiers is a special patented HEGA (High Efficiency Gas Adsorber) filter which eliminates not only airborne contaminants like pollen, mold spores, and pet dander, but also odors, gases, and smoke. This innovative combination provides fresher, cleaner air for you and your family.

For industrial strength protection against airborne contaminants, the AllerAir 6000 series air purifiers come with effective HEPA filters as well as two antimicrobial filters to eliminate mold, viruses, and bacteria. AllerAir air purifiers also come with an activated carbon filter which eliminates Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), chemicals, gases, and odors.

However, nothing can top the air cleaning abilities of the NQ Clarifier air purifiers. The NQ Clarifier air purifier is the only air purifier that provides five stages of unmatched filtration. Within the NQ Clarifier's five stages of air purification are: a Polyester Pre-filter, a True HEPA filter, a carbon filter, a carbon post-filter, and two ultraviolet lamps that efficiently kill airborne microorganisms. The NQ Clarifier air purifier offers hospital-grade filtration that will guard against chemicals, VOCs, odors, pollen, bacteria, viruses, and of course, mold spores.

Also, to ensure that your home remains mold-free, use hygrometers and humidity gauges to monitor and manage the humidity levels in your home. Mold loves humidity and thrives in areas that are damp and dark. After testing your home's humidity levels, use dehumidifiers to lower the humidity if necessary, and place HEPA air purifiers in problem areas.

Air purifiers offer the perfect solution to filter out airborne mold spores. But don't forget to vacuum! Vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters will eliminate mold spores on your carpet and rugs. Vacuum regularly with your HEPA vacuum cleaner to ensure that your rugs and carpets remain clean of mold colonies.

And for the nasty black spots and smears of mold colonies on countertops and shower heads, use special cleaners like M-1 House Wash, M-1 Sure Cote, or MoldZyme.

Don't let mold take over your home. Breathe easier with a HEPA air purifier.

The Best Mold Allergy Treatment - General House Cleaning

If your nose becomes runny at random parts of the day, and you find that your family is becoming more and more susceptible to common respiratory illnesses like colds, coughs, and sinusitis, but your doctor cannot put a finger on the exact cause, you may have a mold allergy to deal with. Medications for allergies may help clear the symptoms, but if your home is infested with mold, you are not exactly getting rid of the same toxic particles that may cause more severe and fatal health concerns later on. Besides, it can be pretty taxing to keep returning to the doctor for a prescription.

So, there really are ways you can go about getting the perfect mold allergy treatment plan, which is cleaning up your entire home. Here are the things you can do to make sure you protect your family from diseases caused by molds. Here are some suggestions:

1. Get rid of everything old. Old means that it has probably been kept too long in a corner or the basement storage and forgotten about. You don't really need them, so de-clutter all areas in your home. Places where a lot of mold can grow are libraries, cabinets under the sink, storage areas, basement and the attic. These places get very little sunlight, and dampness may occur due to climate, so they're the perfect breeding ground for mold.

2. Trash old books. You may not believe this, but flip through some really old books, and you will see tiny brown to black spots. These are molds. They take advantage of the cellulose in paper, because it serves as nutrients for them.

3. Hold off on organic fruits and veggies. It's a pain, especially when you're committed to living healthy. But here's the truth about non-organic fruits and vegetables. They have been treated with pesticides and fungicides, so they are less susceptible to fungi like mold. Remember, you aren't really sure where the molds are coming from. They have roots too tiny to be seen by the naked eye. You can go back to organic products when you and your family have resolved the mold allergy issues.

4. Inspect your hardwood floors for dark spots. If they weren't there before, they are probably mold. Molds thrive on materials that have carbohydrate material, like wood. If you have mold issues on your hardwood floor, there's a major possibility that there are also molds growing within the walls that surround these floors. Hire a contractor to open up these walls, clean and bleach them, and patch them back up. This may cost a little, but is nothing compared to your health if you ignore the mold infestation within the walls.

5. Clean your kitchen and bathroom tiles with bleach. Scrub, scrub, scrub away! Be sure to get into those little spaces between tiles. The black soil-like matter you see there are actually molds.

6. Get rid of drapes in your rooms. When it rains, moisture can accumulate on the windows, and can be absorbed by these drapes. Because they may not be exposed to direct sunlight, drapes or curtains can be the perfect thriving place of molds too. Replace these drapes with shades, or Venetian blinds.

7. Replace damp rugs in the bathroom and in other parts of the house regularly.

8. Hang towels to dry in the sunlight after using them after shower.

9. Reposition steaming appliances where the windows are. For instance, crock pots are better used where moisture can escape instead of accumulating on walls and ceilings.

10. Finally, inspect your sofas, mattresses and furniture for mold. Have them bleached and upholstered, or if the molds are too much, consider replacing them.