Dec 11, 2008

A brief overview about cat skin allergy

Cats are the man’s best friend and cat allergy is mostly common with all those people who have cats as their pet at home. Many people who possess cat allergy believe that they are allergic to cat’s hair. But, actually these people who are suffering from this cat allergy occurs because of a protein that is present in cat’s skin and saliva.
However, the cat allergy symptoms can appear in various forms, they can manifest even singularly and even in combination, and moreover they can come and disappear for no clear reason. So you may be wrong in judging that those symptoms can be due to cold or a sore throat. Some of the real reasons of cat allergy is ringing and clogged ears, watering, burning and red eyes, skin rashes and also cold and sore throat.
Cat skin allergy is mostly seen in those people who are sensitive to this kind of protein. Cats bear a protein in their skin that is known as Fel d 1 and due to the increase in production of protein that depends on hormone level of animals. The male cats consist of high allergic protein that basically affects individuals having cat skin allergy to be rather more sensitive in male cats despite female cats.
Cats are said to be known as clean animals and they constantly groom themselves by licking their body, which transfer the protein into their fur from their saliva and skin. While the protein gets dumped in the body, it is then released into the air and if a person is allergic to this protein, it may exhibits the sign of cat skin allergy. These cat allergens stay in the air for longer period of time and it is difficult to eliminate it from the furnishings of home.
The best ways to determine whether you are suffering from cat allergy is by removing cats from the house for almost two weeks and vacuum and clean each and everything your cat was in touch with and see whether the symptoms are lessened or disappears

www.skinallergymedical.com

Treating Your Dog Allergy

by: David Cowley
Did you know that living with an indoor dog can actually help a child to be safer from allergies? There is a chemical that dogs release called endotoxin that actually helps the immune system to develop which is beneficial for children.Usually those that have a dog allergy have developed this sensitivity by being in contact with a dog after their immune system has already developed.While dogs may be man's best friend, a dog allergy can be very difficult for anyone to live with if they love their pet.What can a person do in order to treat this sensitivity, other than send their pet away?
For one thing remember that the chemical that causes a dog allergy usually comes from their saliva and not their skin.This is unlike a cat allergy, which is usually triggered by cat hair and dander. A dog's saliva contains albumin, which causes an allergic reaction in many. So obviously the first thing you need to do when you have a dog allergy is keep the dog from licking your hands and face! When the dog licks themselves this sticky protein is deposited on the hair along with dead skin cells. When the dog hair comes into contact with dust, clothing, curtains, furniture, or you, the protein will stick to the surface of the object. After playing or wrestling with your dog, this saliva can trigger an allergic reaction that lasts for hours.
It also helps to make sure the dog is outside as much as possible. When the dog is indoors he will spread the allergen all around the house that much more, causing the reaction of your dog allergy. It can also help to remove the carpeting in your house in as many rooms as possible; opt for hardwood floors in various rooms. The less carpet you have, the less allergens will stay in the home.For the carpeted rooms, vacuum often with a HEPA equipped vacuum cleaner. Air cleaners can make a really big difference in the severity and frequency of allergy attacks.
Even though your dog allergy is probably not caused by his skin or hair, be sure to bathe the dog at least once or twice per week. This removes allergens that are clinging to his skin and fur. Keeping your home scrupulously clean is also imperative when you have a dog allergy.
Steam clean your carpets once or twice per year. Most vacuums will blow the smaller particles of dust back into the air through the exhaust so you will need to get a vacuum that has some type of HEPA filter that traps microscopic particles of dust from being blown back into the air.Dust all your furniture and surfaces several times per week with a damp cloth (a dry cloth only spreads dust around rather than actually getting rid of it), and don't forget to regularly clean window blinds and curtains as well.
If none of these things help and you don't want to get rid of your dog, talk to your doctor. He or she can recommend options to treat your dog allergy with medications and other options. You may also get regular shots which help your immune system to build up a tolerance for the dog as well.Of course for a severe dog allergy you may just need to part with your pet. Being able to breathe is of course much more important than any family pet. Always consult your doctor before using this information.

Attack against allergy mold

by: RHendersen
Certain individuals who suffer from allergies, especially certain seasonal allergies, may gain relief at different points in the year. But unfortunately, for people who suffer from an allergy mold, the suffering can continue unabated year round.Mold spores are released into the environment in cold, dry weather, as well as in humid conditions. Reactions to an allergy mold usually occur during the summer months, but because mold has the ability to grow in various locations, reactions could surface at any time throughout the year. Although there are many different types of molds, only a small few will cause an allergy mold. Outdoor mold will thrive on damp leaves, rotting bark, or grass.
Indoor molds may develop in damp areas of the home such as laundry rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, basements, or attics. People who suffer from an allergy mold will exhibit the same symptoms as normal allergy sufferers, such as skin irritation, chronic sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, and chest and nasal congestion. A doctor will perform a skin test to receive a specific allergy mold diagnosis. Once diagnosed, a treatment plan to attack the ongoing symptoms and prevent future reactions will be developed. The first step in attacking an allergy mold is to eliminate possible substances within the home that contain mold or could produce mold in the future. A HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter attachment should be contained in the central air conditioning unit in order to catch mold spores before they circulate throughout the home. The home should have proper ventilation and contain exhaust fans inside of the bathrooms. Carpet should be removed from any areas that could possibly become wet or damp. Sinks, tubs, and kitchens should be scrubbed and cleaned frequently due to the speed of mold growth.
Humidity levels within the home can be decreased by the installation of a dehumidifier or by increasing the temperature in order to minimize dampness. Any possible leaks within the home should be repaired as soon as possible to eliminate the possibility of mold growth in certain areas. Any water should drain away from the foundation of the home to eliminate wet plants, grasses, or leaves from allowing mold growth. Assuring that damp areas are dry can prevent spores from filtering into the air and producing an allergy mold reaction. If all of the above measures have been taken to reduce the presence of mold, there are other allergy mold treatments available. Certain medications can eliminate allergy mold reactions. Some over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines, nasal sprays, or decongestants, can reduce symptoms. For severe allergy mold, a doctor may need to recommend a prescription strength allergy treatment. Attacking the allergy mold by staying away from possible growth of spores, taking precautionary cleaning measures, making speedy repairs within the home, protecting yourself with medications, and even using a face mask when you are within contact of mold spores can lead to successful allergy mold relief. But, if symptoms still arise, a doctor may need to recommend another form of treatment or medication. Talking to your doctor about the allergy mold and the specific symptoms associated with it can mean success in the battle against mold.

Some Natural Treatment Option For Babies Allergy

by: David Cowley
Dealing with a baby allergy can be difficult for parents; they often work very hard to keep their child from whatever they have an allergy to and then often need to help the child cope with an allergy attack when it does happen. It's imperative for a parent to understand natural treatment options for any baby allergy as of course you never want to give your child any over-the-counter or prescription medication unless first advised by your doctor. Medications designed for adults can be harmful and even fatal for a baby.
First of all, remember that it's very common for a child to suffer from a baby allergy. Allergies are the result of the immune system not responding properly to fight off irritants and of course a baby's immune system is nowhere near as developed as it should be. Allergies can and often are outgrown by children, so even if your child has severe allergies now this doesn't mean he or she will be suffering from them forever.
Also, when dealing with a baby allergy make sure you're not doing anything to irritate it further. While your baby may be allergic to certain food or elements in the air, switching to allergen-free detergents and personal care items can help tremendously. Be sure that whatever you use for your baby allergy that you're not overmedicating as this can only further irritate the allergy. Get a HEPA filter for the home or the baby's nursery, and apply a warm wet cloth to the baby's chest to clear any lung irritations.
Use Eucalyptus or olbas oil in boiling water and allow the child to inhale the steam that is being generated. This treatment is also very good for any type of stuffy nose due to a cold, flu or allergy problems. Both readily diffuse into the air and can provide benefits to nasal and bronchial areas. If your baby suffers from air-borne allergies then an environment with a high humidity will be of benefit because air with a high humidity content does not carry air-borne contaminates well. Extra moisture in the air will also help to remove any pollen or other allergy producing pollutions from the air.
When treating a baby allergy for the skin, use products that list oils as their first ingredients rather than the diaper rash cream you get at the pharmacy. Sunflower oil, cocoa butter, aloe, shea butter, olive oil, rosewater, and other natural oils are going to be better on baby's skin than harsh creams and treatments. Make sure the products also have no synthetic fragrances. Zinc oxide is also a natural treatment option for a baby allergy of the skin as it forms a natural urine barrier to protect the skin from wet diapers.
If you have done all you can to treat the baby allergy then it's time to see a doctor. While parents often prefer to use natural ingredients and avoid harsh medications and other treatments, it is also important that a child be treated properly especially in the case of a severe allergy. Failure to see a doctor and get medical intervention in severe cases can result in tragedy. So use all the natural treatment options you can for your own baby allergy but don't rule out bringing your precious baby to the doctor as well.
Always consult your doctor before using this information.
This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.

A Successful Allergy Treatment

by: RHendersen
Millions of people suffer from allergies each year. When certain materials come into contact with a person suffering from a specific allergy, their immune system mistakenly believes the material to be harmful. In response, the body will then produce histamine and other chemicals as a form of protection. Due to the presence of these chemicals within the body, reactions will take place such as a rash, swelling, and itching. In some cases, people may be affected by objects within the environment such as pollen, pollutants, mold, and dust. Reactions to environmental substances may include eye or skin irritations or breathing difficulty. In all cases, finding a successful allergy treatment is dependent on the type of allergy.
The most important step in successful allergy treatment is to avoid the materials that are causing the allergy symptoms. In order to prevent an allergy reaction, testing must be completed to find out which specific substance is causing distress within the individual. Allergy treatment must begin with testing the skin to find out what substances react with the skin when they make contact on the body. An allergist, a doctor that specializes in allergy treatment, will use a scratch test or a patch test to introduce various materials onto the skin to see if the skin has a reaction. If the site of the skin test reacts with redness or swelling, it is determined that the individual is allergic to the corresponding allergen. The doctor will then recommend the right course of action for an allergy treatment based on the results of the skin tests. The doctor will also obtain a detailed medical history and a detailed description of the types of allergy episodes the individual has encountered. Several options are available in allergy treatment. Avoidance of the substances causing an episode can prevent distress. Pets, mold, pollen, dust mites, or certain foods, depending on your allergy, should be eliminated from your daily life and exposure should be kept to a minimum. Allergy medications may also be recommended by your doctor and include antihistamine, decongestants, mast cell stabilizers, or leukotriene modifiers. These medications can help reduce inflammation, block histamines, or eliminate nasal and sinus congestion.
Allergy medications can be utilized on a short term basis, or if the allergy is more severe, a long term medication may be recommended. Short term medications do not require a prescription but can cause drowsiness. A long term allergy treatment may require a prescription medication that does not cause the same side effects as a short term over-the -counter medication. Allergy treatment depends on the specific allergy symptoms and the recommendations of the doctor. Certain over-the-counter medications could be used such as nasal sprays, creams, eye drops, pill or liquid decongestants, and antihistamines. Prescription strength allergy treatment may be suggested by doctors if the allergy is severe and needs a quick resolution due to shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing.Each individual will require their own specific allergy treatment. There are many options to help relieve the discomfort allergy sufferers experience during allergy attacks. Working together with the doctor and routinely monitoring your current health status can lead to successful management of outbreaks and long term allergy treatment.

Prevent Age Spot

By VyluneP
Most people don't care about aging and problems that come with old age, until the time finally comes. However, a large number of problems and diseases often linked to old age are actually related to the habits a person had when he was young. Age spots (also known as liver spots) are the early signs of an aging organism. Although usually they become clearly visible only when we're older, they start appearing in one's early twenties. What causes age spots and how can they be prevented?
Age spots are as natural as wrinkles; however some blemishes might be signs of skin cancer. Every unusual freckle or mole should be examined by medics, the same goes for age spots. Although the condition is often called liver spots, it is not related to the liver. Age spots were believed to be linked to liver malfunctions until this hypothesis was examined and denied. Liver malfunctions can influence skin appearance; age spots, however, are, for the most part, caused by age and sun damage. Sometimes no measures of prevention can grant clean skin - this is usually because of the person's genetic predisposition. Age spots can even be caused by emotional stress in rare cases.
Basically, age spots appear because of regular exposure to the sun and the skin's inability to regenerate at an older age. Those that enjoy sun bathing (and other sources of ultra-violet radiation) are more likely to have age spots. They appear on the face and shoulders, the back of arms and hands - the parts of the body which endure most of the hazardous exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays. Protecting yourself from the sun is the best method to reduce the chance of developing "liver spots". Limit the time you spend in direct sunlight and wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible. These measures along with sun block are the most helpful in preventing age spots.
A healthy lifestyle can help preventing age spots as well. The skin regenerates constantly, but the process becomes slower and slower as we grow old. A proper diet and exercise can improve the regeneration process, because they make the skin more elastic. Lifestyle and nutrition have important roles when it comes to the condition of a person's skin. If you exercise, avoid toxins, build up and free radicals, you skin will be able to keep elasticity when you're older. And proper nutrition which provides the skin cells with the humidity it needs helps the regeneration process. Remember that tobacco, caffeine and alcohol are detrimental to the skin.