Yet, many live daily with a variety of skin disorders which are often caused by an allergic reaction. Skin allergies are not only unattractive to the eye, they can also be quite painful depending on the type of allergy. Still, hope and help is available to those who deal with this irritating disorder.
Skin Allergy Causes And Treatments
Many factors may be involved in causing skin allergies in an individual. One very common cause of skin allergies is using chemical household cleaners. The chemicals which are used in these products are often very harsh on the hands, and unless one is wearing gloves while cleaning, these chemicals can cause rashes and even burns to occur.
Using natural cleaning supplies is one solution to this type of skin allergy, as the ingredients are non-toxic in most cases and made of less harmful materials. Another cause of skin allergies is a latex sensitivity. Those who wear latex gloves may be sensitive to the latex that is used in manufacturing these gloves. Rashes, bumps, and other problems occur when the latex comes in contact with the skin. Itching can be severe as well with this type of reaction.
Other reasons for skin allergies include sensitivity to certain foods and other environmental factors, such as dust or pollen. Food sensitivities commonly cause skin allergies, yet they are difficult to diagnose because of the delayed reaction that is often seen. Sometimes, a rapid onset of hives will occur after a certain food has been ingested, yet more often, eczema will develop if a food is continually eaten.
Dairy is particularly problematic in many individuals, especially infants and children. The person is usually reacting to the protein in the milk itself called casein, and this reaction causes underlying skin irritations such as rashes and dermatitis. Citrus, wheat, peanuts, and eggs are other common allergenic foods that can cause skin allergies to erupt. Pollen can actually affect the skin, but most often causes wheezing and asthmatic type of reactions, as does dust.
There are a variety of treatments one can try, both natural and conventional. Certain creams and lotions are available which help to reduce the inflammatory response. Also, certain drugs can help to soothe the pain and redness of the skin as well. No matter what approach is chosen, help is available for overcoming this common and problematic disorder.
This system can become supersensitive to such foreign particles as flea saliva, pollen, house dust, and wool, however, and this super sensitivity can produce chemicals that cause an allergy, a severe inflammatory reaction. Allergenic inhalant dermatitis has been well documented in dogs. It is caused by a super sensitivity to certain particles in the air, such as pollen from trees, ragweed, grass, and other plants, house dust, feathers, and wool.
The allergy follows a predictable history:
1. It is inherited, so if the parents had it, the offspring probably will too. 2. It is seasonal ? the signs appear about the same time every year. 3. The signs begin between six months and three years of age. 4. The signs include severe biting and scratching, licking the paws, sneezing, rubbing the face, and generalized redness of the skin.
Home treatment is directed toward symptomatic relief and avoiding the foreign particle, or allergen. Bathing your dog with a mild shampoo, (such as baby shampoo) will soothe any skin inflammation and remove any allergens on the hair coat. Calamine lotion can be applied to the irritated skin, and hydrogen peroxide (3 percent), and antibiotic ointments are also helpful.
Your veterinarian will take time to get a good history. He or she may be able to identify the allergen in your pet's environment. If allergic inhalant dermatitis is the problem, most veterinarians at this time use a low dose of steroids to relieve the signs. However, steroids, even in low dose, should mot be given for long-term treatment because they have some very serious side effects.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns do not be afraid to contact your veterinarian.
Both John Hilaire & Randy Jones are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
John Hilaire has sinced written about articles on various topics from Auto Insurance, Coffee Advantages and Auto Insurance. For more Tips,and , visit us. John Hilaire's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.
Randy Jones has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pets, Dogs and Pets. Randy Jones and his partner Brent Jones have been in the pet industry for a long time. Recently they formed Joncopets.com. On the site, customers can shop for the latest