3 Steps to Managing Skin Allergies
Summary:
An effective approach to managing skin allergies has three components. This article outlines the three steps you should take to alleviate the condition and some of the man-made triggers that can start skin allergies.
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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 mistakenly believe that allergies exclusively impact the digestive or respiratory systems, but they can also harm your skin, which is your largest organ.
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.
Finding and removing the allergens and irritants that cause the itching/scratching cycle is the second step in treating a skin allergy. 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.
Nevertheless, latex can also be found in balloons, pencil erasers, infant pacifiers and elastic bands used in pants. 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. Apart from the apparent metallic items like jewelry and coins, nickel can also be found in commonplace items like scissors, kitchen and bathroom cabinet knobs, 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 by 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 a neutral pH (pH 7). 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 from 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.