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Skin allergies arise when you are reacting to something. Occasionally, people are reacting, but do not know it, because an allergy can show a reaction externally, say, on your skin or internally, say in your lungs or throat. You may become allergic to practically anything including yourself, although that condition is very rare fortunately.
The most prevalent sign of an allergic reaction is a skin rash, which is normally red and occasionally very itchy too. You could apply a cream or some kind, but the only truly effective way of countering it is to eradicate the cause and the first step to doing this is finding out what you are reacting to.
Forms of Skin Allergies
So, take notice and take notes on when you see your allergic reaction. Is it usually in the summer? Is it after eating? Does it occur after playing with the dog? Do you itch when you sit near the bird cage? Is it when you do the housework? These all involve common allergens or causes of skin allergies.
By the way, in case you are thinking about it: most people are allergic to housework (or do not like doing it), but I am talking about the dust that doing housework throws up, not the actual work itself.
Types of Allergen
In fact. the most widespread allergen is dust, because the majority of house dust is made up of skin, both human and insect. Dust attracts dust mites and people are frequently allergic to them as well.
Other particles in dust may be soil, pollutants, smoke, paper, fabric and stone. Coal dust is especially harmful, as coal miners can substantiate. However, for most people, pollen and dust mites are the main difficulty. Pollen is usually more ubiquitous in the summer.
Another prime cause of skin allergy, or rash, at home is detergent. If you have been using the same laundry powder for years and then change brands, your body might react to the new chemical mix in the new powder. The same could be true of shampoo and make-up.
There are recognised procedures for discovering what you are reacting to. Your physician or a dermatologist can help find your allergen the most quickly. However, you can buy DIY kits and get advice at the chemist’s as well.
Serious Allergies
If you think that you have a food allergy, it is almost certainly best if you test for it under medical supervision, because food allergies can be dangerous. Many people are hospitalised or even die due to a nut or peanut allergy. Sometimes the throat swells up and the person chokes.
If your allergy has an effect on your breathing, you could develop extrinsic asthma (dust mite faeces frequently cause this). In these cases you have to be breathing cleaner air.
You can use anti-allergy mattress and pillow covers and get an air purifier. The best air purifiers are those that are in line with your central heating, but you can use stand-alone units too.
If your vacuum cleaner blows some dust back, it would be worth purchasing an anti-allergy vacuum cleaner. A good one will retain 100% of the dust that passes through it. Use it often, especially if you have pets.
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