Many people are aware that allergies affect digestive or respiratory systems however they are also a big enemy of the largest organ the skin. If you suffer from this condition, it is important to know the effective approach to manage your skin allergies. There are three important things you should know when skin allergies are triggered so that you can avoid them from happening and prevent your skin from getting ruined.
First, understand how these skin allergic reactions are triggered.
Just like how the digestive or respiratory systems react from the allergens inhaled or ingested, your skin overreacts when certain substances or chemicals made contact with it. In some cases, the allergies set in too quickly while there are also other instances when they set in after a while. Either way, it can be very itchy and this can be very serious on your skin. Knowing what type of chemicals that cause the condition is one way to better manage skin allergies.
Second, identify and eliminate skin irritants and allergens that cause the itching or scratching cycle.
This can be hard considering that there are at last three thousands of irritants and allergens which trigger skin allergies. However, knowing or identifying your skin usually comes in contact with will give you a nice start. You have two general types of skin irritants or allergens to look at: natural and man-made ones.
Latex
Latex is derived from a Brazilian rubber tree. These are natural proteins however when undergone manufacturing process, they become more of allergens which trigger the reactions when an individual suffering the condition comes in contact with it. Gloves are one of the products which are made of latex and are normally used by people.
However, there are others made of such as well, such as the balloons, elastic bands (and those even found in the undergarments), pencil erasers, and even baby pacifiers. If you are known to have allergic reactions, it is best to avoid products that contain latex. Instead, opt for plastic or vinyl.
Nickel
You can find nickel in many everyday things, such as coins, jewelry, scissors, zippers, and some kitchen and bathroom handles. You can also find it in certain eye shadows, mascara, eye pencils, and others. Nickel allergy patients have risen to 40% for the past years because of the growing popularity of using jewelry, body piercings, and cosmetics.
Aside from this, there are certain foods that contain natural nickel and if you are suffering severe symptoms, you need to undergo supervised medical diet. Avoiding nickel seems to be the best way to stop the allergies as there are currently no means to desensitize nickel allergy reactions.
Third, take care of your skin.
One thing that you can do is to always keep fingernails short. This reduces serious damage from scratching.
Dry skin tends to irritate easily, so it will help if it is kept moisturized and softened. For patients with reactions to certain chemicals, medical doctors may suggest using preparations with topical corticosteroid to control or prevent the inflammation.
When taking a shower, don’t go for hot ones. The heat increases the dryness and itchiness of the skin triggering causing more the irritants to attack. You can use lukewarm water though for 20-30 minutes of soaking. Adding baking soda or oatmeal can help sooth your skin.
Bubble baths are not a good idea since they stop the bathwater from moisturizing and softening your skin. As much as possible, use mild or non-soap cleanser.
It is also important to avoid experiencing heavy perspiration, heavy clothing, and heavy physical contact to stop skin irritants or allergies from being triggered easily. You will also have to remember rinsing the chlorine as soon as possible after swimming in a pool.
