Indentifying a skin allergy is important because a lot of the same symptoms could be produced by infections, heat, and inflammation and even as a reaction to prescription drugs. For instance skin allergy symptoms such as eczema can mimic those of psoriasis, which is not an allergic reaction but caused by a disorder that produces more skin cells than needed.

Symptoms of a skin allergy:

1. Hives

Hives are one of the most common skin allergy symptoms and an estimated 25% of the American population will have this reaction at least once in their lives.

Hives are characterized by raised bumps of reddened skin in various shapes and sizes. Extreme itchiness is another characteristic of hives. Certain foods and drugs are the most likely triggers of hives.

2. Contact Dermatitis

This is a reaction to an allergen that takes the form of itchy, blistered red skin. It takes a day or two for the reaction to occur and may take two to four weeks for the rash to clear up even with treatment. The most common culprits are perfumes, nickel, rubber or latex products, dyes, cosmetics as well as a common ingredient in antibiotic powders and creams called neomycin.

3. Eczema

This is another one of the common skin allergy symptoms where a scaly, red, itchy rash which can occur on the knees, elbows and face. House dust, pet dander, overheating or excessive sweating, as well as substances such as soaps and wool could cause this skin reaction. There could be emotional triggers also that could cause this skin reaction and among children, certain foods can also cause eczema.

Management of skin allergy symptoms

Identification of the allergen or the trigger of any allergic reaction is the key to management of the allergy. So identifying what substance or occurrence is responsible for causing the skin rash is the first step in managing of the skin allergy.

Then avoidance of the allergen is the next important part of managing the allergy. If it is a food reaction, cut that food or beverage out of the diet and be careful and circumspect when eating out. Eliminate allergens from the home and immediate environment as far as possible.

If it is a drug reaction that is causing the symptoms, ask the doctor to suggest an alternative such as a different formulation or brand of the drug. Wear protective gear such as gloves when required, if you are to come into contact with a substance that is known to cause contact dermatitis.

When the skin allergy symptoms do appear, do not scratch or rub the rash. Apply cold compresses to sooth the rash and apply over the counter medications or prescription gels or ointments for reducing the discomfort. Take any antihistamines or corticosteroid medications that may be prescribed to keep the rashes in control and to avoid lasting skin damage.

What causes allergies?

Many kinds of foods, dust, pollen, medications, dander from pets and other animals and insect bites are usually not inimical to the body. But those who have an allergy to any of these substances are unable to tolerate these ‘allergens’ and produce reactions that could range from the mild to the severe. The body mistakenly produces the reaction that it would normally have to harmful bacteria and viruses.

The white blood cells of the body, the body’s defenders, are activated and we see an allergic reaction. Mild reactions could be a runny nose and itchy eyes. Then there could be wheezing, skin rashes, hives and even more severe reactions.

In cases there could be a life threatening reaction to an allergen called anaphylaxis where many organs of the body may be involved including the respiratory system, the digestive and the circulatory system.

What causes allergies may differ from person to person – the triggers, allergens, the kind of allergic reactions and their severity and so on. Also allergies can show a predictable pattern at times. For instance it a person is allergic to peanuts, there is a higher likelihood that they may be allergic to other nuts as well.

Medical conditions can be causes for allergies

Certain medical conditions predispose a person to allergies. Having asthma, lung conditions such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), frequent infections of the respiratory system, having nasal polyps or having overly sensitive skin can mean that a person is more likely to have allergies.

1. Genetic element

Allergies do run in families, so one’s genetic makeup is certainly one of the important causes of allergies. If parents have allergies, their children are more likely to have allergies. If one of identical twins has an allergy, there is a 70% chance that the other will have the same allergy. Even among non-identical twins there is a 40% chance of both twins being allergic.

2. The hygiene hypothesis

In recent times the hygiene hypothesis has become a popular explanation for why allergies occur and why they seem to be increasing in recent times; particularly in developed countries.

The hygiene hypothesis postulates that as standards of cleanliness and hygiene improve, this reduces the normal expose of children to common dirt, infectious agents, microorganisms, parasites and so on. This prevents the body from developing normal immunity and makes the body more likely to produce reactions to harmless substances.

Since research has also show that the incidence of autoimmune and immunological diseases are more common in developed world (where there is greater likelihood of clean and aseptic environments) than in developed counties, the Hygiene Hypothesis is one of the plausible causes of allergies. A case in point is asthma: in the 19^th century it was a rare disease; today about 10% of the youth has it!

When an allergy blood test may be advisable

If a person has a certain skin condition, it can prevent them from undergoing the usual prick test, patch or intradermal allergy tests. Also if they are taking certain medications, skin tests may not be possible and so blood tests to detect allergies may be required.

Different types of blood tests for allergies

The total IgE level test is designed to detect the allergen-specific IgE antibodies present in the blood stream.

The total levels of the IgE antibodies in the blood serum are measured. Blood tests such as the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or the radio allergosorbent tests (RAST) are usually used to detect allergies.

RAST test

This kind of allergy test measures certain antibodies present in the blood samples, however it is now thought to be rather outdated.

The ELISA test

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test is a more recent and technologically advanced type of allergy blood test. It yields results by binding the antibodies present in the blood to the allergens. A developer is then added to the sample which changes color and this change in color is what will reveal the extent or type of allergy.

How blood tests for allergies are useful

The allergy blood test requires a small blood sample to be taken from the person and then analyzed to detect and identify specific antibodies. These tests are useful in recognizing exactly what reaction the body has to an allergen and whether it is a true allergy that the person has or a mere intolerance.

This type of allergy testing that uses blood samples also helps to determine the exact nature and extent of allergic activity in the person. What it may also be useful for is detecting whether a person has possibly ceased to be allergic to a given substance (out-grown allergies). For this reason such blood tests for identifying allergies have become more popular than in the past.

Limitations of allergy blood tests

Though blood sample allergy tests have become more accurate and technologically sound than in the past, there are still some limitations that they have.

• Blood tests are typically more expensive than the usual skin tests that more routinely used for detecting allergies.
• Blood tests are also less accurate in detecting allergies.
• There is the apprehension that blood tests could yield false positive results (indicate an allergy when there is none present).
• Blood tests are also typically more expensive and also more time consuming (results will take a couple of days or longer) than skin tests.

It is best that the decision of whether to opt for allergy blood tests or any other kind of testing procedure be taken after considering all factors and in consultation with a trained and experienced allergist.

Skin test is the most commonly used allergy testing procedure for detecting food allergies, animal, pollen, dust, mold, venom and drug allergies as well as contact dermatitis. Is may be done in one or more of the following manners-

1. The prick test uses skin pricks or scratches with needles to let suspected allergens enter into the skin’s surface.

Solutions containing the allergen that the person suspects they are allergic to are used to gauge the reaction of the substance.

A person is allergic to the substance that causes a wheal – a reaction such as redness, itchiness, rashes, etc.

2. Patch tests are administered to indentify cases of contact dermatitis and so on.

Here the allergen soaked pad is taped on to the person’s skin for one to three days to see if there is a reaction.

3. Sometimes the allergen may be injected into the surface of the skin if the prick test appears to have yielded incorrect results. However the intradermal allergy testing procedure as it is called can be overly sensitive and may yield a false positive result at times.

Blood tests for allergies require the blood to be tested for certain antibodies. They are used when a person is unable to take skin tests though they are less likely to yield accurate results. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA, EIA) is the most frequently used blood test for detecting allergies. It measures the amount of antibodies present in the blood.

The RAST (radioallergosorbent testing) method of testing may be used for additional information. Other tests such as the one to test absolute eosinophil count or total IgE levels may be conducted.

Elimination type of allergy testing procedure is used mainly to detect food allergies. By turn certain suspected food allergens are eliminated from the diet of the person for a period of several weeks. The food is then once again introduced to the diet to see what reaction it has.

Provocation type testing may also be used to find out what one is allergic to. Here a person is exposed to different allergens and their reactions recorded in controlled conditions.

Double blind tests can also be performed where allergens as well as harmless substances are used; without the person knowing which is which. This allergy testing procedure has to be carefully controlled and can be used if the person’s allergic reactions are not known to be severe.

Whichever allergy testing procedure you are advised to undergo, you should known what each entails and should help by giving complete medical information about yourself and your suspected allergies to the doctors. Never take any allergy medications prior to a test.

Secondly, it could be a particular ingredient in the drug that could be responsible for the reaction – for instance the edible food color used to impart a distinctive color to the drug may be what a person is allergic to.

Thirdly it is important to see whether it is actually an allergic reaction or whether it is drug intolerance that causes the symptoms since both the conditions are quite different in nature and require to be tackled differently.

Drug allergy symptoms

The symptoms of a drug allergy may not manifest themselves immediately upon taking the drug, and in many cases may appear after the person has been on the medication for a while.

It is thought that the initial exposure or exposures to the drug creates within the body the antibodies to that drug as well as creates the memory lymphocyte cells for the antigen.

When the symptoms of a drug allergy do manifest themselves they may range from the mild to the life threatening.

• A drug allergy could result in a skin rash, hives or suchlike skin eruptions.
• It could also cause fever, one of the most common symptoms of a drug allergy.
• Facial swelling may also be one of the symptoms.
• Dizziness is also seen in some cases.
• In severe cases there could be shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; and even perhaps a life threatening condition called anaphylaxis which is always to be considered a medical emergency.

Drug allergy diagnosis

The most important part of a drug allergy diagnosis is to differentiate it from drug intolerance because they can have very similar symptoms. A drug allergy involves the immune system.

The body mistakenly views the drug as a harmful intruder and releases histamines to combat it. However, real drug allergies that actually involve the immune system; are not as common as we may think and the doctor should determine whether it is an allergic or a non allergic reaction that is causing the adverse drug event.

The medications that most commonly cause an allergic reaction are widely used antibiotics such as penicillin, tetracycline and sulfa drugs. Analgesics or pain relievers such as non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs and codeine can also cause the allergic reaction.

Certain anti seizure medications like Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, and so on are also known to cause allergic reactions.

Treatment for drug allergies

The most common treatment for a drug allergy is to discontinue the medication.

If the medication is necessary, the doctor may try a different brand of the same medication or substitute another medication to see if that suits the person better, particularly if the person has not displayed very severe symptoms of the drug allergy.

A doctor should ideally be consulted when the person is displaying the symptoms of a drug allergy or intolerance so that the doctor can determine its nature and the best treatment for it.

In some cases however a drug allergy could resolve itself since the immune system and its working can alter over time.

Traditionally toys were made of natural materials like wood. One can go as back as the Egyptian pharaohs, who gave their children beautifully carved wooden toys. In fact the first toys discovered have been made of wood, a material that was easily accessible to the ancient men. In spite of toys being still in great demand today, they are no longer made of natural materials like wood.

Wooden toys are not only more eco friendly to produce but are also bio-degradable making them the right choice for aware parents who would like to give their child the best.

These toys created of natural materials are safer for the child and for the Earth not to mention they are beautiful and sturdy.

If you are still looking for reasons to shell out the money for wooden toys instead of buying cheap plastic toys, rest assured that there are many positives features your kid will take advantage of.

Wooden toys are available in a wide range to suit children of all ages starting with newborns to older children. They don’t have small parts and thus are safe for really small children too.

The toys are painted colorfully with non-toxic paints that are perfectly safe for your kids. You will not have to be worried about toxins or smaller parts the next time your baby decides to put its wooden toys into the mouth.

Wooden toys are stronger and more durable and are often a great pass down to the next generation. They will last way longer than the plastic toys, thus being proactive from the financial point of view. Wooden toys are handcrafted and thus are a piece of art too. They are available in a wide range and you can choose them according the age of the child.

Wooden toys are easily available through online stores like WoodenToyShop.co.uk and also inside regular brick and mortar shops. For babies and toddlers you can pick pull-along, blocks, shape sorters, wooden numbers and letters and much more. The older children will love toys like doll houses, wooden train sets, rocking horses, easels, balance bikes and more.

One can also buy wooden toy chests in varying sizes for the child to store its wooden toys in after play. You can choose from leading brands for wooden toys. Some popular brands are Big Jigs, Brio, Pintoy and John Crane. There are other wooden toy manufacturers too, which make high quality wooden toys.

When choosing non-allergic wooden toys for your child you can also choose from the exquisite wooden furniture for children. Pick non-toxic wooden cradles, chairs, tables, beds and other pieces to give your child a safe haven to play and rest in.

Make an educated choice and choose non allergic wooden toys to give your child a better tomorrow.

One recent study on the subject of allergies among children has indicated that as many as 2 out of 5 kids may have potentially fatal allergies. A large study was conducted, involving about 40,000 households in the United States.

The study was done by researchers led by Ruchi Gupta, MD, MPH, and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and

a pediatrician at Children’s Memorial Hospital, who suggests that the number of kids having allergies may be much higher than previous thought;

that an estimated 6 million kids in the United States could have allergies.

The earlier CDC estimate of the number kids who could have allergies was calculated as being in the region of about 3 million children of less than 18 years of age.

The study examined the reactions that children had to food and it was found more than 38% of the kids had the sort of strong allergic reaction to the food that could even cause death.

The aim of the study was to find effective treatments to control allergies for children which could have far-reaching impacts including economic, psychological and emotional ones.

Another issue that occupies parents of children with allergies is that of the impact that pets can have on kids and the incidence of their allergies – there is the apprehension that the presence of a pet could make a child more prone to allergies.

A study reported by an article in the Washington Post found that early exposure to dogs and cats doesn’t make kids more prone to allergies.

The study if fact found that early exposure to a cat or a dog; during the first year of a child’s life could have the opposite impact. Being exposed to a cat in the home for the first year of life meant that the child would be only half as likely to develop allergies to that animal later in life.

Though the single study should not be taken to be definitive and should not be used to dictate actions and choices, this is something that could be of persuasive value and if corroborated by further study, will be of enhanced value. No treatment should, in any case be initiated without consultation with a physician.

Consider the ways in which dietary intake can impact kids with allergies.

Breastfeeding – One of the first things that a mother can do to ensure that her child has the best chance against developing allergies is to breastfeed.

Several studies have been able to demonstrate that breast feeding not only improves a child’s immune system, but also reduces their chances of developing allergies later in life.

The incidences of even asthma and skin disease are seen to be lower among children who are breastfed.

Remember to breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 month of life, and if breastfeeding has to be supplemented by formula, then make sure it is a hypoallergenic formula that you use.

Other dietary changes that are made to a child’s diet can help to control not just food allergies but also other allergies that result in eczema, mold allergies and so on –

• Eating foods that are rich in Vitamins E and C are known to help in allergy management. They are best had in the form of foods, however if required they can be prescribed and taken in supplement form as well.
• Other dietary supplements that are known to help control and manage allergies are probiotics supplements, omega 3 fatty acid supplements (such as fish oil and so on), flax seed oil Omega 6 supplements and primrose oil supplements. Some even find that grape seed extract, chamomile, Oregon grave root and so on work well to control allergies.
• A diet rich in antioxidants is known to reduce allergic reactions since they are able to reduce the impact of free radicals on the body. Including things such as green team, berries, fruit such as pomegranate and kiwi, and fresh green vegetables in the diet is known to be good for health even otherwise and will have the added benefit of protecting children against allergies.
• It has been seen that mold allergy can be significantly controlled by eating a low sodium diet. So reducing the amount of salt could be one of the ways to control allergies in children.
• As far as possible, cut out highly processed foods with additives and artificial colors and flavors in them. So to the extent possible, cut out things like chips and cookies, which offer little if any nutrients and which are known to cause inflammation in the body, resulting in weakening of the immune system and in triggering of allergic reactions. Artificial flavoring, sweeteners, refined flour and sugar can all lower immunity in the body and should be avoided. Margarine is also best steered clear of.
• In addition to a healthy diet a child should also be drinking plenty of water to keep hydrated and also to help in controlling allergies.

A nickel contact allergy manifests in an itchy rash in the site where contact to the allergen was made.

Jewelry is the most common culprit that gives rise to a nickel contact allergy – earrings, necklaces or necklace clasps, coins, body piercings, spectacle frames and so on.

When the jewelry remains in contact with the skin for long periods, the rash and other symptoms of the allergy may appear such as:

• Swollen bumps or rash may appear and the skin could become reddish or change in color
• There could be a burn like appearance to the affected area of the skin
• Itching is another symptom of nickel contact allergy and could sometimes be severe
• Very severe cases could cause blistering and oozing of the skin
• Sweating could exacerbate nickel allergy symptoms that are already present
• Sometime an infection could also set in, causing pain, pus, and warmth in the area

In most cases treatment for nickel allergy is easily available anti allergy medication and home remedies as well as avoiding further contact with the allergen.

Sometimes the home remedies and anti-allergy medications may not work and in this case, a doctor should be consulted to try another option of treatment to reduce the symptoms. Though symptoms are possible to reduce, it is not possible to eliminate the allergy altogether and to become allergy free.

Some traces of the allergy continue to persist and the sufferer may find that they remain sensitive to metal even afterward and that they have to continue to exercise caution and to avoid exposure.

And many of us seem to have allergic reactions all the year round, so is it a good idea to keep popping antihistamines? And if so, will the effect of these medications continue to give relief? These are just some of the questions that frequently occur to allergy sufferers.

Antihistamines can ably help a person when allergies strike, controlling runny or stuffy noses, streaming eyes, constant sneezing, congestion, and so on, by blocking histamine, the chemical produced by the body in response to an allergen.

As far as antihistamines are taken now and then, when there is an allergic flare up, they are seen to be both safe and effective.

Also depending upon the make or brand that you use, they will cause some minor side effects such as sleepiness, and dryness of the eyes and mouth.

However these medications are not suitable for taking on a regular basis. This is because over time, the body will develop a resistance to the medication and it will cease to have the requisite effect on the system. Then larger doses would be required to produce desired results.

So rather than daily doses of antihistamines, allergy management could be more effective if one is able to identify and effectively avoid allergy triggers. Avoiding triggers goes to the root of allergy management and control.

If that is also not possible, contact the doctor to see what other allergy treatment options are available for treating the allergies. Allergy shots are one option. Also the doctor may be able to prescribe an effective combination of drugs to help manage the situation.