One in every five pregnant women suffers from hives and skin allergy during pregnancy. Due to the changes in your body during pregnancy, the body is likely to release histamines causing the allergy. The increased hormones and other bodily changes are inevitable that will make you become more sensitive to allergens. The allergy may result from food, insect bites, medicine, chemicals, stress, pollen or even clothing.

Symptoms of Hives During Pregnancy

• Itching
• Welts that are raised
• Pain around welts
• Dry skin

Are Hives and skin Allergy Dangerous During Pregnancy?

Most cases of hives are not dangerous and will clear within a short time. It’s necessary that you seek the advice of allergist especially if you experience the below symptoms which may result in severe skin allergy also known as urticaria.

•  Difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath
• Face swelling and wheezing
• Fainting

It’s essential that you consult your allergy doctor immediately you have the above symptoms to avoid complications during pregnancy.

Home Remedies to ease hives and skin allergy during Pregnancy

• An oatmeal and baking powder bath will help alleviate the itching that results from hives. Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory effects and skin protecting properties.
• Shower with lukewarm water as hot temperatures will trigger a higher flow of blood causing more itching. Cold water will reduce the itching by shrinking the pores of the skin.The alkalinity in baking soda will soothe the skin and reduce itching.
• Ensure your skin is moisturized as dry will make the itching worse. Olive oil and aloe vera are good skin moisturizers. Aloe vera contains glucomannans that accelerate the skin healing process.
• Take foods rich in Vitamin C as they contain antioxidants and antihistamine which will help manage hives and skin allergy. The vitamins also help the body break down histamines reducing the effects of the allergens.
• Avoid scrubbing the affected area with soap
• A cup of green tea will help your body eliminate toxins and allergens relieving the itching effects. Green tea contains polyphenols that are antioxidants and anti-inflammation properties.
• A clean cloth dipped in milk and applied to the inflamed area will help ease the inflammation
• Rub garlic on the affected areas. Three tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar in filtered water will also relieve the itching symptoms.
• Complement the food you are allergic to avoid the allergic reaction
• Ensure that you are stress-free and practice relaxation techniques to relieve the effects of allergens and to prevent developing complications during pregnancy

The above simple home remedies will help ease the signs and symptoms of hives and lower the risk associated with allergies. Although hives and skin allergy are harmless to you and your baby, and will most likely resolve on their own its imperative that if the symptoms prolong, visit the nearest skin allergies clinic for medication.

One woman in every five, who are pregnant will suffer an allergic reaction. Allergies during pregnancy can wreak havoc in your life as you try to deal with the signs and symptoms of the allergy. The first most important step is to visit an allergist at the onset of the allergies so that he can advise on the allergy treatment if the allergies are severe, if they are mild there are ways you can outsmart the allergies without taking medication. The first trimester of pregnancy is especially delicate and its best not to take unnecessary medications.

Sign and Symptoms of allergies while Pregnant

The sign of allergies you experience while pregnant are more or less the same you experience when not pregnant, but here are some of them;

• Nasal congestion
• Coughing and sneezing
• Headaches
• Itching and watery eyes
• Rashes

How to outsmart Allergies While Pregnant

• Medication

It’s imperative that you visit the allergy doctor immediately you begin to experience the above signs or any other. The allergy physician will determine whether you are suffering from allergies or it’s the pregnancy-related infections. Once they establish that it’s an allergy, they will prescribe antihistamines, decongestant or nasal sprays that are safe for your pregnancy.

Home Remedies to Keep your Allergies at Bay

• A homemade nasal spray made by mixing warm water and salt. Use the mix on the nasal passage and to soothe and clear away the irritation. You can also use a neti pot to clear the throat.
• Avoid going outdoors when there is a high pollen count. Keep track of pollen movement, and this will aid in reducing the allergic reactions that result due to pollen exposure
• If you have seasonal allergies, always clean up after going outside to reduce exposure to pollen. Take a shower and clean up after going out as this will minimize the exposure to allergens.
• Wear protective gear and mask if you have to do you activities like mowing and gardening
• Avoid smoking zones as this will result in an allergic reaction.
• If you are allergic to dust, avoid dusting the house. That is the perfect excuse to get someone else to do the chores for you if you are not very lucky to ensure you wear a protective mask and use a vacuum cleaner.
• Pets fur is also a source of the allergy, and when you are pregnant, you are susceptible to allergies quickly. Its therefore crucial to keep pets away from the house and if your friends have pets let them know that you are allergic, so they don’t bring them to your home.
• Use an air conditioner to keep the house humid and keep irritants away from the home

Pregnancy is a sensitive time, and it’s therefore vital that you consult your allergist on any medication or remedy. Protect yourself from allergens as much as possible to avoid developing severe allergic reactions. Follow through on any prescription or instructions from the allergy physician and enjoy carrying the bundle of Joy.

Allergies in children are more prevalent during spring and autumn than other seasons. During the two seasons, allergies trigger increase and lead to allergic reactions. According to the statistics about 51 million people suffer from allergies most of which present during childhood. It’s essential that once you notice any sign or symptoms of an allergic reaction make sure you immediately take your child to the allergy physician for diagnosis and treatment.

Allergy Symptoms in Children

There are a different kind of allergens. These include food, air particles, and insects. If your child is suffering from an allergy you are likely to notice some of the below symptoms;

• Hives which are bumps on the skin
• Running and itching nose
• Breathing problems
• Pain in the stomach
• Sneezing and coughing
• Nasal congestion

In cases of extreme allergy, your child is likely to experience the following symptom

• Difficulty in breathing and a tight throat
• Unconsciousness
• Very low blood pressure
• Swelling od the face and hives

The extreme allergic reaction is also known as anaphylaxis and develops instantly. Its imperative that you teach your child the allergen they should avoid. In case of severe allergy take your child to the allergist immediately to avoid fatalities.

Home Made remedies to Cure Allergies in Children

The below home remedies will help control and prevent allergies in children without the need to load children with medication.

• Cool Water Eye Wash

If you notice that your child has itchy, take a clean piece of cloth and dip it in warm water and then wipe the eyes. While cleaning the eyes move from left to right and then dip the fabric in water and wipe the other eye.

• Hot Shower

A hot shower will clear off any airborne allergies and clear off any allergen from the body.

• Saline solution

The solution will help cleat upper respiratory tract allergies and ease inflammations

Mix a tablespoon of water with warm water clean water, add a little baking powder and make the child sniff the solution through the nostril. The solution will help flush out allergies in the nostrils.

• Include Allergy fighting foods in the diet

Ensure that your child feeds on foods such as Omega 3 fatty acids, flaxseed and walnuts as this will help alleviate the allergies.

• Drinks

One of the most effective drink that will curb allergies is apple cider vinegar. Mix a teaspoon of the vinegar with a glass of water and have the child drink it. The solution has a not so sweet taste, and the child may not like it.

Another effective home remedy is natural honey. Give your child a teaspoon of honey every, and this will alleviate the effects of the allergens. Honey works best if taken before the onset of the allergic reaction. If you anticipate that your child will suffer from a particular allergy due to weather change, then give the child the teaspoon of honey every day before the onset of the particular season.

It’s essential to monitor the allergy condition of your child even as you use the home remedies to ensure that the symptoms are not deteriorating. Visit the allergy clinic if the there are no improvements for treatment.