Tag Archives: Allergist Manassas

What to do if You Cannot Buy Allergy Medicine

Keeping your allergies under control is the main part of being healthy. You can avoid asthma triggers to prevent symptoms, which is the most important thing. Therefore, carrying a relief inhaler everywhere you go is perfect. Long-term control of medicines that you do every day can help you prevent asthma control and symptoms.

However, allergy medicine can be pricey, regardless if you have insurance or not. If multiple members of the family have asthma, the cost is greater. Your house can be stocked with several kinds of inhalers and pills for everyone.

The allergy doctor might also recommend cheaper generic medicine that you can try. You can read further to know more.

Try Acupuncture

In ancient Chinese therapy, an expert will stick tiny needles and a lot of people say that, painlessly, into your skin at certain points. The acupuncture studies for allergy treatment have shown different results, with most rigorous studies that show modest clinical benefits. Acupuncture might be a good option for interested patients who have mild diseases and want to minimize the use of medication and find therapy costs acceptable.

Compare the Prices of Pharmacy

You can call different pharmacies. The prices could vary, especially between big chain pharmacies and smaller pharmacies. The pharmacies are found in club stores, and they are generally available to non-members as well. You can try comparing prices. Your insurance might have prescription benefits you can use. You can look into the pharmacy options, and this can give you a lower price or provide medicine at the same price.

Saline Rinse

In order to clear pollen from nasal passages. There are several varieties you can buy, from neti pots to special sprayers, and also electronic devices. You should talk to your healthcare provider regarding the best options available for you.

Change Insurance Plans

If you buy insurance on the insurance marketplace, you should stay updated with enrollment deadlines. In case your family’s income is below a particular level, you might be offered a different type of insurance that can also be for your children. This will depend on the state you live in and if you are insured privately through work, check if you can shop under open enrolment.

Allergy-Proof Your Home

You cannot prevent pollen from blowing. However, you have a bit of control over what will happen inside your home. Keep the windows shut when there is pollen in the air. You can turn on the air conditioner. You can change your clothes prior to going inside your house.

Choose Generic

A lot of common over-the-counter allergy medications can be bought in their original form. Most of the time, there are generic forms of allergy meds, which are a lot cheaper.

Protect Yourself

In case it is allergy season, you should control your triggers. Do not perform outdoor activities when there is a high pollen count. The majority of pollen will peak between 5 to 10 am every day, and it can also be high during midday when it is windy and warm. Anytime you do gardening or cleaning, you should wear a dust mask and sunglasses so you can keep allergens out of your mouth, nose, and eyes.

Take Advantage of Coupons

Most of the time, stores offer coupons if you buy their brand products. You should stock up when you see coupons and then use them every time you buy allergy medicine. This way, you will end up spending a lot less.

You can go to an allergy clinic Germantown MD anytime.

Foods that Might Help with Allergy Symptoms

When talking about food allergies, you could think of avoiding certain foods to prevent any adverse reaction. However, the connection between seasonal allergies and food is linked to only a couple of food groups called cross-reactive foods. The reactions to cross-reactive foods can be felt by those who have ragweed, birch, or mugwort seasonal allergies.

Aside from the food groups, seasonal allergies are normally called allergic rhinitis or hay fever. They only happen during specific times of the year – normally during the summer or spring. They happen when the immune system has an overreaction to allergens, like plant pollen leading to sneezing, congestion, and itching.

Your allergy doctor would want you to eat these foods to help alleviate allergy symptoms:

Ginger

Ginger and its extracts are popular for their medicinal effects, which include anti-nausea, anti-inflammation, and pain relief. Since it has anti-inflammatory properties, it can work against allergies too. based on a study, ginger suppresses the production of specific cytokines that causes the activation of the mast cell. Therefore, they lead to the prevention and alleviation of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Unfortunately, there are no human studies that prove ginger can help with allergy symptoms. However, it is a spice that you are probably aware of.

Fruits Packed with Vitamin C

You should blame the hives, itchiness, and other discomforts you could be feeling because of an allergic response to histamine. Vitamin C helps because it indirectly limits inflammatory cells from producing histamine. High vitamin C levels reduce histamine and help break it down faster after it has been released, providing relief to allergy symptoms.

Aside from the fighting power of histamine, foods with vitamin C can provide relief of allergy symptoms by reducing inflammation. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, which means it counteracts free radicals’ anti-inflammatory effects. Foods like oranges, apples, strawberries, and watermelons counteract the inflammatory allergic response.

Tomatoes

Technically, a tomato is a fruit and it is also rich in vitamin C. They also contain lycopene, which is another antioxidant compound that helps to decrease inflammation. Even if lycopene is also in other pink and red foods, 85% of dietary lycopene is found in tomato products, which include tomato juice, ketchup, and sauce. There is still emerging research on the connection of lycopene to allergies, but lycopene might help improve lung function after exercising when you have asthma.

Turmeric

Turmeric is also a popular anti-inflammatory powerhouse because of its active ingredient known as curcumin, which has been linked to the reduction of inflammation-driven diseases. In addition, it could help minimize the irritation and swelling that allergic rhinitis causes.

Even if the effect of turmeric on seasonal allergies has not extensively been studied, there are promising animal studies.

Turmeric can be in the form of pills, teas, or tinctures or it is eaten in foods. Regardless if you take turmeric pills or use it in cooking, you should be sure about choosing a product with black pepper or pair it with black pepper inside your recipe. Black pepper raises curcumin’s bioavailability by 2,000%.

Fatty Fish

You should put some sardines in your next pizza since fatty fish like mackerel or sardines keep allergy symptoms controlled. Omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood lowers inflammation in the body, which prevents swelling in the noses and throats when there is high pollen in the air.

Cold-Water Fish

An example of cold-water fish is salmon because it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and it shows anti-inflammatory effects to help with allergy relief.

You can go to an allergy specialist doctor Germantown MD anytime to get more tips about foods to eat.

How Allergies Affect Children

Parents do not want to see their kids suffer. Any child can develop allergies, which is going to improve the life of your child and lessen the school days they missed. It also helps to keep you from having to use sick days or vacation days to take care of your child.

One of the most common allergies that children experience is on the skin. Another common allergy in children is food. Respiratory allergies are most common in older children.

Cases of skin and food allergies among children have increased over a long period, and skin allergies are prevalent in younger children compared to older ones.

You can look for an allergy doctor for your child so you can concentrate on other things more.

Nasal Congestion

Allergies are one of the most common causes of nasal congestion that happens chronically. There are times when the nose of a child is congested when he or she breathes through the mouth, even more so while sleeping. This might also cause a child to not get some rest at night and then feel tired the next day. In case the congestion and mouth-breathing are always untreated. They can affect teeth and bone growth. The early allergy treatment that causes nasal congestion might prevent these problems.

Heat Rash

Heat rash is most often seen in young children and babies when their sweat gland pores get blocked, not allowing perspiration to escape. The rash will look like small pink patches or red bumps, or blisters under spots or clothing where the skin has the tendency to fold on your elbows, neck, thighs, or armpits. However, heat rash can also happen in covered areas.

Eczema

Eczema is one of the most common skin allergy conditions, especially when it comes to children. It affects 1 out of 5 infants, but only about 50 adults. This is because of leakiness in the skin barrier, which dries it out and becomes prone to inflammation and irritation by a lot of environmental factors. Also, there are young children with eczema who are also sensitive to food which make eczema symptoms worse. Half of the patients who have severe atopic dermatitis are caused by a faulty gene called filaggrin. The itch caused by eczema is not only because of histamine so anti-histamines might not be able to manage the symptoms. Most of the time, eczema is normally linked with allergic rhinitis, asthma, or food allergy. This progression is known as the atopic march.

Hives

Hives show as red bumps or welts soon after they come in contact with an allergen and severe allergic reaction. Unlike skin allergies, hives are not dry or scaly and it can appear anywhere on the body.

Some symptoms include difficulty in breathing or a swollen face and mouth. You should look for medical attention right away if these symptoms occur with hives.

Ear Infection

Allergies cause inflammation in the ear and it can cause fluid accumulation that promotes ear infections and decreased hearing. A baby who is hard of hearing for any reason while you are learning to talk will cause poor speech. Allergies cause earaches and itching, fullness, and popping. Anyone who has these symptoms should see an allergy specialist for possible treatment and testing.

Stings and Insect Bites

Insects like wasps, bees, fire ants, mosquitos, and ticks cause itching minor and minor discomfort because they prick the skin. In some children, insect bites and stings cause severe allergic reactions known as anaphylaxis which includes rashes and life-threatening symptoms known as airway swelling.

You can find allergy doctor Manassas VA if your child is experiencing any of these symptoms.

How to Manage Allergies While Travelling

Millions of people are suffering from allergic rhinitis, which is a sensitive reaction to environmental things, like dust mites, pollen, or even pet dander. If you have experienced a runny or stuffy nose or itchy eyes, you most likely have allergic rhinitis.

Seasonal allergies might be a nuisance to a lot of people, especially while you travel. This year could pose even more challenges, while allergy sufferers should prepare for high pollen count in the air. Trees started to release pollen later that year because of colder weather. If you are traveling, you can ask your allergy specialist about anything you might have to worry about while being abroad. If you want to have more knowledge on how to prevent allergies while traveling, read on.

Things to Consider Before You Go

Prevention and preparation give you a way to travel successfully even if you have allergies. Here are the tips you can consider before going:

Consider a destination that is allergy-free – Mountains and beaches are great destinations to visit all year round for those who suffer from allergies. Ocean breezes are normally allergen-free, dust mites are fewer at elevations that are above 2,500 feet, and mold spores cannot survive in the snow.
You have to check pollen and weather forecasts so you can plan. For instance, if you are allergic to ragweed, you should visit New York in early August compared to other months.

Pack Wisely

Pack everything you require in order to fight off allergies in your carry-on or bag if you are going to fly. Planes have a lot of allergens and germs. Other flight crew or passengers that travel from high-pollen areas might have them on their personal belongings or clothes. Dust mites and mold spores also travel through the air inside an airport or airplane. Allergens stick their seats, tray tables, and seats, which makes it more likely that you will have contact with them.

Food Allergies

It can be hard to travel with food allergies, especially if you experience severe allergic reactions. You should do some research when it comes to food labeling in the countries, you will visit. It is also crucial to consider which airline will be able to accommodate your dietary restrictions.

Find out what the contact details are in the country you are traveling to. Take note of the switchboard number in your hotel because this might vary. Consider getting a foreign language travel card in regards to your allergy to show which restaurants can cater to your needs in your destination.

It Might be Wise to Bring Your Own Pillow

Dust mites are common when you are in a motel. You can, partially, fight them by taking your own pillow with you and putting a hypoallergenic cover on it.

Ask Your Allergist

Check-in with your allergist before your departure because it is important if you will be traveling abroad and might require immunizations or vaccinations. Discuss with them where you are going to go and what activities you are allowed to do. For instance, locations that are elevated above 5,000 feet might make breathing hard for you and cold weather can trigger asthma patients. People who have asthma should consult with their allergist before doing activities like scuba diving.

Be Picky About Hotel Rooms

Regardless if you are staying in a 3-star or 5-star hotel, you need to be picky. Before traveling, ask the hotel if their rooms are allergy-free. In case they do not, ask for a room that was pet-free or one that is facing the sunlight.

Visit an allergy clinic Germantown MD before traveling.

How to Treat Winter Allergies

Allergies are a major problem in the winter when you expect to experience seasonal allergies to stop. That is going to leave you scratching your head and nose while your symptoms are not taking a nap this winter.

Indoor and outdoor allergies can cause problems in the cold months. If you are experiencing symptoms, you should be reading up more on when allergies are more common because it is not the entire year. There are times when you have to see an allergist because your symptoms are unmanageable.

This article looks at how winter allergies can be treated so that you will find out what to do in case you have winter allergies. Read on.

Humidifier

In order to reduce air dryness without turning your home into a rainforest. Dust mites are going to thrive in humidity that is above 60% and temperatures between 60% to 85%. Mold will also grow faster in high humidity. It is recommended that the maximum moisture should only be 50%.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines provide relief from a lot of symptoms of an allergic reaction. If you normally have a runny nose and your eyes are itchy, taking antihistamines can reduce their impact on your everyday life. Even if the medication is no cure for allergies, this treatment prevents the symptoms and gives relief.

Bathe Your Pets Once a Week

In order to keep dander at bay, bathe your pets once a week. This should not be done more often because it will dry their skin and coat. You should keep animals out of the bedroom if anyone is suffering from allergies.

Allergy Shots

For chronic and severe allergy symptoms, you must talk to your doctor about allergy shots. They work by exposing you to minimal amounts of allergens regularly to build up your body’s immune system to fight them off. This is going to lead to less severe symptoms over a couple of years.

No to Wall-to-Wall Carpeting

You should avoid wall-to-wall carpeting because it provides an environment for dust mites. It is better to use rugs and the upkeep of a wall-to-wall carpeted house is a lot more expensive than when you just use rugs.

Nasal Sprays

Prescription-strength steroid nasal sprays like fluticasone and triamcinolone is helpful in relieving inflammation and other symptoms such as a runny nose. They can now be bought over the counter.

Clean Your Furnace Filters

Keeping filters clean should lessen the amount of dust that comes from healing vents. A dehumidifier or HEPA filter can also improve the air quality in your home.

Eye Drops

Eye drops are a great option when your eyes start to get itchy or watery. Eye irritation is among the most common symptoms brought by winter allergies, and this can take its toll throughout the day. Using eye drops occasionally is enough to give you relief, but you must talk to an allergist if your problems continue.

Wipe Your Feet Clean

You should always clean your feet before you step from the outdoors into your home. This is going to ensure that mold, wet leaves, and other potential causes of winter allergy symptoms remain outside.

Nasal Irrigation Treatment

These treatments will work by sending distilled and clean water through your nasal passages to take out all the allergens. You should go to an allergy clinic to have this done because it requires a specialist.

These are the ways you can treat winter allergies. Keep in mind that you should be able to identify the symptoms before they get worse, which is why going to an allergy clinic Manassas VA is a good decision.

The Most Common Food Allergies

Food allergies are very common and it affects children and adults around the world. The percentage is rising regardless of which country you reside in. There have been more people consulting with an allergy doctor throughout the years.

Even if it is possible for allergies to be caused by any type of food, most of them are caused by some specific foods. Based on studies, these specific foods cause the majority of food reactions.

If you are curious to know what these foods are, this article is going to give you the information you need. Keep in mind that allergies can still develop even if you are already an adult so it is better to stay informed.

Milk

Having a milk allergy means that your body is reacting to milk proteins. This is something that you should not confuse with lactose intolerance. Milk allergies are one of the most common among young children. Even if it is highly nutritious, milk can cause rashes, stomach cramps, and swelling.

Milk is so difficult to avoid because it is an ingredient in butter, ice cream, yogurt, and more delicious food that contain milk.

That is bad news, but the good thing is that majority of children grow out of it.

Egg Allergy

The second most common food allergy in children is egg allergy. The good thing is that 68% of children with an allergy will outgrow it when they hit 16 years old.

Children can be allergic to egg whites, but not the yolks, and it can be vice versa. That is because egg proteins and egg yolks slightly differ.

Most of the proteins that trigger an allergy are in egg whites, so an egg white allergy is common.

The best way to treat an egg allergy is to be on an egg-free diet. You might not have to avoid all kinds of food-related to eggs because heating eggs shifts the allergy-causing proteins. This will stop your body from seeing them as harmful.

Peanuts

Regardless of where you look, you will discover that peanut allergies are found everywhere. Peanut allergies are one of the most common and fatal food allergies in children, causing anaphylaxis more than the other foods. For some people, even very minimal contact with peanuts can cause a reaction.

Since traces of peanuts are found in a lot of foods, you should always read labels and be aware of everything you eat.

Shellfish

A shellfish allergy happens when your body attacks the proteins from the mollusk fish families and crustaceans known as shellfish. Some examples of shellfish are prawns, shrimp, lobster, crayfish, scallops, and squid.

The most common seafood allergy trigger is tropomyosin protein. Other proteins can play a role in triggering an immune response such as parvalbumin and kinase.

Some shellfish allergy symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, digestive issues, and stomach pain.

Wheat

Wheat originated from the baker’s counter grain, and it is found everywhere. However, for those who have wheat allergies, this can be an issue.

You should not confuse this with celiac disease, and it is a non-life-threatening autoimmune disorder. Wheat allergies happen when the body reacts to any of the proteins found in wheat.

White blood cells consider wheat an enemy and they attack it. While doing that, the body shows symptoms, including abdominal pain, nausea, itching, shortness of breath, swelling lips and tongue, or anaphylaxis.

While a lot of people outgrow a wheat allergy when they become adults, some have it for life. The only to treat it is a wheat-free diet.

You can visit an allergy clinic Germantown MD anytime to have yourself checked for allergies.

What You Need to Know About Peanut Allergy

It is not common these days to find that schools are declared nut-free. That means the staple in kids’ lunchboxes – peanut butter and jelly sandwich – is no longer recommended. The reason for this is that peanuts cause a life-threatening reaction in other people. Peanuts are among the food allergens that are commonly related to anaphylaxis, which is a sudden and potentially deadly condition that needs attention and treatment right away.

When you go to an allergist, they will tell you that peanut allergy might sound simple, but it is indeed life-threatening.

If you want to know more about the treatments for a peanut allergy, you should read this article until the end. Find out more now.

What is a Peanut Allergy?

When a person is allergic to peanuts, their bodies produce IgE antibodies that are specific to peanuts. In case the individual accidentally consumes peanuts, they get a reaction when they encounter antibodies. Then, the body releases inflammatory agents like cytokines, histamines, and chemokines, which lead to allergic reactions.

Some individuals that have a peanut allergy can experience severe symptoms if they consume even just a small amount of peanuts. In addition, some people who consume peanuts can die. Therefore, someone with a peanut allergy should know how they can manage their condition and treat the symptoms.

Tree Nut and Peanut Allergy

Peanuts are legumes that belong to the same family as the lentils and peas, which grow underground. Therefore, they are falling under another category compared to other tree nuts, like walnuts and almonds that grow on trees.

Anyone who has a tree nut or peanut allergy must consult an allergy doctor to see if they are allergic to peanuts as well.

Peanut Allergy Symptoms:

Wheezing
Hives
Tongue or lips swelling
Vomiting
Breathing difficulties or shortness of breath
Blue coloring of the skin or it becomes pale
Diarrhea
Indigestion
Repetitive cough
Stomach cramps
Hoarse voice or tightness in your throat
Dizziness
Weak pulse
Confusion

Treatment and Management

In order to manage a peanut allergy, an individual has to strictly avoid peanuts and any food that has them. In addition, people who have peanut allergies must avoid products that are contaminated through the process of production.

It is advised that a lot of individuals with a peanut allergy can safely consume foods containing highly refined oil, which has removed and purified the peanut protein in them. However, a lot of people should avoid cold-pressed and unrefined peanut oil because it causes an allergic reaction.

Those who are aged 4 to 17 can take a medication called Palforzia which was approved by the FDA in 2020. If the individual is 18 or older, they can continue taking the medication.

Palforzia is taken orally and it aims to reduce an allergic reaction, which includes anaphylaxis – if the person accidentally gets exposed to peanuts. A person should empty the powder into semisolid food, which they can eat like applesauce.

Reaction Treatment

If someone experiences a severe reaction like anaphylaxis, epinephrine is fine as the first line of treatment. Therefore, someone who has a peanut allergy should carry an injectable with them all the time.

In case they experience anaphylaxis, doctors can also use antihistamines, bronchodilators, and corticosteroids to manage an allergy reaction. However, they are no treatment for anaphylaxis.

The goal is to prevent a reaction in case someone accidentally eats peanuts or to induce tolerance so they can safely eat them. However, you should not try this on your own if you have a peanut allergy.

You should go to an allergy center Germantown MD right away if you experience peanut allergy symptoms.

Benefits of Allergy Testing

When you have allergies that means your immune system is overreacting you have touched or inhaled as you enjoyed an outdoor activity or in your home. Even having a carpet in your bedroom or taking aspirin are allergic reaction triggers that cause you to have symptoms like swelling, itchiness, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and other symptoms.

Going to an allergy clinic to get tested is important and you should know that it is very simple. It is performed by blood or skin testing, and when combined with physical education and medical history, the doctor can pinpoint what you are allergic to.

Read on.

Helpful in Managing Diets

It is hard for parents to handle a child’s diet if they fear allergic reactions. In most cases, the reason is that the food group is taken out from their daily diet. When you remove a lot of food items, it means that nutrients and vitamins are neglected, they can impact the health of a child. This is a prevalent issue when self-diagnosis of allergies are given.

You Will Have an Effective Treatment Plan

There are different medications and treatment options that allergy sufferers experience like allergy shots, immunotherapy, or avoidance. Accurately diagnosing an allergy, together with insights into any medications you are currently taking allows your allergist to prescribe the right treatment program.

Differentiate Intolerance and Allergy

When you can differentiate between food intolerance and food allergy, it gives you assurance that your treatment plan will be the right one. Intolerances happen hours or sometimes even days after you have consumed the food, and that causes digestive problems. In contrast to this, there is an allergic response that quickly occurs and that is triggered by releasing the antibodies. After you come from a consultation, the food allergy doctor will do tests to confirm them.

Lifestyle Changes

If you have severe food allergies, you might have to start alternating your food so you can avoid more food problems. If you suffer from insect allergies, there is an EpiPen you can use to protect yourself. If you are allergic to dust and pollen, you will be able to control everything around you. In case you have nut allergies, you will know that you have to avoid eating foods that might have the kind of nuts and oils that might cause you to have a reaction. If you are allergic to pets, you will stay away from that animal. In case you are allergic to shellfish, you would have to pay attention to any kind of salad or seafood you are about to consume. The allergy test will show what you must do.

Improves Your Everyday Life

It can be difficult to manage a food allergy, but it is a lot worse if you have limited knowledge of the triggers. When you know which foods will cause a reaction, you can be comfortable without having a lot of concerns. Children are able to attend school events, birthday parties, and other functions that do not cause fear. At the same time, teachers and other parties responsible will know about your dietary requirements.

Find Out if You Need to Change Your Eating Habits

When you undergo allergy testing, you will know which foods are causing digestive issues or outbreaks that cause something like a gluten allergy. You might have to avoid foods with gluten.

Go to an allergy center Manassas VA to get tested and find out what you need to avoid.

What Exactly is Food Allergy Testing?

Before you make any changes, seeing an allergy specialist is important so that you can see what you must avoid. When you see an allergy doctor, they can give the proper diagnosis so you will know what to expect and prevent it from happening if you eat a certain food.

Food allergies should not be taken lightly and sometimes they continue to adulthood. In addition, some people develop food allergies during their adulthood. If you are allergic, your immune system will react to the food if it is dangerous for you.

Here is more information before getting a good allergy test.

What You Can Expect

Many people are nervous about food allergy testing if they are unaware of what it is like to have it done. They worry that the test is scary and painful, but that is not the actual case and the reality is that it is actually more comfortable than you think. It is a lot faster than what people expect because you only need 1 minute to complete the actual test.

During the test, they will press an applicator against your back that has multiple points exposing your skin to different antigens. However, it is not an indication that you will be done in 5 minutes. You have to wait for your test results and discuss what food you are allergic to.

Aside from that, the testing application consumes very little time, but the staff wants you to be in the office so they can watch out for any reactions.

The Difference Between Food Allergy and Food Sensitivity

This is something that an allergy specialist must discuss with you because there is confusion between them. The symptoms overlap, but the symptoms dramatically vary. Food sensitivity indicates that your body has a hard time digesting certain food. In general, symptoms are limited to problems with digestion, and that includes abdominal pain, gas, nausea, and diarrhea.

The common causes include enzymes in dairy, lactose, monosodium glutamate (MSG), flavor enhancer/s, FODMAPs, and gluten which can cause food sensitivity to people.

An immune system reaction to a food allergy that impacts various organs can cause dangerous symptoms.

How You Can Prepare for a Food Allergy Test

What you must do before going to an allergy specialist doctor for your test is to relax before that. It is a very simple process and after you are done, you can rest properly knowing that you are on your way to removing any dangerous and annoying symptoms linked to certain foods you eat.

You can have your nurse practitioner or gastroenterologist write a numbing cream prescription for you.

When you apply the cream on your back before the test helps reduce the itch you feel from the antigens you were exposed to. The cream also reduces the prick you feel from the applicator points, but the majority of people do not feel pain.

Sings that You Might Require a Food Allergy Test

Tingling in your mouth or throat after eating
Itchy skin or hives
Swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue after eating
Trouble breathing, wheezing, or nasal congestion
Digestive problems or abdominal pain
Fainting, lightheadedness, or dizziness after eating
Persistent eczema

If you have severe food allergy reactions, you need emergency care as soon as possible. You should schedule a test at an allergy clinic Manassas VA right away to prevent it next time.

Eczema: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Eczema is a skin condition that affects millions of Americans in the US, both children and adults. It is a condition wherein there is a presence of itchy and rough patches on your skin. Blisters may also occur, making it more uncomfortable for those affected by the condition. If you have eczema, it is best to consult an allergist near you.

Brief facts about eczema

Eczema is an uncomfortable medical condition that can affect your quality of life. It can leave unpleasant scars and marks on your skin. As a result, it can cause low self-esteem and some may end up wearing anything that won’t expose their skin. People with eczema should consult an allergy doctor to help them manage their condition.

This skin condition can be due to an allergic reaction to certain triggers such as pollen, nuts, dairy, eggs, or shellfish among a few. The severity of the reaction varies from person to person. Some may experience mild itching that goes away with prescribed medicines. Meanwhile, some may experience severe symptoms that can even be life-threatening if not treated immediately.

Unfortunately, eczema is an incurable condition. On a positive note, it is not contagious and should not be a reason to discriminate the person who has it. There is no definite cure for eczema, but symptoms can be managed. An allergist doctor will prescribe the right medications to heal damaged skin and provide relief from the symptoms.

Types of eczema

There are different types of eczema, of which the most popular is atopic dermatitis. It is said that almost 20 million US adults suffer from atopic dermatitis. One major signs of atopic dermatitis are the presence of an itchy, red rash that appears on the arms, legs, or cheeks. Other types of eczema include:

Seborrheic dermatitis – occurrence of yellowish white flaky patches and commonly affects the skin and scalp
Contact dermatitis – a skin reaction that is due to accidentally touching an allergen (ex. Certain plants like poison ivy)
Stasis dermatitis – refers to leg swelling and skin irritation due to poor circulation
Dyshidrotic eczema – affects both hands and feet and cause itchy, red blisters and also caused by allergen exposure

Symptoms and treatment

Eczema symptoms may vary from person to person. Likewise, it may also be different depending on the person’s age. Eczema can occur to anyone – from infants to the elderly. Most people have this condition since childhood and then carried into adulthood.

If you have the below symptoms, you should go to an allergy clinic so you can get the right treatment for your condition. Common symptoms of eczema include:

Presence of rashes on cheeks, scalp, or creases on knees or elbows
Rashes may also appear on the neck, ankles, legs, buttocks or wrists
Rashes that leak fluid and cause intense itchiness
Cause sleep disturbance and may worsen when rubbed or scratched
Presence of scaly rashes in adults

As mentioned, there is no definite cure for eczema. However, there are several medications that help manage and alleviate the symptoms. These medications that will be prescribed by an allergy physician should also help heal eczema marks. He or she will also suggest a treatment plan depending on the person’s age, the severity of symptoms, and overall health condition.

Other ways to manage eczema symptoms include the following:

Use skin moisturizers. However, make sure to check the ingredients to ensure it won’t do harm on your skin. Preferably use ones that are paraben-free or similar to that.
Wear light clothing (ex. Cotton) to let your skin breathe.
Use scent-free soap or cleanser on your skin. This also applies to lotions and moisturizers.
Avoid rubbing dry your skin after taking a bath. Instead, gently pat your skin dry to avoid irritation.
Change into dry clothes after getting all sweaty. Better yet, take a shower after an intense workout or any physical activity.
Be aware of your triggers and avoid them as much as possible.
Use doctor-prescribed medications including ointments, creams, and antihistamine tablets.

Take care of your skin and your health

Eczema can affect anyone. Symptoms may appear from infancy and carry them over into adulthood. Millions of people all over the world are affected by this condition. It can also affect their daily lives and even their self-esteem.

While it has no definite cure, it can be managed. You should consult the best allergist to help you manage the symptoms. If you have the condition, don’t delay – visit an allergy clinic in Manassas MD today.