Tag Archives: allergy

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.

How to Camp with Food Allergies

eczema and skin allergies

Have you ever thought of how to go camping when you have allergies and food intolerance? They also come with digestive issues or maybe you have children with food allergies, and being in the woods far from other people can be terrifying.

Most of the time, traditional vacations normally is about eating meals in restaurants. You should compare that when you go camping, where you are able to prepare and cook the food you want.

Therefore, you should read this article until the end and you can ask your allergist about it.

Prepare for Medical Situations

The best thing is when you camp with food allergies, you need to make sure that you are safe. Regardless of it is you or someone is traveling safely must be your priority. If the allergy is severe, you need to have an Epi-Pen. Make sure that you have more than one. If you will be in a secluded location, it might be a good idea to bring a couple of extras to be sure.

You need to make sure that you know where the emergency medical services are and how you will reach them. If the service is limited, you need to research this beforehand and figure out the options you have. Being aware of the emergency services will give you peace of mind and be prepared for what can happen.

Keep the Allergens Away from the Tent

Regardless of where the camping site is, make sure to take your jacket and shoes off before you enter the tent. If you do not find this to be practical, set these items in one spot in the tent. If you take your family or pet along while camping, wipe them down before allowing them inside the tent. You need to minimize allergens in your environment that disturb your sleep. You need your rest.

Research the Surroundings Ahead of Time

The main thing to do is to gather as much information as you can about the camping site and where you will be. Do your research and go beyond the information the camping site is giving you. In addition, look for testimonials from their past campers and check what they say. If you know what the available resources are, you will know what you need and how you can cook food. Knowing that they have an electrical plug-in means people can bring a coffee pot, or tea kettle to cook oatmeal, and a fan.

Find out if there are any nearby grocery stores or supply stores for anything you might need.

Plan Snacks and Safe Meals

Families with food allergies know this very well. The truth is, it can be easier to do this during camping because everyone prepares meals. If it is only your family, this is going to be like eating at home. However, when traveling with others, inform them about allergic foods. Make sure to bring your own utensils, pots, grill, and pans if other people in your group will cook and share foods that are not on the list. It is difficult to thoroughly clean everything when you are camping.

Emergency Plan

This is sensible regardless of what your allergy status is. Research if they have an emergency room. Make sure that everyone you are with is aware of this information and knows when to administer allergy meds if necessary.

You can go to allergy clinic Manassas VA anytime if you need more tips.

What You Need to Know About Allergy Shots

The concept behind allergy shots is that the immune system will be desensitized to certain allergens that give you allergy symptoms. Sometimes, your body reacts to the world when you scratch, sneeze, get rashes or develop breathing issues that are chronic. Sometimes, it is so bad for other people that it becomes life-threatening. Your allergy doctor will develop a plan that helps you beat your irritating allergy.

Over time, the dose of allergens in each shot will be increased by your allergy doctor. This is helpful in getting your body used to allergens.

Gain more information about this now.

How Often Should You Get Them

At first, you must go to your allergy physician once or twice a week for a couple of months. They will shoot you in your upper arm. It contains a small amount of something you are allergic to – pet dander, pollen, dust mites, mold, or even been venom.

The dose will gradually be increased until you get what a maintenance dose is called. Then, you will normally have to go for a shot every 2 to 4 weeks for 4 to 5 months.

Allergy Shots Reactions

People commonly react to allergy shots. The majority of reactions are local and they can rarely affect your body. Most of the time this is called a systemic reaction, and it is dangerous. Therefore, you can not leave your office for 30 minutes and it follows every time you have an appointment. Aside from that, you should not exercise for 2 hours after the allergy shot.

If you have asthma symptoms when you get an allergy shot schedule, you should tell your nurse. Allergy shots can make your asthma symptoms worse.

Who Benefits from Allergy Shots?

Adults and children receive allergy shots, but it is not normally recommended for children below 5. This is because of the difficulties that younger children can cooperate with a program and articulate any symptoms they could be experiencing. When you consider allergy shots for older adults, medical conditions like cardiac disease must be considered and discussed with your allergist first.

It Does Not Always Work for Everyone

A lot depends on what you are allergic to and how severe the symptoms you get are. In general, allergy shots are working for allergies to bee stings, dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and mold. It is not proof that they work for drugs, food, or latex allergies.

Risks

The majority of people do not face a lot of trouble with allergy shots, but they have substances that lead to allergies. Therefore, there are possible reactions and it includes:

Anaphylaxis – This is a life-threatening reaction when people get allergy shots. It causes low blood pressure and breathing issues. Anaphylaxis most of the time starts within 30 minutes of the injection, but there are times when it starts later than that.
Local reactions – it involves redness, irritation, or swelling at the injection site. Normally these common reactions start within a couple of hours of injection and they will clear up soon after that.
Systemic reactions – You can develop sneezing, hives, or nasal congestion. Other severe reactions include swelling, throat, chest tightness, or wheezing.

You can book an appointment with an allergy clinic Manassas VA anytime if you need to get allergy shots anytime. They will take care of you, especially if you have reactions.

What You Need to Know About Seafood Allergy

Even if the worst food allergies begin during your childhood, seafood allergy stands out. If you consult an allergist, they will tell you that seafood allergy can develop anytime in your life. However, it is more present during adulthood. It could be caused by the foods that you ate before without issues.

Seafood allergy is the most common onset food allergy among adults. Therefore, you might be surprised that one day you will just develop a seafood allergy even if you never had it before.

You will discover more about this allergy as you read further.

Which ones are Considered Seafood?

Seafood pertains to any fresh and saltwater fish, shellfish, and crustaceans. Common examples are:

Fish: Bluefish, anchovy, bass, catfish, carp, cod, char, haddock, flounder, herring, halibut, sardines, mahi-mahi, salmon, and tuna
Shellfish: Clams, abalone, mussels, conch, oysters, octopus, sea snails, scallops, and squid
Crustaceans: Crayfish, crab, prawns, shrimp, and lobster
Others: Kamaboko and surimi, caviar and roe, and tarama

It is not Rare

While figures range per country, about 1% of the population suffers from this type of allergy. Teenagers and adults experience it more compared to early childhood. Approximately 20% grows out of their allergy over time.

Symptoms of Seafood Allergy

You need to see an allergy doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms after consuming seafood:

Flushed face, rash or hives, red and itchy skin
Swelling of the eyes, lips, face, tongue, and throat
You have trouble swallowing, speaking, or breathing
Itchy skin
Vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps
You experience distress, anxiety, paleness, fainting, weakness, and a sense of doom
Your blood pressure drops, have a rapid heartbeat, and loss of consciousness

How is it Diagnosed?

Seafood allergies are more seen in adults and less common among children. An allergist will be able to confirm if you suspect that you are allergic to seafood.

Cooking Sometimes Affect Your Tolerance

Normally, seafood allergens are heat stable and cooking cannot easily destroy them, but sometimes individuals can tolerate tinned fish. However, they are unable to tolerate the same type of fish if it is freshly cooked. You should not try tinned fish unless your doctor advises you to.

How You Can Avoid Seafood

It is easy to avoid buying or cooking seafood, but there are many ingredients added to food that is made from seafood. You must always check the labels on processed or packaged foods. Watch out for these:

Oyster sauce and fish sauce
Marinara sauce
Fish stock
Fish paste
Prawn crisps and prawn crackers
Sushi
Caesar salad
Cooking oil
Pizza
Krill or fish oil supplements
Cooking oil that was used for cooking fish

If you order a meat curry, they might have used the fish sauce to cook it. You should tell the waiters that you are allergic to seafood and your meal should not have any seafood in it, even if it is just oyster sauce or fish sauce.

Fish oil supplements are highly unlikely to cause any adverse reaction, but you should still avoid them.

Some people are extremely sensitive to any type of fish that they can react even to the steam produced from cooking fish. This is more common in children with asthma.

You should look for an allergy specialist Manassas VA who will tell you everything you should know because you should stay away from seafood no matter what.

Why You Need to See an Allergy Doctor

Maybe you experience seasonal allergies and you go for over-the-counter medicine to soothe your symptoms like itchy and red eyes. You might want to have an allergy doctor whom you talk to about your symptoms because sometimes these symptoms can get worst. They can affect your ability to function in your daily life.

When should you visit an allergist who diagnoses and treats allergies caused by dysfunctions in the immune system? You will see from this article the reasons why you need an allergist. They are helpful in providing care for a lot of conditions involving the immune system.

Find out more here:

Your Cold is Not Going Away

A cold or virus cough must clear up in a few weeks. If you have persistent coughs or it consistently shows up in a pattern, like only in the spring or when you are in bed, then it might be an allergy.

This is the same for headaches because they can be linked to sinusitis caused by allergies. The dull headaches and repeated fatigue symptoms help you determine if the allergies are involved in helping you get relief.

Your Sinus Infection is Chronic

Sinuses are the hollow openings behind the nose and around the eyes. They have mucus that helps warm and filter breathing. This mucus needs to be drained out. If the mucus gets blocked and the sinuses are congested, you might have a sinus infection. In case you have asthma, allergies, or a weakened immune system, you are more prone to getting sinus infections.

An allergist and immunologist can give you prescription medications that help ease pain and congestion of sinus infections. You will learn the ways of preventing a sinus infection that happens in the first place. For instance, most of the time, washing hands and using a humidifier or nasal spray to add moisture to your nasal passage is helpful.

You Get Diarrhea After a Meal

An allergy doctor can test if you have food allergies and help you separate what is intolerance or food allergy when you eat something. If it is a food allergy, your body will cause an immune response to what you are and it is normally within 2 hours. Swelling, rash, trouble breathing, and hives are all symptoms of food allergy.

Intolerance is harder to detect because the symptoms only start after 3 hours of eating and range from mild nausea, bloating, and diarrhea. If you know which foods to avoid that cause your allergy, you will no longer suffer from the symptoms. Your immune system also improves when you eat certain kinds of foods.

If you are Asthmatic

Asthma can cause the muscles in your airways to spasm or tighten, and it can inflame the lining of the lungs. This is going to block airflow, which makes it hard to breathe. Asthma ranges from mild to severe, which can be life-threatening. You might feel chest tightness and you will struggle to breathe.

When you work with an allergist, your asthma can be controlled and you will have fewer asthma flares. The allergist can give you a prescription for medication so your specific symptoms can be treated. You will learn about different asthma triggers so that you can avoid them.

You will be able to avoid allergy triggers if you see an allergy specialist doctor Germantown MD because you will no longer suffer from the symptoms.

4 Ways On How to Get Rid Of Allergic Reaction Rash

If you suffer from sensitive skin, it’s common for your skin to react to irritants (such as perfumes, essential oils, and talc) and allergens such as pollen, mold, dust, pet dander, and foods such as peanuts.

To return your life to normal, you have to get rid of the rashes. At the moment you must be wondering, how many ways are there on how to get rid of allergic reaction rash? There are plenty of ways you can do it, even without visiting an allergy doctor. Some of these ways include:

Cold press the rash

This is the easiest and fastest way of stopping the pain and itch. Cold pressing also stops the swelling, eases the itching, and slows down the progression of the rash.

There are plenty of ways you can cold press the rashes. You can place a damp cloth on the surface, pour cold water or take cool showers.

One of the most effective ways is to use fabric bags stuffed with ice. Fill the bag with ice, then place the bag on your skin. Hold the bag on your skin until the pain or itch subsides and if the situation doesn’t get better, repeat.

This technique works by limiting blood flow to the affected area. When you apply ice or cold water to the rash, it reduces swelling and inflammation. It can also stop itching immediately. If you have rashes over large parts of your body, it’s difficult to cover the entire area with an ice pack. In such a case, take a cool bath or shower.

Manage the condition using aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is highly effective at managing allergies as it posses strong antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-irritant properties.

There are plenty of ways you can take advantage of aloe Vera. One way is to buy an aloe Vera gel obtained from the aloe leaves and use it to soothe the itchy, irritated skin.

If you have a garden with an aloe plant growing there, you can cut open a leaf, scrape out the gel and apply it directly on the affected skin.

For best results, use the aloe vera twice a day. Before applying it, wash and dry the affected area for maximum absorption.

The aloe Vera works because it contains calcium, zinc, magnesium, vitamin B-12, essential fatty acids, carbohydrates, sterols, and enzymes that give it its unique capabilities.

If you don’t have aloe Vera in your garden or don’t have access to aloe Vera gel, use basil, neem, and coriander leaves to make a paste, then apply it to the affected areas. Let the paste stay on for at least one hour, then rinse it out with water.

Get some relief using baking soda

Baking soda is highly effective at getting rid of allergy rashes. Baking soda also relieves itching and prevents further skin inflammation.

To use it, you need to make a paste of it by mixing half a teaspoon of baking soda in lukewarm water, then apply it to the affected area. Leave it there for a few minutes, then rinse it off. Be cautious not to leave it on the skin surface for too long, as it could cause some irritation.

The chemicals in baking soda act as a buffer where they keep the solutions in a stable acid-alkali balance. Due to this, baking soda soothes the skin and balances the skin’s pH.

See a doctor if things don’t improve.

If you have used the above remedies and none seems to be working, now it’s time to see an allergy specialist Manassas VA. The allergist will begin with doing some tests to determine the nature of your allergy then give you the necessary medications.

What Are The 4 Types Of Allergic Reactions?

If you are searching for, what are the 4 types of allergic reactions? You must be suffering from allergies, and you have heard your allergy doctor talking about the classification of allergic reactions.

Allergy reactions are indeed classified into four types: Type I, II, III, and IV.

Type I, II, and III are characterized as immediate allergic reactions as they happen within 24 hours of exposure to the allergen, while type IV reactions happen after 24 hours of exposure. Due to this, they are referred to delayed allergic reactions.

You are here because you want to learn more about the reactions, right? So let us dig deeper into them:

Type I reactions

They are also known as anaphylactic reactions, and they are mediated by proteins known as IgE antibodies produced in response to allergens such as dust mites, animal dander, pollen, and certain foods. Due to this reaction, the body releases histamine and other chemicals that cause inflammation and swelling.

Type I reactions include: food allergies, bronchial asthma, allergic conjunctivitis, anaphylaxis, and allergic rhinitis. Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of reaction, and when it happens, you should treat it as a medical emergency as it’s deadly. People with the condition experience extreme difficulty in breathing, low blood pressure, swelling, shock, and bluish skin.

Type II reaction

It’s also known as a Cytotoxic reaction, and it’s mediated by IgG and IgM antibodies. These antibodies damage the body cells by activating a complement system. Common type II reactions are common autoimmune neutropenia, immune thrombocytopenia, and autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

Type III reactions

They also come about due to IgM and IgG antibodies, and the antibodies react with the allergen to form immunocomplexes responsible for the reaction. You can see type III reactions in lupus, Arthus reaction, and serum sickness.

Type IV reactions

They also go by the name cell-mediated reactions, and they occur 24 hours of exposure to the allergen. The reactions take 48-72 hours or longer to appear after coming into contact with the allergen. These reactions are often common in long-term infectious diseases such as fungal infections and tuberculosis. They are also common in skin sensitivity reactions, such as metal reactions.

Where do the common allergies fall?

Most allergies fall under type I hypersensitivity, and this includes allergic rhinitis characterized by running nose, eyes, and sneezing.

Two common allergic rhinitis categories are seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) and perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR). SAR is associated with exposure to pollen at certain times of the year, while PAR occurs all around the year.

Allergic rhinitis is common and affects over 20 million people in the United States.

Other allergies that fall under type I reaction are food, dry, and insect allergy. Insects that can lead to allergies include: wasps, yellow jackets, ants, bees, and hornets.

The major allergens for the common allergies are animal dander, pollen, fungal spores, dust mites, and molds. The common symptoms for the condition include: shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and thick mucus secretions.

Is there a treatment for allergic reactions?

The best way to treat allergic reactions is to prevent them from occurring in the first place by avoiding the allergens, but if the reaction has already happened, try controlling it using medications. The cool thing is there are plenty of medications you can use. You only need to visit an allergy specialist doctor Manassas VA to prescribe the best one for your condition.

Some of the medications you can use include:

Antihistamines for seasonal and indoor allergies
Nasal corticosteroids for nasal allergies
Decongestants to reduce stuffiness
Mast cell stabilizers to help with itchy, watery eyes and runny nose
Oral corticosteroids to reduce swelling and stop severe allergic reactions
Epinephrine for life-threatening anaphylaxis

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.

All about Incontinence Associated Dermatitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Aging comes with a lot of complications such as memory gap, blurry vision, wrinkly skin, and a weakened immune system. Elderly people also experience all sorts of body pain that limit their movements. Due to old age, elderly people are also highly prone to catching diseases including allergies. In such cases, our elderly friends should be advised to visit an allergy physician to help them manage their condition.

All about IAD

Apart from physical and mental deterioration, elderly people also experience the inability to control their bladder and their stool. This condition is called incontinence. When this happens, the genital and anal area (sometimes also in the thighs and abdominal area) becomes inflamed and itchy and results in rashes. This condition is called Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis or IAD.

IAD, also called perineal dermatitis, moisture lesions, or irritant dermatitis, occurs as a result of incontinence. It usually results in itchy and red rashes, which is also similar to diaper rash among babies. It can also be considered a form of allergy, so it is a good idea to visit an allergy specialist to help treat this condition.

People who experience fecal incontinence may experience worse symptoms of IAD. For one thing, it is because feces is more irritating than urine when it comes to contact to the skin. The skin’s pH levels and the ammonia excreted by urine and feces result in IAD. In such cases, it can be a good idea to visit an allergist doctor to help manage the symptoms.

Symptoms of IAD

A normal and healthy skin serves as a barrier which lessens the risk of having rashes and other symptoms due to allergic reactions and the like. However, the skin of elderly people is not as supple and healthy as they were when they were younger. Add to that is incontinence, hence the occurrence of IAD. People with IAD might experience the following symptoms that should be treated immediately.

Feeling of pain or tender to the touch when coming into contact
Itchiness or burning sensation to the genital, anal, or abdominal areas
Skin redness, lesions, or presence of inflammation on the affected area

Too much skin moisture (ex. not wiping your genital or anal area after going to the toilet) and friction due to the use of pads and underwear can also cause IAD. Likewise, the inadequate cleaning of the IAD-prone areas, as well as the use of abrasive cloths, can also lead to IAD.

The impact of IAD’s symptoms depends on numerous factors such as the person’s overall health condition, nutritional levels, skin tissue condition, and risk of allergen exposure. In such cases, it is important to undergo allergy testing to determine other possible causes of the occurrence of IAD.

How to manage IAD

Back then, IAD was usually treated using soap and water. However, the usual soaps contain ingredients that can further dry out your skin and make the condition worse. That said, using soap and water may not necessarily be the best option out there.

Instead, the best treatment for IAD is proper skincare. Visiting an allergy doctor can also help in managing the condition. Here are some useful tips to lessen the impact of IAD and its symptoms.

Use a skincare product that matches the skin’s pH levels. Avoid ones with harsh ingredients that can make the condition worse.
Change adult diapers and pads regularly to avoid leakage and cause IAD from spreading to other body parts.
Do not use rough towels when wiping genitals and anal areas. Instead, make sure to wash thoroughly and wipe dry to lessen the moisture content within the said area.
Apply skin remedies with zinc oxide on the affected areas and lessen chafe and rashes.
Wear cotton underwear. Apply petroleum jelly on areas that are prone to chafing especially before any physical activity.

Conclusion

IAD can be managed with proper skincare and hygiene routines. Otherwise, it can lead to possible complications such as pain while urinating and genital discharge. Elderly people are at higher risk of having IAD. That is why it is important to ensure good hygiene at all times.

To help manage symptoms of IAD, it is best to find an allergy doctor to help manage the condition. Visit the best allergist in Manassas VA today!

Should You Get an Allergy Test?

Millions of people all over the world suffer from allergies. In fact, around 50 million people are afflicted with some kind of allergies in the US alone. Allergies are also considered one of the most common types of chronic health conditions that plague both children and adults alike. Allergic triggers vary from person to person and should be determined by allergy testing.

Knowing what exactly causes your allergies is an important step so you can be able to manage your condition. One way to determine what triggers your allergies is by having an allergy test. It is usually a painless and quick way to find out what causes your allergic reactions. Before that, you should know how allergy tests work and whether you need to take one.

What are allergy tests for?

If you experience any symptoms of allergies, you should visit an asthma doctor. But to confirm what exactly causes your allergies, it is better to find an allergy doctor who will conduct allergy tests.

For starters, allergies are usually our body’s response to a specific trigger or what we call “allergens”. Common types of allergies may either be seasonal (pollen, molds, and the like), perennial (pet dander, dust mites, smoke, etc.), or food allergies.

To determine which among these triggers your allergies, you need to undergo an allergy test. Allergy testing can either be through blood or skin tests. In some cases, the patient may have to undergo an elimination diet to determine the specific food that is causing an allergic reaction.

All of these allergy test procedures should be done by an allergist specialist and in an allergy facility or office. It is important to follow the doctor’s orders before undergoing an allergy test to ensure accurate results.

Allergy test standards

As mentioned, only certified allergists should conduct allergy tests. Otherwise, taking allergy tests without any medical recommendation and prior exams may not yield reliable results. This includes availing free tests in supermarkets or drugstores. You can even avail allergy test kits if you want to do the testing at home, but may not be as reliable.

This is why you should only rely on certified allergist doctor as they know better about allergies and how to manage it. You can guarantee that results will be more accurate and get better help in managing your condition. In effect, you can live a normal life as possible.

Most allergy tests are non-invasive and won’t require surgery or any complicated medical procedures. As mentioned, allergy tests may either be through skin patches or getting blood samples. If there is a certain reaction (ex. presence of rashes or swelling on the skin test area), it means you are allergic to that certain allergen. In some cases, you may have to take another test to confirm the previous test results.

Preparing for an allergy test

First of all, it is important to prepare yourself before undergoing an allergy test even if it is not really considered a major procedure. Such tests should be done only by certified or licensed medical personnel to ensure accurate results. Expect to be asked some details about your family history and lifestyle among a few.

If you are taking medications before getting an allergy test, you may be recommended to stop it temporarily. Otherwise, such medications may affect the results of your allergy test. In particular, you may have to temporarily stop taking medications such as:

Prescription and over-the-counter antihistamines
Heartburn medications (ex. famotidine)
Asthma medications (ex. omalizumab)
Antidepressants (ex. amitriptyline, nortriptyline)

You may also expect to experience some discomfort, although mostly tolerable, while the allergy test is ongoing. Results are usually available within a week. By then, you will be prescribed some medications and perhaps a lifestyle change to help manage your condition.

Should you get an allergy test?

If you are experiencing allergic symptoms but do not know which exactly causes the reactions, it is best to have an allergy test. While there are over-the-counter products that can relieve allergic symptoms, it will simply mask the discomfort but still have no idea of what the exact triggers area.

Having said that, it is highly recommended to consult an allergy physician to help manage your condition. He or she knows better in terms of identifying and recommending the right action steps to alleviate your allergic symptoms. Feel free to visit an allergy clinic in Manassas VA if you want to undergo an allergy test.