Food allergies are a common problem, especially among children today. There are many different types of foods that can cause allergic symptoms, and these symptoms can range from very mild to severe, and even life-threatening in some cases. One of the top eight foods that can cause these types of allergies is wheat, which is an ingredient that is found in many of the foods that we eat today. Wheat allergies, like other food allergies, are most commonly seen in children and are often outgrown. However, some adults can develop wheat allergies as well.

Symptoms

The symptoms of wheat allergies can occur anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours after eating a wheat product. These signs can range from mild to severe. In more serious cases, immediate medical care may be required, since anaphylaxis (severe allergy symptoms) is a life threatening condition. Wheat allergy symptoms can include nasal congestion, airway inflammation and swelling, hives or other skin irritation, or gastrointestinal problems. More severe symptoms might also be airway constriction, rapid pulse, dizziness and shock. These are the symptoms that will require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening very quickly.

Treatment

Treatment of wheat allergies will primarily include avoidance of wheat products once you have had an allergic reaction that can be attributed to wheat. Since wheat allergies can become more severe as you experience more reactions, it is important to see your doctor even if you’ve had a mild allergic reaction to wheat. Your doctor can test you to see if wheat was indeed the culprit of your allergies through a variety of methods. Once a wheat allergy is diagnosed, it will be up to you to ensure that you avoid all wheat products in the future. Fortunately, this has become easier in the United States since food manufacturers have been required to list wheat ingredients on their package labels.

If you have had a severe reaction with a wheat allergy, your doctor may advise you to carry an emergency treatment with you called an EpiPen. This is an injection that can be given if you are exposed to wheat, since it can be difficult to avoid this substance altogether. You may also wear a bracelet so that those around you will also know that you have a wheat allergy. For most wheat allergy sufferers, it is sufficient to try to avoid wheat products as much as possible, and to take an antihistamine if wheat exposure inadvertently occurs. And keep in mind that wheat allergies occur most often in children, and are often outgrown.

Once seen as something only the bad boys did, tattoos have gone mainstream in the past decade or two. Now it is seen as something cool, a way to express yourself in the most permanent manner. While most people have no lingering side effects once the tattoo scabbing and healing process is over, there are a small percentage of people who experience some type of allergic reaction. Tattoo allergies are often the result of the type of inks used.

Ink Ingredients

Most tattoo artists don’t really read the ink labels to see what ingredients are in there but if you are prone to allergies, chances are your tattoo allergies will be the result of red or yellow ink. In the past, many brands of tattoo ink used mercury in them but this practice has greatly declined because of its harmful effects.

However, inks today that can cause tattoo allergies contain such elements as nickel, cadmium and chromium. While you may not really run across cadmium or chromium much, many earrings and other pieces of jewelry have nickel, so if you have ever had a reaction to it, chances are that you will develop some type of reaction to a tattoo.

Telltale Signs

It is important to note that not everyone who will suffer from tattoo allergies will exhibit signs immediately. Some people won’t develop a rash or inflamed redness for a month or two or even years later, which is the reason why a skin patch test is not really conducive to detecting allergies before getting a tattoo.

For people with tattoo allergies that present themselves years later, the reaction could be itchiness and even raised bumpy areas in certain colored parts of the tattoo. Sometimes, it is the weather that can cause a reaction or even a raised body temperature. The heat, whether it is from body temperature or the weather can cause the skin to swell slightly, which could affect the tattoo. If your own tattoo feels particularly itchy during hotter weather, this could be the reason for your tattoo allergies.

Treatment

If you develop tattoo allergies not long after you get your inked masterpiece, you can apply over the counter treatment onto the rash or affected area. Antibiotic ointment or hydrocortisone creams often bring relief, as do regular anti-itch creams and cold compresses. If the area does not clear itself within a week or so, it would be wise to visit a dermatologist who will likely prescribe some type of steroid to combat your tattoo allergies.

Nearly all of us have experienced them at one time or another. The runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, and sneezing. Symptoms of allergies can strike anytime or anyplace, depending on what the allergy trigger is for an individual. Most allergies are not serious, and can be easily treated at home with homeopathic remedies, over the counter medications, or simple avoidance of the triggers. However, there are some people who have serious allergies that can become life-threatening if they are not treated immediately. This is why it is important to understand the difference between mild, moderate and severe allergy symptoms, and when a health care professional should be involved in the treatment plan.

Mild Symptoms of Allergies

The milder symptoms of allergies are the ones that most of us will experience at one time or another. These symptoms might include itchy, watery eyes and nasal congestion. They can also include a localized skin rash or hives. In the case of milder allergy symptoms, the condition does not spread to other parts of the body. You can usually treat your symptoms effectively at home, using antihistamines or nasal decongestants. Other possible treatment options include eye drops, or topical creams for skin rashes. Most of the time, mild symptoms of allergies do not require a doctor’s care, unless the condition lasts for longer than a couple of weeks.

Moderate and Severe Symptoms of Allergies

When symptoms of allergies become moderate to severe, they can spread to other parts of the body. They can also become more dangerous and even life-threatening in some situations. Moderate symptoms of allergies can include itching and difficulty breathing. More severe symptoms might include swelling in various areas of the body, which can make swallowing and breathing difficult. You might also experience digestive symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases mental clarity becomes compromised and you might feel dizzy, fuzzy or confused. If you begin to experience any of these symptoms of allergies, it is important to seek medical care immediately. These symptoms could be an indication of anaphylaxis, which is a potentially life-threatening condition.

In most cases, symptoms of allergies are mild and can be effectively treated with over the counter medications and home remedies. However, it is good to know what more severe allergy symptoms look like, so you will be prepared to seek medical help if the situation ever arises. Quick action can mean the difference between life and death for those who suffer from severe allergy symptoms.

Not only vampires are allergic to the sun. Although we don’t often hear cases of sun allergies in the country, this type of allergy is actually common. In most cases, people who have mild sun allergies do not even realize that they have this type of allergies. In most cases, people who have a mild case of this type of allergy would think that they are suffering from sunburns after spending a short period of time under the sun.

Understanding Sun Allergies

Sun allergies can be attributed to the immune system reaction to sunlight. There are some people whose immune systems have problems coping with excessive sunlight that they end with itchy red rashes after spending a few minutes under the sun. In most cases, the itchy red rashes appear at the back of the hands, the surface of arms and legs and in the neck area.

These itchy red patches usually go away after a couple of days so there is really no need to be alarmed over the situation. There is no need to rush to the hospital and demand for treatment or something. Just buy some over the counter anti allergy lotion or cream and spread it on the affected area. A nice warm bath can also help sooth the itchiness away. Do not scratch the itchy skin to avoid causing more damage.

On the other hand, although most people who suffer from sun allergies do not really develop severe symptoms, some people do develop small blisters and hives not only in the skin areas that are exposed to the sun but also in those areas which are clothed. In cases like these, it would be better to see a doctor before you put something on your raw skin.

Yes, over the counter creams and medicated lotion may work but it is always better to be safe. Note that blisters and hives can become infected so be sure to get medical help before you develop something serious. Besides, you do not really want to cause more damage to your skin. Always remember that damages skin on your legs and arms can look really ugly.

For people who have the tendencies to develop severe reactions to the sun, it is not really safe to do some sun bathing even for just a few minutes. People with sun allergies who need to work outdoors must wear protective clothing and sun block to minimize the effect of sunlight on their skin.

One of the most common complaint people see an allergist for is skin rashes. Usually confined to small area that has come into contact with an offending allergen, it can spread and cause additional problems if left untreated. Similar to other types of irritations, skin rashes can be anywhere from inconvenient to debilitating and can be caused by a number of things, many that are found in a variety of products making isolation difficult except with patch testing.

Many skin rashes can develop later in life, while other become apparent at the first sign of exposure. Many of the items to which people are allergic are common and seem almost innocuous as to causing skin rashes. Products made of jewelry metal such as gold, silver and nickel are often cited as the cause of irritations, and in some people, and even the smallest trace of the element can trigger a break out.

While the most common cure for skin rashes is to avoid contact with the offending product. Corticosteroid cream has shown to offer relief for irritation on the skin, but of those used to test its effectiveness against skin rashes, three percent developed an allergy to the cream.

Common Items Cause Uncommon Problems

In addition to jewelry metals, ingredients in many common items are known to cause allergic reactions in some people. Thimeroral is a mercury compound often found in antiseptics and vaccines can cause skin rashes in some patients. A common ingredient in cosmetics, deodorant, soap and pet food, neomycin sulfate has also been know to cause rashes in some users.

Quaternium 15, commonly used as a preservative in self-tanning lotions, shampoo, nail polish and sunscreen can also cause skin rashes and bacitracin, used as a topical antibiotic is blamed for rashes on many users. The ingredients in products meant to protect most folks from irritating skin rashes can cause a reaction in others.

Formaldehyde is often used in medications, household cleaners and cosmetics and has been known to cause severe rashes in some people, and if used on an existing rash can exacerbate the problem. Cobalt chloride in hair dye, antiperspirant and alloyed with metals for buttons and snaps can also be a problem for allergic users. Figuring out the exact cause of skin rashes can be a time-consuming process and the current patch test is about the only way to narrow down the choices. Contacting an allergist for persistent skin rashes can determine if the test is necessary to isolate the offending product.

According to studies, around 40 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies every year. The causes of seasonal allergies vary but some of the most popular causes of these types of allergies are pollen, mites and molds. Pollen is especially hazardous to people who have allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Once the pollen gets into contact with the mucous membranes that protects the nasal passage, the membrane gets irritated and may become swollen, making it difficult for that person to breathe. In most cases, the inflammation of the nasal passage will result to itchy throat, runny nose, swollen sinuses and watery eyes. For some people, the reaction can be more severe. It is not uncommon for people to get hospitalized because of severe reactions to pollens. To cope with seasonal allergies, here are some tips for you.

Preventive Measures

One of the best ways to prevent seasonal allergies is to increase your dietary intake of the essential fatty acids. According to studies, fatty acids from fish and flaxseed can help prevent allergic reactions in most people. Taking increased dose of vitamin C can also lower the levels of histamine in the blood so make sure that you eat plenty of fruits. Fruits and juices are better compared to synthetic vitamin C in capsules. Most experts agree that fresh is best so do double you intake of those vitamin C capsules. Instead, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Another way to prevent seasonal allergies is to monitor the level of pollen and mold inside and outside of the house. If the pollen and mold level outside is high, keep your windows and doors tightly shut to ward off these microscopic things. Do not wander off outdoors too much especially when weeds, trees and shrubs around the area are in bloom. Note that trees, weeds, grass and shrubs release pollens into the air during this time. If you must go outdoors, cover your mouth and nose with surgical mask to filter the air that you inhale. The surgical mask can only hold so much of the pollen and molds at bay so try not to stay outdoors for too long. Let someone else do the yard work for you.

Once you get back indoors, take off your clothes and put them in the washer immediately to ward off seasonal allergies. Molds and pollen tend to cling to your hair and clothes so make sure that you wash your clothes or stash them away. Furthermore, you need to wash your hair before you hit the bed. Note that the pollen and molds that clung to your hair could easily find its way into your nostrils when you sleep.

People suffering from peanut allergies need to extremely careful about just about anything they eat as many items made from peanut shells and oil can trigger as bad a reaction as experienced by eating peanuts. Many times people with peanut allergies do not understand that anything made from peanuts, even without the whole peanut being present can trigger a reaction, which could develop into anaphylactic seizure and death, depending on the degree of allergic reaction.

When most people of peanut allergies they think of the typical peanut, which in reality are legumes and many people with peanut allergies are also allergic to peas and beans, members of the same family. Although they are probably also allergic to nuts that grow on tress such as almonds, pecans and cashews. Some of the indications of peanut allergies include a tightness in the throat, difficulty breathing, stomach pain, diarrhea and vomiting. While mane people have developed an allergy to nuts, it is fairly common in children and more children are developing the allergy than they have in the past.

Contrary to popular belief, it is very rare for a person to outgrow an allergy. In some cases, a person may have been misdiagnosed as having peanut allergies and years later it is determined their immune system can, in fact tolerate its ingestion. An allergic reaction occurs when the body’s immune system sees a nut as a dangerous object and mobilizes its defenses to fight it off.

Nuts Often Hidden In Foods

Peanuts are a widely used food product and can show up in places many people would never expect them to be found. While peanut butter is an obvious source of peanuts and is taboo for those with peanut allergies, many may not realize that crushed nuts are often used in sauces and in Asian foods such as pad thai. Additionally, an Italian sauce called Pesto is made from crushed nuts.

Many health food and energy bars contain nuts as do bouillon some favoring sauces. When a person has been diagnosed as having nut or peanut allergies it can be a life-saving decision to stay away from all foods containing them Even if not listed in the ingredients, persons with a high susceptibility to peanut allergies can suffer an attack with even a trace amount in the product.

Many of the fruit flavored cereals also contain nuts as do many candy bars and salty snacks. Potato chips can also be fried in peanut oil, which can cause and attack of peanut allergies in just about everyone.

You can blame your own body’s immunological response as well as genetics for your tendency toward nasal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis. Of course, nasal allergies can also occur from prolonged exposure to certain substances called allergens or even exposure to pollution, cigarette smoke or being born with a low birth weight.

Doctors don’t really know why some people have more sensitivity to one substance over another, but they do know your body’s response to these allergens. What happens is that when an allergen gets past your nasal defenses, your immune system perceives it as an attack and will retaliate. During this retaliation, your body releases a chemical called histamine, which is the reason why your eyes will get teary and your nose starts to run. Some people may develop breathing problems, wheezing or even sneezing.

Pollen

Many causes of nasal allergies are from airborne allergens that are breathed in through the nose but the sources are vastly different. Pollen is by far the most prevalent reason why allergies are formed in the first place and different areas of the country will have different levels of pollen, depending on what is growing and flowering at the time. Ragweed travels far and wide so even if you don’t have any growing in your area, you can still be allergic to it. Grass, flowering bushes, and a variety of trees can cause nasal allergies thanks to the pollen and other natural substances they release.

Dust And Animal Dander

Dust often tickles the nose and makes people sneeze but it does not always cause nasal allergies. However, if you have dust mites, tiny microscopic organisms, in your mattress, furniture or carpeting, these could be the true culprits. You will know for certain if your allergies persist even during winter months when outside pollen is at an all time low.

Animal dander can cause real problems with allergic reactions as well. Dander settles into carpets and furniture so even if you get rid of your cat or dog, you can still experience nasal allergies. Only a thorough vacuuming and carpet and upholstery shampooing can greatly lessen the dander population.

Symptoms

Typically, the symptoms of nasal allergies start off with some nose itching as well as sneezing, which is the body’s way to try and get rid of the allergen. From there, your nose could start running which is the body’s way to wash the foreign substance away. From there, you start to develop a stuffy nose and develop sensitivity to other irritants a few hours after your initial exposure. This allergic response could potentially last for weeks or until the pollen or irritant is gone. For some people, nasal allergies are a major pain in the rear and sometimes can develop into more serious illness like sinus infections and asthma.

Treatment

Relief from your nasal allergies will depend on the type of medical treatment you receive. There are anti-histamines, which help with the runny nose and sneezing. Decongestants help relieve the stuffiness and can be paired with anti-histamines. Allergy shots and steroid nasal sprays are other possible treatments. Between you and your doctor, you can experiment until you find the right combination of drugs to best help relieve your nasal allergies.

Allergies are a common ailment among many folks today, and the substances that people are allergic to can vary greatly. For those who are suffering from mold allergies, it may be difficult to cope with the symptoms. The reason that mold allergies can be such a challenge is that there is not a set season for mold to appear, and some sufferers can experience symptoms year-round. The good news is that these types of allergies are relatively rare; when you consider the number of molds that we might be exposed to every day. It is also possible to effectively treat mold allergy symptoms, so you that you do not have to suffer unnecessarily with the sniffling and sneezing that can arise with exposure to the dreaded substance.

Symptoms

The symptoms of mold allergies are similar to those of other allergic reactions, and can include nasal congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, and a skin rash. If you experience these symptoms while raking leaves or mowing grass, you might be suffering from mold allergies. Likewise, if you notice these symptoms when you enter a musty basement or other moist area, mold may indeed be the culprit. To determine if your allergies really are caused by mold spores, you can have an allergy test done at your doctor’s office. There are two types of tests that are done; a skin test or a blood sample. Either test can give your doctor a good idea about the substances that you might be allergic to so that he can treat your allergies in the most effective way.

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment for any type of allergy generally includes over the counter medications like decongestants and antihistamines. For more severe symptoms, your doctor can prescribe similar medications in stronger doses. You can also opt for steroidal nasal sprays to keep nasal passages clear, or inhaled medications if you also suffer from asthma. Many of these medications are safe to take over a longer period of time, making them a good option for mold allergy sufferers who might experience symptoms year round.

While there are numerous treatments for allergies that can be very helpful, another good way of reducing symptoms is by prevention. This usually entails an avoidance of the allergy triggers – which in this case would be mold spores. Prevention of mold allergies might include avoiding food that has a greater chance of harboring mold, like cheese and mushrooms, or staying away from damp areas like basements. It is also a good idea to change your furnace filter frequently to prevent mold from developing. With a combination of prevention and treatment options, you can successfully keep your mold allergy symptoms at bay.

If you are one of those people who simply can’t resist a good swim, you might think twice about wading and swimming into some lakes and ponds no matter how clear the water may appear to you. According to experts, lake water allergies can cause a lot of discomforts to people and may even leave some ugly marks on your skin.

What Is Lake Water Allergies?

Lake water allergies also known as swimmer’s itch is the skins allergic reaction to infection cause by contaminated water. Contamination in the water does not mean industrial contamination or anything of that sort. What we mean here is the natural forms of contamination which is caused by birds and mammals that are living near the lake.

Note that many lakes in the country contain parasites of birds and mammals that can cause allergies. These allergens in the water are especially common during the summer time when more birds and mammals visit the lake. Since we cannot really prevent birds and mammals from getting into the lake and it would be downright inhuman to deprive these animals of their natural habitat, the only solution here is to avoid swimming into the lake especially if you are prone to lake water allergies.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Lake Water Allergies?

The most common symptoms of lake water allergies is tingling, burning or itching of the skin within a few hours after you waded or swam in contaminated lake water. Many people also develop reddish pimples all over their bodies within 12 hours after they went into contact with the water. If not treated properly, these reddish pimples may develop into ugly blisters. Yes, things can really get quite ugly when this happen and you could suffer from a lot of discomforts for around a week or two. Fortunately, applying anti allergy cream and ointment on the affected areas of the skin will make the blisters go away within the next few days so you need not go to the hospital.

On the other hand, there are some people who develop more serious lake water allergies symptoms. Continuous or prolonged exposure to contaminated water often aggravates the situation. If you develop more serious forms of allergic reactions to contaminated lake water such as shortness of breath, huge lesions in your skin, fever and the likes, you should see your doctor immediately. You may be suffering from complications so do not ignore your symptoms.