Signs and Symptoms of Contact Dermatitis

Signs and symptoms for contact dermatitis differ according to the kind of dermatitis. Let's begin to see the signs and symptoms according to the above mentioned pointed out types.

• Irritant contact dermatitis- The signs and symptoms of this kind of a dermatitis are burning or stinging sensation within the skin or perhaps in certain situations even redness or tenderness. 48 hrs it's time period for just about any a reaction to show on your skin, whereas strong irritants will begin showing the responses with immediate effect. The signs and symptoms pointed out within the aforesaid appear over individuals areas of your skin that are uncovered to those irritants.

• Allergic contact dermatitis- Allergic contact dermatitis causes signs and symptoms for example redness, itchiness and scaling from the uncovered areas of your skin. The signs and symptoms make time to develop following the skin continues to be uncovered towards the sensitizing object or chemical. A rash seems around the part of the skin that has interact. For instance, rash revolves around the eyelids or even the cheekbones, if uncovered to harsh cosmetics. However, because this is true allergy, the areas that aren't uncovered will often develop rash.

Proper diagnosis of Contact Dermatitis:

It's known that contact dermatitis is caused by skin being uncovered to particular allergens or irritants. Hence, when using these items is stopped your skin condition is certain to improve. But, in some instances the best kind of allergen or irritant which results in this dermatitis isn't known. In such instances, a kind of test referred to as "Patch Test" is carried out. The mix of numerous substances that triggers irritation is used over the rear of the body. Your skin is observed over time of two days. If there's no reaction, this means this dermatitis isn't present.

Contact Dermatitis Treatment:

• Use of Emollients: If it's a gentle type of contact dermatitis in which the soreness could be introduced in check then frequent moisturizing can help. Utilization of emollients ought to be ongoing till time the soreness doesn't subside or even the rash doesn't obvious off.

• Topical Anabolic steroids: Topical anabolic steroids are creams, creams and creams which contain anabolic steroids. Such steroid that contains topical drugs assist in lowering the inflammation to some greater extent. Topical anabolic steroids belong to different brands and just individuals which are weakest ought to be used which too underneath the recommendation from the physician. Some exceptional steroid creams can be purchased in the pharmacy technician without prescription. One particular drug is hydrocortisone, it's a mild steroid. Many of these anabolic steroids obvious inflammation within a brief period thought a few of the mild ones may make time to work. When the inflammation has reduced, using anabolic steroids ought to be stopped. Over usage may cause problems.

• Antibiotics: When the dermatitis is promoting any kind of infection, then anti-biotics are recommended. This isn't a typical occurrence though. When the skin is simply too severe then in unusual cases, steroid pills were receive.

Instead of awaiting the problem to break out and show signs and symptoms, it is usually advantageous to prevent using items contributing to rash and skin irritation. Being careful of hands is utmost essential to be able to avoid distributing dermatitis. Long-term utilization of anabolic steroids will also not help, and on the other hand, will harm your skin.

Wheat Allergy Symptoms - Is it Wheat Allergies Or Wheat Intolerance?

Wheat allergy symptoms are often confused with wheat intolerance symptoms. There is a difference between the two. Wheat allergies cause a severe reaction when it is consumed. These symptoms can include coughing, vomiting and trouble breathing. These allergies can also cause life threatening responses such as anaphylaxis.

True wheat allergies are not very common and are usually found in small children rather than adults. Children may outgrow these allergies and be able to eventually include it in their diets. When adults think they have a allergy, it is usually an intolerance.

Wheat intolerance which is usually caused by sensitivity to gluten (a protein which is found in wheat, barley, rye and some other grains) is very common. As many as fifteen percent of all people have this intolerance.

The majority of people eat wheat so often that they are not even aware that this is what is causing problems. If you suffer from any of the below symptoms of allergies or intolerance you should eliminate it completely from your diet for thirty days and see if the problems go away. Some people immediately feel better when they remove it from their diets. It is included in many different food products, so make sure you read the labels of all foods very carefully.

Here are a few of the most common Allergy And Intolerance Symptoms

Arthritis - Stomach Bloating - Chest Pain - Mood swings - Depression - Diarrhea - Skin problems such as Eczema or Psoriasis - Dizziness - Joint pain - Muscle Aches - Nausea - Heart Palpitations - Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms - Fatigue - Coughing - Itchy Eyes and Runny Nose - Headaches

Eliminating wheat from your diet will relieve these symptoms if you are suffering from wheat allergies or intolerance. It may take you a while to get used to eating this type of diet, but in the long run it will improve your health and well being.

Food Allergy Symptoms to Look Out For

Sometimes a feeling of uneasiness and discomfort ensues immediately after a meal. It is often thought to a result of a food allergy. In most cases however this sick feeling is a result of some food intolerance rather than a food allergy. The difference in food intolerance and an allergy is mostly noticed through the difference in timescale and severity of the symptoms.

To understand and diagnose the difference between the two it is important to know the symptoms of food allergy which affects the patient much more severely. Food intolerance symptoms may manifest themselves in a few hours time, or even a day after. In case of allergies, the onset is immediate and generally within an hour. Food allergy occurs when the immune system strikes a food protein incorrectly and leads to an overreaction by the body and production of certain chemicals.

A few of the leading symptoms which occur during food allergy are:

1. Skin rashes and itching
2. Severe diarrhea and vomiting
3. Stomach cramps
4. Skin swelling especially on tender regions like eyelids, lips and inside the mouth
5. Runny nose and blocked nasal tract
6. Inflammation of the throat, trachea and larynx
7. Headaches
8. Fatigue and dizziness
9. Joint pains
10. Hives

These are the most common food allergy symptoms that affect most adults, and it is important to visit a medical professional as soon as you experience any of these signs. In cases of food intolerance smaller degrees of similar symptoms might occur, but they usually disappear after a short while. In cases of food allergies these symptoms get even more pronounced and severe and may also lead to severe breathing problems or diarrhea. A regular food intolerance like lactose intolerance manifests itself even when a person has consumed any dairy products and results in bloating, gas, vomiting or diarrhea.

It is important to identify the concerned allergen which is causing the food allergy so that it can be avoided in the future. These symptoms need to be identified immediately since delaying treatment might lead to malfunctioning of internal systems. A few things need to be kept in mind like checking food labels when buying food items or checking with the waiter at the restaurant about the ingredients used to prepare a dish. Some patients are so vulnerable that medical practitioners even advise them to carry self-injectible epinephrine, which helps during sudden allergic attacks.

Genetics of Food Allergy and Intolerance

Can genetics explain if you are allergic to some pollens or foods?

White blood cell patterns determined genetically and designated as HLA DQ and DR genes have been identified with an increased risk of pollen, dust, latex, and food allergies. The intriguing part of this story is that there is an advantage to knowing your HLA DR and DQ type when evaluating your risk for pollen allergies and their associated food allergies or cross reactions.

Genetics of Food Reactions and Allergies

As I explain in more detail in my articles on the genetics of gluten sensitivity, we all have proteins on the surface of our cells that are genetically determined. These patterns are easily detectable by testing cells from blood or from the mouth obtained by a Q-tip type swab. Specific patterns have been associated with increased risk for autoimmune conditions, gluten sensitivity and celiac disease.

HLA DQ Genetics and Celiac or Gluten Sensitivity

HLA DQ2 is present in more than 90% of people who have celiac disease while HLADQ8 is present in most of the rest, though not all people with celiac have been found to have DQ2 and/or DQ8.

DQ and DR Genetic Patterns Associated with Food and Pollen Allergies or Sensitivities?

Now it appears certain DQ or DR patterns are associated with food and pollen allergies as well. As the Food Doc, I continue to search the literature for more information about genetic links to food allergy and intolerance. My search has led to me to a couple of interesting articles in the unusual area of oral allergy syndrome (OAS). The relationship between seasonal and perennial nasal allergies and food allergies is certainly well established but not generally known by most doctors or patients. It appears that some of us need to avoid eating certain foods if we have hay fever or allergies, especially during the hay fever season. This problem also appears to be inherited.

Research Documents Genetic Association With Certain Food and Pollen Allergies

Boehncke, et al. from the University of Frankfurt reported in 1998 that certain white blood cell types known HLA class II genotypes or HLA DQ and DR genetic patterns were found more frequently in people with certain pollen associated food allergies. HLA-DQB1*0301 is present in more people with grass pollen allergy. Those with HLA-DRB1*08, an inherited white blood cell protein pattern linked with a grass pollen allergy, have six times the increased risk of peanut allergy. Those who have inherited the HLA-DRB1*12 white blood cell pattern are 13 times higher at risk for carrot allergy.

Tree Pollen Allergy to Birch Tree Pollen Appears to be Worst

Birch pollen associated hazel nut allergy is linked to HLA-DRB1*01, DQA1*0101, and DQB1*0501. Hazel nut, almond, walnut and apple are the most common food allergies associated with birch tree pollen. Allergies to those foods are commonly associated with birch tree pollen in other studies.

Weed Allergies Also Associated With Food Reactions

In 2004, Wang et al. from China published that the inherited white blood cell type DQA1*0302 is found in more people with Artemisia pollen-induced allergic rhinitis, hay fever due to Mugwort or Sagebrush weeds. Mugwort allergy is associated with several food allergies including apple, celery, hazelnut, pistachio, lettuce, almond, peanut, and carrots.

Where to Get Genetic Testing

There are three commercial labs that I am aware of that offer full HLA DQ typing. They are Quest Laboratories, The Laboratory at Bonfils in Denver, and Enterolab. Bonfils runs the Enterolab genetic tests. Enterolab offers the test run on samples of cells obtained from a Q-tip swab of the mouth. The test can be obtained directly from Enterolab without a doctor's order though it is not covered by insurance. It however is very reasonable from a genetic testing standpoint at $149. Bonfils also does the DQ typing on cells obtained from blood samples sent to them from other labs.

The Future of Genetic Testing in Pollen and Food Allergies

In the future such testing should be very helpful in evaluating suspected food allergies, intolerance and pollen allergies. In the meantime those of us interested in this interesting story anxiously await more research findings in this exciting area. Dr. Fine, founder of Enterolab, has previously published the HLA DQ patterns associated with microscopic colitis. He has found that microscopic changes in the colon or large intestine are similar if not identical to what is seen in the small intestine in celiac disease. Several articles now document that a gluten free diet works in many people with microscopic, lymphocytic and collagenous colitis. It also helps many with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

A finding of intraepithelial lymphocytosis in the distal small intestine (terminal ileum) is associated with an increased incidence of celiac disease in the proximal small intestine. Now, adding to the intrigue, are these articles linking certain inherited white blood cell protein gene patterns to pollen allergy and food allergy cross reactions that are well recognized but rarely pursued clinically. Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS), also called the "burning mouth syndrome", occurs in many people but frequently goes undiagnosed. Symptoms include burning, painful and/or itching sensation of mouth or throat with or without swelling that occurs almost immediately after eating certain foods. The foods causing these reactions are commonly associated with pollen, latex or dust allergies.

Unusual Association of Pollen Allergies and Mouth Burning or Food Reactions

This unusual association of tree, grass, and weed pollens, latex and house dust mite allergies to food reactions, though well documented in the medical literature, is not commonly recognized by doctors or patients. The OAS literature contains numerous reports of food allergy or intolerance reactions that are associated with specific pollen, dust, mold or latex allergies. One of the best examples is ragweed pollen allergy. It is associated with a higher risk of food allergy or intolerance to only a few foods. These include foods in the gourd family (cucumbers and melons) and bananas. On other the hand, Birch tree pollen allergy is associated with sensitivity to many foods. The list includes those foods in the Rosacea family (apples, pears), tree nut family (hazelnut, almond, walnut), potatoes, and carrots. Reactions include classic allergic reactions such as skin rashes (atopic dermatitis, hives), wheezing (asthma), runny nose (allergic rhinitis), as well as the burning mouth OAS symptoms and other food intolerance symptoms.

If You Suspect Food Allergy, Intolerance or Sensitivity Get Evaluated By an Expert

Individuals who suspect food allergy or intolerance are encouraged to review the food-pollen connection and undergo appropriate evaluations for food allergy, intolerance and sensitivity. Food sensitivity includes gluten sensitivity and cow's milk (casein) protein sensitivity. Food intolerance includes lactose intolerance. Food allergies are separate and distinct from either food sensitivity or food intolerance.

Consider Getting Genetic Testing or Asking Your Doctor to Test You

This new information about the link of white blood cell protein patterns, HLA DQ types, suggests that we should consider having genetic testing done. After an adequate evaluation,

Establish a Baseline Symptom Score and Start a Food Symptom Diet Diary

I encourage everyone to establish a baseline symptom score. A detailed food symptom diary before a trial of elimination diet is also extremely helpful. An elimination diet that excludes major food lectins (dairy, grain, legumes, and nightshades) and any foods from the pollen list that one is allergic is recommended before accepting diagnoses of IBS, fibromyalgia, unexplained neuropathy or headaches, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Any symptoms not readily explained or improved with other diagnoses and treatment should be considered to be possibly due to a food reaction until proven otherwise.

Selected Bibliography

Boehncke, et al. Clin Exp Allergy. 1998 Apr;28 (4):434-41.

Fine KD et al. Am J Gastroenterol. 2000 Aug;95(8):1974-82.

Wang et al. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg Feb; 130(2): 192-197.

The Most Common Toddler Allergies

It is very common to come across people who are allergic to some or the other substance and according to various studies about 50 million people in the US suffer from some or the other form of allergy. A lot of studies have been conducted by pediatricians and allergists about toddler allergies and the results of such studies have proved that a toddler has about 50 percent chances of being allergic to various substances if one parent has an allergy although the chances of the toddler carrying the same allergy are rare. Some studies have also pointed out that if both parents are allergic to substances then there are 75 percent chances that the toddler would also be allergic to some or the other substance. The most common of all the allergies reported for toddlers are the milk allergy and food allergy although there are many toddlers who are allergic to dust, mites, cockroaches and pollen too. It is important that you observe your child closely for any signs of allergies and if you see anything which is not normal then please see pediatrician as soon as possible.

Toddler allergies can be put into various groups based on the causes for allergies, allergy to milk, eggs, nuts (peanuts and tree nuts), fish and cereals (especially wheat) are the most common. The possible symptoms of these allergies are appearance of rashes or boils on the skin, vomiting, diarrhea and wheezing are the most common and visible symptoms which can be seen if the child is allergic to milk. Cow milk is believed to be the primary cause for milk allergies however it is not uncommon to come across toddlers who are allergic even to the soy milk or milk obtained from other animals like goats, sheep or buffaloes. The symptoms of milk allergy can be seen in toddlers within minutes or a couple of hours from the time of consumption of milk and it is highly advisable that you rush your kid to hospital or call the emergency number for help if the child is feeling breathlessness. Many toddlers are allergic to eggs, fish, peanuts, tree nuts and wheat protein and the only way of dealing with such allergies is by strictly avoiding the food item the kid is allergic to.

The occurrence of toddler allergies caused due to dust, mites, cockroaches and pollens is also very common and the possible symptoms are sneezing, running nose and itching. The best way to deal with such allergies is by keeping the environs of your home clean. Many parents get confused between food allergies and food intolerance and it is advisable that you visit a doctor and get a thorough check done by a pediatrician or allergist before you form any opinion about it. Many toddlers grow out of certain allergies and intolerance for a particular food item with age and might become receptive to the food by the time they are about 8-10 years old. There is no medication for allergies and the only way to deal with such situation is complete avoidance of the substance. The only medication available is for hay fever which can be tackled by giving shots to the toddler. If your child spends time with caretakers or babysitters then it is advisable that you keep the informed about the allergies and give them clear instructions about the food the kid is allergic to, the symptoms and the action that needs to be taken if the kid eats the food he or she is allergic to. This would help in keeping the child safe and healthy.

Bed Bugs and Dust Mites: One Bites, The Other Doesn't, Both Are No Good!

Bed Bugs and dust mites are often thought of as the same type of 'bug' or 'mite'. Both are very different animals, but both have been proven to cause allergy symptoms. The smaller of the two, dust mites, have actually been found to be the cause of as much as 60% of all allergy and asthma cases worldwide. So if you have household allergies, lots of sneezing / coughing while at home or the office, you really could have an infestation. But bed bugs are no fun either, and they do bite. Let's take a closer look at both of these pesky invaders, their characteristics and some things you can do to get rid of them.

A bed bug is literally a 'bug', being more from the family of arthropods or insects. Bed bugs definitely do bite by piercing the skin with a 'beak' of sorts, and feed on human blood. Bed bugs are much larger than dust mites, with the adult bed bug growing to 3-5 mm in length. Symptoms of bed bugs include red blotchy, itchy skin, and some psychological effects such as a feeling of something crawling on the skin when nothing is there. Bed bugs and their eggs, like dust mites, are often tracked indoors by humans and pets.

Dust mites are much smaller than bed bugs, with adults growing to only 0.25 mm in length, which is barely visible. They feed on pretty much any kind of organic matter, such as dead skin flakes, food particles, other animal parts such as decaying bed bugs, etc. Dust mites are more related to spiders, have 8 legs, but can't really bite as their mouths or mandibles are designed for chewing, not piercing. They do, however, cause intense skin irritation and itching from the powerful digestive enzymes and body parts of dead dust mites. In fact, the enzymes and body parts are two of the strongest known allergens in the world.but cause far more allergies and asthma than even the pollen count.

Dust mites are most often found wherever there is dust-carpets, furniture, your bed, mattress covers, dust bunnies, etc. If you see dust, you can bet there are about 200 dust mites per gram of dust. Many beds have been found to contain up to 2500 dust mites per gram of dust! Symptoms of dust mite infestation include wheezing, coughing, skin irritation, watery, red eyes, repeated sneezing, to more frequent asthma attacks with no 'apparent' cause. To be sure, you can use air quality test kits that test for the presence of dust mites, allergens, etc. (see author box below).

There's usually no need to test for bed bugs, as they are much larger and you can often see them with the naked eye--in the 'bed', couches, or other sleeping areas. Treatment for bed bug bites usually involves hydrocortisone creams, Benadryl, and other antihistamines / allergy skin creams, etc. Getting rid of bed bugs, like most insects, often require pesticides. Switching to white sheets can sometimes make them easier to see, however, so you can determine if bed bugs are present or not.

Treatment for dust mites mostly involves getting rid of them through regular / vigorous vacuuming, using polyethylene mattress covers, and installing one or more HEPA air purifiers. HEPA air purifiers are much more effective than simple ionic air purifiers because they will trap 99.97% or higher of these offending particles / animals, whereas ionic air purifiers simply attract particles to an electrode with decreasing performance as the electrode becomes dirty and re-releasing particles back into the air as a result. Air purifiers may even be a legitimate medical expense and covered by insurance--check with your doctor.

We constantly review and test air purifiers and there are two highly-effective air purifiers that we would recommend: 1) The Blueair 403 and 2) the Healthmate Plus Air Cleaner from Austin Air. Both have excellent warranties, solid steel construction, and money-back guarantees.

We hope this article helps you understand the difference between bed bugs and dust mites and how to get rid of them. If you have any questions, please let us know.

Coffee Allergy Facts

Is there really such a thing as a coffee allergy? Well, unfortunately for some, an allergy to coffee does occur. Unsurprisingly, the allergic reaction is not limited to drinking coffee. A coffee allergy can also occur if one has contact with coffee beans. An allergic person can also be exposed when using cosmetic products with coffee components.

The most common trigger of the allergic reaction to coffee is its caffeine content. Caffeine is a natural and powerful anti-oxidant. It has also been chemically synthesized for commercial use. Its chemical name is 1, 3 trimethylxanthine. In moderate quantities, it can produce a stimulating effect and bring about alertness and a burst of energy.

On the other hand if it is consumed by a person allergic to coffee, he or she will have rashes, swollen lips or tongue, and possibly wheezing as well. Digestive problems such as bloating, diarrhea, upset stomach, and hyperacidity may also be experienced.

Allergic contact dermatitis may also be present if the skin of an individual with coffee hypersensitivity comes in contact with coffee beans or even leftover coffee. This can be seen as rashes, swelling, itchiness, or hives on the skin. A prolonged contact may even result to blisters in extreme cases.

Several studies have also indicated coffee allergy to be the responsible party in some mood and anxiety disorders. Cases of manic-depressive disorders and an increased irritability have been noted symptoms of the allergy as well.

Sources of Caffeine

A few common sources of caffeine are coffee, some energy drinks, tea, chocolates, cola drinks, migraine medications, and diet pills. There are times when cross reactions with other plants can be expected with an allergy to coffee. Guarana, yerba mate, as well as Ilex Guayusa are the three most common plants which can cause a cross reaction. Cross reactions occur because there are similarities that can be seen among these plants. The similarities are primarily on the protein structure of its components. The immune system detects this resemblance as the same. Therefore, an allergic reaction can be expected to happen when a coffee allergic person consumes guarana, Ilex Guayusa, or yerba mate.

Risk Factors of Coffee Allergy

The development of an allergic reaction to coffee is postulated to be mostly genetics. This means that if one parent has allergies, the probability of their child to develop allergies rises up to 50 percent. Should both parents have allergies, this probability increases to 70 percent.

Another risk factor would be the length of exposure to the allergen. The longer the person is exposed to coffee or its derivatives, the higher the chance of developing a coffee allergy. On the other hand, this does not imply that everyone who drinks large quantities of coffee will also form allergies to coffee. The exact nature of the development of allergies is still unclear.
Treatment Options

Coffee allergy symptoms can be easily managed with current medications. One can choose between pharmacological or nutraceutical. This means that conventional drugs can be used. Alternately, some herbal preparations can also be taken.
The first line of treatment of allergies is antihistamine drugs. As their name suggests, these drugs counter the effect of histamines in the body. It is useful in controlling the sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, itchy throat and nose, and some inflammation.
Immunotherapy may also be an option for some people with mild coffee allergy. This therapy involves the gradual introduction of the coffee allergen - caffeine - into the body. The allergen concentration is started at the lowest possible dose. Over time, the body adjusts itself and will slowly become used to the allergen. The therapy is continued until such a time that the body will no longer react to the presence of the allergen.

There are times that coffee allergies may not be detected. Nevertheless, coffee allergies are real and may cause some trouble for certain individuals. The best way to prevent allergic reactions to coffee from happening is to simply avoid any contact with the allergen.