I have trouble skin, meaning I still break out but have those fine lines around my eyes. So I need a moisturizer along with something to help with those breakouts. It’s like I have teenager skin mixed with middle aged. On top of that, my skin is really sensitive. I have a history of red and inflamed skin after using certain products, and after that comes the dry, flaky redness. So what are the best products and regimen for good skin care to take care of the problems and the sensitive skin at the same time?

In Julyne Derrick’s article, the basics of skin care are broken down to a four step routine which includes cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing and sunscreen. The thing to be careful is that each of these necessary steps has the power to cause an adverse reaction. It is important to find and use the right products, as well as know your own skin.

Skin allergies and sensitive skin are actually two different things, sort of like food intolerance and food allergies. But even though sensitive skin may be more predictable and only happen in certain areas, like the face, it is still something to deal with and avoidance probably does come into play.

There are actually four categories of sensitive skin, and contact dermatitis (which includes allergies along with other irritants) is one of them. The other three types are acne, rosacea, and burning and stinging. That’s the problem in finding the right skin care. Just because something is labeled “For Sensitive Skin,” that doesn’t necessarily mean it is labeled for YOUR sensitive skin.

For me, I think of the burning and stinging category, so I try to stay away from those products that have “acid” in them. All that does is make things worse by not only burning and stinging, but also leaving behind red and flaky skin.

I’ve found that products with fewer ingredients are better for me (sort of like food). Take a look through the labels and ingredients lists and try to find something with a shorter list of ingredients. Stay away from fragrances and added color. Just because something is higher end or more expensive does not mean it’s better. In fact, it can do more damage to your skin. Organic and natural products can be safer on the skin, and remember if you have corn or gluten allergy, these things are often in cosmetics. You don’t think about reading labels for cosmetics, but you may have to. There’s also nothing wrong with using some of the natural products made for babies and young children, like sunscreens and moisturizers, as they are often more gentle. Caryn Tatty lists some good makeup and cosmetics in Finding Green Gluten and Corn-free Cosmetics and Personal Products for those with sensitive, allergic skin.

Unfortunately, it can be a trial and error test to find what is best. And then, who knows, your skin may change and need something different!

For even more information, see http://www.aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/prevention-and-care/sensitive-skin

She said for the past few years she has had mystery outbreaks. For her, they start at her hairline and work their way down her body and end up on her feet. We watched the progression of the breakout of hives around her face and hairline and by the next day, those had gone but her feet were swollen and red. She wasn’t concerned with anything more than the hives, and they didn’t even really itch that bad; she was mostly frustrated with the unknown cause.

As I did a bit of research when we got home, I did find that on her feet it could be something a little different than hives, called angioedema. According to webmd.com, this is “similar to hives but the swelling occurs beneath the skin instead of on the surface.” The article mentions a common place for this is the hands and feet (as well as eyes and lips), and it can last longer than hives but usually not more than 24 hours. It can also, though rarely, occur in the airways blocking air flow, similar to anaphylaxis.

Angiodema forms in response to histamine (like hives) and blood plasma leaks out of small blood vessels in the skin, therefore causing the swelling. I’m sure our friend would like to know (or not) that it is common to have the reactions with no idea why, though allergic reactions can occur from anything from foods (meaning anything from a food itself to preservatives and additives), insect stings, sunlight exposure or medicine.

As far as treatment goes, everyone tends to go to the antihistamines first which is recommended. Benadryl can usually be effective, but it is important to take the right dosage. Once Benadryl (or similar form) is taken, there are some other things to do, but it is smart to take medication at onset to try to control the outbreak. To relieve the itching, cool compresses usually help. Because heat can be a trigger, too, cooling down the body can help, either with a cold shower or bath in addition to cool compresses. Relaxing is helpful as well, though sometimes easier said than done. Hives can get worse with stress (which adds heat to the body) so trying to sit and relax during an outbreak is a good idea.

Of course, if the hives are getting to air passages and turning into swelling of the lips, face and/or mouth, emergency medical attention may be necessary in case breathing is at risk.

Often, like our friend, people never learn the cause of their hives or angioedema. This is classified as idiopathic hives. According to the World Allergy Organization, if no cause is found, even with blood tests, it’s not considered a true allergy because no IgE antibody is involved.

“Research suggests that in 35-45% of patients with idiopathic hives the cause may be autoimmunity – that is, the patient’s immune system working against itself. These autoimmune types of hives are not serious and usually respond to treatment with antihistamines.”

Because there can be so many causes, or none at all, for hives and angioedema, the hardest part may be the unknown and the fact that they can’t even be controlled with avoidance, as you don’t even know what to avoid.

The Connection Between Latex and Certain Foods:
For people with any of these food allergies, even oral allergy syndrome, they need to watch out for a latex allergy. Often with oral allergy syndrome, we don’t think as much about the reactions or the foods as it’s not as life threatening as a true allergy with anaphylactic reactions. However, even a food sensitivity or oral allergy syndrome to the above listed foods can be a red flag of a latex allergy, and a latex allergy has the potential to lead to an anaphylactic reaction. Latex is made from the sap of commercially grown rubber trees with other chemicals added and many of the foods related to it mimic the latex protein as they break down in the body, hence the connection.

Exposure and Symptoms:
With latex gloves, cornstarch powder is added to prevent stickiness and give a smooth feel. The problem here is that the latex proteins will stick to the cornstarch particles. In places like operating rooms and other high exposure areas, there can be a lot of latex particles in the air, and this is dangerous for someone with a severe latex allergy.

For many people with this allergy, their main symptoms are mild rashes that may come even a day after contact. Others have a more immediate reaction with hives and itching upon contact, while people with a severe reaction can go in to anaphylaxis when exposed to contact, though it is rare.

What You Can Do:
There is a correlation between the severity of the latex reaction and food allergies, being that those with a more severe allergy to latex will have a more severe reaction to those certain foods. If you notice that any of the above listed foods, plus some others (see sources), give you a reaction, let a doctor know before any type of surgery. Coordinate your procedure with the hospital and they can take precautions to make sure the operating room is safe for you with thorough cleaning and latex free supplies. Often they can schedule you for the first surgery of the day to avoid contamination and follow other protocol to ensure a latex free environment.

Let your other doctors and dentists know, too. There are gloves that are latex free and other gloves that do not have the powder. If you think you may have a latex allergy because of a reaction to a band aid or condom, you can have a skin test done. The same goes for if you have an allergy to any of the common fruits associated with latex allergy; you can be tested just to know one way or the other. Many health care workers actually develop an allergy to latex because they are exposed to latex repeatedly. They can try switching to the non powdered gloves as this has been shown to decrease the allergy.

Anytime you are gearing up for surgery it can be stressful, especially when you are asked all of those questions and told the risks. Knowing whether you are at risk for a latex reaction will help quell the fears a little, and if you are, appropriate precautions can be put in place so the surgery can be as safe as possible.

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/latex-allergies

Eczema runs in cycles, we know that, too. It goes from clear skin to signs and symptoms to flare ups. Then it starts over. Certain things can flare it up and yes, the itch does tend to get worse at night. And in turn, those with eczema scratch it, making it flare even more.

Not only is the itch itself bothersome, but waking up throughout the night is disruptive to the sleep cycle and daily well being. The best thing to do is note when a symptom is showing itself and try to catch it becomes uncontrollably itchy. I’ve seen my daughter during a flare up and she literally can’t stop scratching, though she makes her legs red and even worse.

Many people with eczema have other allergies, and often it runs in families. For us, the one with the worse skin is the one without the food allergies or animal dander allergies, but that’s just the way it is. We try to manage by keeping her hydrated from the inside and out in the winter months. Spring and fall she is fine, but in the summer, she does tend to get heat induced eczema which is different for her than in the winter months.

There are lots of lotions and creams on the market for itchy skin. Find the one that works best for you or your child. Many people recommend Vanicream, it is said to be great for dry, sensitive skin. Another good one is Cetaphil cream; I love the big pot that you can just scoop handfuls of cream out of. Cerave is another one that our dermatologist recommended an does sink right in. I think any of these would be good to keep by the bed so you or your child can reach it instead of scratching. As soon as lotion hits my daughter’s legs, she feels better and is calmer. Much better than frantic night time scratching.

In this study which was recently published in The Journal of Pediatrics, researchers were interested in eczema because kids who have it are more likely to develop asthma and food allergies. Eczema also shows early signs in childhood and is especially prevalent when parents have allergies.

The findings showed that children with a dog in the house had far less prevalence of childhood eczema, in fact, those without a dog were four times more likely to develop the condition.

However, cats do not show this same benefit. Dog and cat dander is very different, and while evidence is showing that dogs may ward off allergies, cats still tend to cause them. Studies show that it may even be a good idea to get a dog if you don’t have one already.

Many people believe in the hygiene hypothesis, which is states that the current high prevalence of allergies is due to parents keeping their children too clean in this generation. We wash hands so often and use antibacterial soaps and cleansers which take our good bacteria away, and leaves nothing else for our body to fight, so it goes against allergens. Kids aren’t allowed to play in the dirt like they used to, and many times at the first sign of an allergy symptom, dogs are sent away.

So pets are good, especially dogs. I love dogs, despite the dog hair and the barking and the having to take them out. They not only may help in allergens, but I think they help kids to learn compassion and kindness.

How do you know when to seek help when something swells due to a bee sting? Here is some advice from emedicinehealth.com:

• Call your doctor or go to a hospital’s emergency department if a large localized reaction (greater than about 10 inches in diameter) occurs, evidence of infection (increasing pain, swelling, redness, drainage of pus or fever) is present at the sting site, or any symptoms last for more than a day or two.
• If you are alone and having a reaction, call 911 instead of driving yourself. It is a bad idea to drive as you may lose consciousness or become unable to drive in other ways.

Any of the following can be signs or indications of an allergic reaction, even in someone who has been stung with no reaction:
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty speaking
• Swelling in the mouth or throat
• Rash all over the body
• Faintness or decreased level of consciousness
• If more than 10-20 stings have occurred, especially with wasp stings or in children, elderly people, or people with underlying medical problems
• If the sting involves the inside of the mouth or throat, especially if in children and/or involves more than one sting
• If the sting involves the eyeball itself
• If a person has been stung by an insect species that has previously caused an allergic reaction in the person-even if there is no evidence of a current allergic reaction (The safe thing to do is to head for an emergency department in case the person suddenly develops an allergic reaction.)

Make sure you avoid chances of getting stung by following these tips:
• Do not wear fragrances or perfumes when going outside
• Stay away from trash cans where yellow jackets tend to be to find sweet things
• Keep food covered and throw it away when finished when eating outside
• Wear light clothes without bright patters which attract bees.
• Wear long pants and long sleeves if doing yardwork.
• If you suspect of hive, leave it alone. Call a professional to get rid of it.

As I looked into it further, I found a lot of supporting research. Often eczema is a result of a food allergy, or related to it in someway. Many people with food allergies also have eczema. Doctors often treat eczema with steroids, in creams or medicines, and though it works, it’s not the best thing to repeatedly take or give your children.

Now, however, research is showing that probiotics offer great benefits in helping children maintain good health. The specific one our reader mentioned is Vidazorb belly boost which is a chewable probiotic supplement. Results of eczema improvement have been seen within a few days of taking belly boost, and symptoms of eczema have disappeared within months of taking it.

In a Finnish study, it was shown that probiotics offset inflammatory responses and those who took the supplement had less occurrences of eczema and also showed more improvement than the group not taking probiotics.

Some other natural supplements to try to improve and get rid of eczema are borage oil, primrose oil, vitamin V6, vitamin E and zinc. Calendula is soothing when the eczema flares, but not always helpful in curing the problem.

My younger daughter actually had a flare up last night. She called me into her room moments after putting her to bed and her inner and backs of thighs were full of hives and itching her. I put on a coat of cetaphil, topped it with with cortisone cream and kissed her good night. I talked to a friend later who asked if my daughter had worn blue jeans that day. Weirdly enough, she had, for the first time this season. My friend ( an experienced mom with three children with severe eczema) told me how the combination of the drying weather and denim can make it flare.

I’ll leave you with one last trick for soothing an eczema flare. Like the calendula, it won’t cure it, but will relieve it, and that’s what you need at two in the morning when your child is itching. My friend told me that her doctor shared this tip with her – keep popcorn kernels in the freezer and when the itching strikes, put a handful in a zip top box and let your child roll it over the eczema. The cold kernels will relieve the itching, no condensation will form as they’re not melting (like frozen peas would), and it also provides a good, tactical distraction. We thought frozen, dried beans would work, too. Needless to say, I’ve got a bag of beans and some popcorn kernels in my freezer as I write.

Unlike food allergies, bees cannot always be avoided. However, there are a few things to do to lessen the risk of being stung by a yellow jacket:

• Avoid walking in the grass. Honeybees and yellow jackets often are in grass or bushes, and will sting if stepped on. In fact, most honeybee stings are on the bottom of the foot. Yellow jackets make their nest in the ground and will sting if disturbed.
• Don’t linger around a trash can. Even if picnicking, throw your trash away and then move away. Yellow jackets love sweet things and often swarm around trash and open picnic areas. Keep lids on sweet drinks and other sweet foods.
• Do not wear perfumes, lotions, hair spray or other fragrances. Bees are attracted to sweet smells just as they are to sweet foods. If you know you will be outside, forego the fragrance.
• They also like bright colors, so lighter pastels are a good choice for outdoor clothes.
• Insect repellent usually is ineffective against bees and wasps. 
• Don’t swat – it just makes them mad. It is best to walk away, they usually won’t follow you.
• Where there is one yellow jacket, there are probably more. If you see a few, stay away from that area, it may mean a nest is nearby.
• If you have a known allergy to yellow jackets, have a professional come to take care of a nest if you suspect one is in your yard.

If you are allergic to yellow jackets, remember your children may be as well. Often allergies are passed down, but not always. No one wants a sting, especially someone with an allergy risk, so follow these guidelines and stay away from the goldenrod.

I did a little research, and yes, my sounds like an allergy to overexposure to the sun. It sounds like I have a case of Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE).

“PMLE, which usually appears as an itchy rash on sun-exposed skin, is the second most common sun-related skin problem seen by doctors, after common sunburn.”

Apparently, it’s quite common, especially in women. Many people get this at first exposure to the sun, like in the spring. A rash breaks out on sun exposed skin. Mine, however, came after prolonged exposure to lots of beach sun. I’ve been in the sun plenty this spring and summer already, but not the intense all day beach sun. Also, my case seems pretty mild, as some other symptoms can be headache, nausea and chills.

Some other types of sun allergies are photo allergic reactions which can also manifest days after sun exposure in a delayed hypersensitive reaction. This is when the sun reacts with something on the body (lotions, creams, sunscreens) or in the body (medications including antibiotics and oral contraceptives). Sometimes tiny blisters appear on the skin, even where it was covered from the sun. Solar urticaria is an allergic condition where hives appear on uncovered skin within moments of sun exposure.

Depending on the type of sun allergy, the rash will last from a few hours to a few days to seasonal reoccurrence. Of course, the best way to avoid a reaction is to stay out of the sun, though that is not always practical. However, be sure to wear a sunscreen that is kind to your skin with an SPF of at least 15. Use sunblock on your lips, too. Be aware of anything you are taking that may react with the sun, like medicines or anything on your skin. Limit time in peak hours, usually from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

If a reaction does occur, treat with cool compresses, an anti itch cream like cortisone, or an antihistamine like Benadryl. Hopefully this will ease any discomfort. If it doesn’t get better within a few days, call your doctor. Mine is getting better, and I’ve done all these things. Maybe I just need to stay in for a little bit now!

My gold allergy started when I was expecting my second daughter. The odd thing was, it was only on my ring finger. I had to take off my wedding and engagement rings, and even after she was born, couldn’t wear them. When I did, I was left with a bright red ring around my finger on the skin. It burned and cracked and itched. Eventually I changed my engagement ring to platinum and now wear my grandmother’s wedding band which is platinum. Another weird aspect of it, though, on my right hand, gold is fine. A few years ago, I tried gold again on my left hand (as I still have a very nice band that is in gold), and the rash came back. So much for that!

I had forgotten about this until the other day when I was with a friend of mine. She held  up her hands and said, “Look!” To my surprise, she had the exact same rash on both of her ring fingers, and she described the very same thing that had happened to me. She has worn gold all of her life, but over the past few months, had been getting the same reaction. She had stopped wearing the rings, applied cortisone and tried some other things, and it got a bit better. However, when she tried to wear her rings again, the burning and redness came back with a vengeance, so she has given up on her gold, too.

I remember asking my doctor who didn’t think much of it, just prescribed some cream. The same with my friend. She is looking into getting her rings dipped or sealed or something so she can wear them (she has beautiful jewelry), but for now, she’s jewelry free.

It is always interesting to me how you think you’ve got the strangest allergy around, then come to find out, you’re not the only one. The way I found out about my scallop/wine allergy was a waiter in a restaurant who had the same odd reactions, and we compared notes on foods. He said that’s exactly what happened to him if he had scallops with wine – light headedness, dizziness, excessive yawning. Both of us could have each separately, but something about the combination…

Allergies are strange, but it helps to talk about them, because you never who may have the same thing, and maybe they have found something that works!