ALLERGIES MANAGEMENT
What is an allergy?
An allergy occurs when your body immune system reacts to a substance that does not usually affect most of the other people. An allergen is any substance that triggers an allergic reaction. Often, people who develop allergy to one allergen are allergic to other common allergens as well.
Common allergens include:
• Pollen
• Dust mites
• Mould spores
• Pet dander
• Food
• Insect stings
• Medicines
• Latex
What are the symptoms of allergy?
Some of the common allergic symptoms include:
• Rashes/hives
• Sneezing and runny rose
• Wheezing/shortness of breath
• Sinus pain
• Coughing
• Swelling
• Itchy eyes, ears, lips, throat and palate
Symptoms vary from mild to severe.
An example of a severe symptom is anaphylaxis. It is a severe life-threatening reaction, but occurs in less than one in 1000 people with an allergy. Anaphylaxis can raise the blood pressure, and cause swelling and breathing difficulties. People with food intolerance can still consume small amounts without harm, as compared to food allergy which will trigger off a bad reaction with even the smallest amount.
What are the treatments for allergy?
• Antihistamines suppress the allergic reaction. These are available from your pharmacists or doctors. Drowsy antihistamines include chlorpheniramine, dexchlorpheniramine, triprolidine, diphenhydramine etc. It is best to avoid alcohol when using these medications, as they may cause drowsiness, fatigue and dry mouth. There are non-drowsy antihistamines such as cetirizine and loratadine as well.
• Budesonide spray for the nose, sodium cromoglicate eye drop, and topical hydrocortisone (which should be applied thinly to cleansed area). These medications may take several days for you to realise full effect of the treatment.
• Topical over-the-counter soothing cream or lotion containing pine tar, coal tar, crotamiton, aloe vera, menthol, calamine, ichthammol etc., which you can self-medicate.
• Adrenalin injections for anaphylatic patients
How can I prevent an allergy?
Avoiding the allergen is the best way to prevent an allergic reaction. Below are some preventive ways to note.
House Dust Mites
Dust mites are microscopic insects breeding in household dust. It can be limited by:
• Using a vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter
• Wiping surfaces with a wet clean cloth instead of a dry cloth
• Using synthetic pillows
• Choosing roller blinds that can be cleaned easily, instead of curtain
• Choosing wood or vinyl floor covering instead of carpets
• removing cushions, soft toys and upholstered furniture
Pets
Allergens from pets actually come from their dead skin, saliva and dried urine, and not the fur. If removing the pet is not feasible, you can:
• Disallow pets in bedrooms
• Try to keep pets outside, or restrict them to a single non-carpeted room
• Bathing pets at least once a fortnight
Mould Spores
Mould are not allergenic but their spores are. The spores are released when the temperature increases in a moist environment. Some preventive measures are:
• Keeping the house well-ventilated and dry
• Using a dehumidifier
• Not keeping wet clothes indoor
• Scouring sinks and tubs regularly
Food Allergies
You can avoid food triggers by carefully checking the food labels of the food you are buying. Other ways to avoid while at the restaurant include:
• Informing the waiter clearly and seeking their recommendation
• Taking simple dishes as there is a lesser chance of hidden ingredients
• Not relying on the menu solely
• Avoiding places where different food can contact each other easily, e.g. buffets
Pollen Allergies
Pollen allergy (hayfever) is caused by pollen particles released from plants. To protect your eyes from allergy, you can wear wrap-around sunglasses. You should also avoid grassy areas.
Severe Allergies
For people with previous anaphylaxis, do carry two adrenaline injection with you at all times. And inform your family members, colleagues and friends so they can help you administer your adrenaline in times of emergencies. Carry a Medi Awas or allergy card with you so that people will be aware of your allergy.
MANAGING SKIN RASHES (DERMATITIS)
What is dermatitis?
Dermatitis, also known as eczema, is one of the common reasons for dry, sensitive skin. It usually presents as an inflamed rash, often accompanied by intense itching. 1 in 10 people has eczema at some time in their life, and it affects all age groups. Other features of eczema include redness, dryness and even pus. There are many different types of eczema conditions: atopic dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis.
What can trigger dermatitis?
It is important to find out the trigger factors for your condition and prevent further exposure.
Common trigger factors include:
• Stress
• Heat or sun exposure
• Allergens
Common allergens include dust, plants, cosmetics, fragrances, jewellery, nickel, latex rubber, industrial cleaning
products and solvents, and household cleaners such as detergents.
• Diet
While food does not directly cause eczema, several studies suggest that certain foods can worsen eczema.
For example, milk formula may be a cause of infant eczema. Avoiding trigger foods may help to improve skin
condition.
Is there any treatment for dermatitis?
Yes, symptomatic treatment is available. They include:
• Topical/oral corticosteroids
Helps to control skin inflammation and reduce itchiness. Topical application is usually the first choice due to lesser
risk of side effects; oral corticosteroids can be initiated in more severe cases.
• Antibiotics
To kill bacteria if it is present.
• Oral antihistamines
To help with the itchiness, swelling and redness of skin.
• Menthol
Provides immediate soothing and cooling effect upon application. It should be used together with a moisturiser as menthol can cause dryness of skin (which can worsen eczema condition).
How do i prevent flares?
• Avoid known trigger factors.
• Prevent dry skin, which can exacerbate eczema skin.
• Do not use soaps and harsh detergents for showering as they can strip natural skin oils and lead to excessive dryness. Instead, use non-soap cleanser or emulsifying ointment.
• Moisturising to keep the affected area moistened can promote skin healing and relieves symptoms. Use
hypoallergenic emollient preparations targeted at eczema conditions. Apply the moisturiser liberally straight after
bathing, before the skin is completely dry. Ideally, moisturisers should be applied 3 to 4 times a day, if not at
least twice a day. Continue to moisturise daily to prevent future episodes.
• Prevent night scratching while asleep by keeping fingernails short and clean. Alternatively, gloves can be worn.
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