Cosmetic Allergy

The American Academy of Dermatology has revealed that on the average, adult Americans use at least seven various cosmetics or cosmetic products daily.

The thing is that products like shampoos, colognes, deodorants, moisturizers and other cosmetics have become part of people's daily personal routines and they are considered necessities these days.

Cosmetics are primarily used to enhance beauty and some people have become so dependent on them that they become part of lifestyles.

Without any further explanation, it is apparent and very much understood that there are several specified ingredients in such cosmetics that function like antigens or trigger substances for allergic reactions, like fragrances and preservatives.

Cosmetic allergies are not so common. However, experts and studies found that on the average, about 10% of the country's population is expected to form or experience a form of cosmetic allergy within their lifetime.

But it would be logical to assert that women are more prone to experience cosmetics allergy than men.

Symptoms of cosmetic allergy

Basically, there are only two major skin reactions that will clearly indicate the onset of cosmetics allergy. These are allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis.

The most common manifestation of allergies from cosmetics is inflammation in the infected skin area. The affected spot would exhibit redness and swelling, and most of the time, those two symptoms are carried out with mild to severe itching.

Basic and primary symptoms for cosmetics dermatitis immediately show up or develop after the skin has taken contact with cosmetic products.

Symptoms for cosmetic allergy occurs when the skin breaks down after contact with identified harsh substances. Upon contact, those substances or allergens immediately and directly affect and injure the skin's outer layer, thus the onset of symptoms.

Like any other form of allergies, cosmetics allergy should not be considered a disease. Rather it is just a normal reaction as the body's protective immune system throws out or rejects foreign and harmful substances.

Treatment of cosmetics allergy

Creams and ointments specifically manufactured to treat cosmetics allergy are available without prescriptions through retailers and drug stores.

Most of these medications contain cortisone in the form of hydrocortisone acetate and hydrocortisone. Cortisones help curtail redness, swelling and itching during the onset of cosmetics allergy symptoms.

In severe cases, doctors prescribe extra-strong medications and ointments that can effectively and immediately relieve the allergy. Antibiotics are needed if blisters in the skin, which is caused by cosmetics allergy, cracks and becomes infected.

How to prevent cosmetics allergy

There are some recommended measures that can help you prevent contracting cosmetics allergy. Take note of the following ways.

- Before using any cosmetic products, read its labels. Look out for active ingredients that can obviously trigger an allergic reaction to your skin. Find products or alternatives that do not contain such ingredients. - Perform mini-patch tests to determine if a new cosmetic product is too strong for your skin. It is done by rubbing your wrist with the products and observing for any redness or recatio within 24 hours. - When buying cosmetics, pick up those that contain very simple cosmetic formulas. - When wearing perfume, apply it on your clothes, not in your skin.

It would do you no harm if you take several precautions to avoid getting cosmetics allergy. Prevention is much better that treatments. Remember, cosmetic allergy, just like any other allergies, is only treatable, not curable.

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Allergies from Cow’s Milk

If you are feeding your infant with formula and you think it is much better than breast feeding, you should think twice. Aside from the fact that breast milk is best for your infant, there are plenty of medical experts that tell the negative side of dairy for infants. You baby needs your milk more than cow’s milk; remember you are raising a human baby not a calf.

There are many studies that reports about processed cow’s milk. It was linked to plenty of health problems including milk allergies. Almost 50% of the babies in United States are allergic to cow’s milk and others are unidentified.

Dairy products are one among the leading causes of allergies in United States. This is manifested by constipation, diarrhea and fatigue. There are also studies that show that milk allergy can cause asthma and sinusitis.

Studies have proven that babies who are fed with formula secrete low levels of serum antibodies because of the bovine protein present in their formula milk. This happens after three months of formula feeding.

This is why most formula fed infants are most likely to develop milk allergies. Almost 50 – 70% of infants in United States develop rashes and other skin problems. Some develop gastro intestinal problems and respiratory troubles. This is why medical doctor’s recommends avoidance of cow’s milk as much as possible.

So allergies can be prevented by means of avoiding cow’s milk for milk allergic babies. In fact, cow’s milk is not biologically perfect for human consumption. With the studies that shows how formula milks can trigger allergies in later part of a teens life, would you allow your child to suffer from milk allergies?

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Inhalant and Epidermal Allergens: The Cause of Allergy

Inhalants and epidermal allergens are the most common cause of allergies. It causes the itchiness and redness of the skin, red spots on the epidermal area, runny nose, teary eyes, sneezing and wheezing. In more severe cases, it can also be a cause for more serious attacks like asthma and other respiratory problems.

It comes from the food a person eats, furs from animals like birds, dogs and cats, house dust, mites, tree particles and many more. A person will develop the signs and symptoms because of the inhaled allergens. It triggers the production of histamines which is distributed through the cells. When the cells have it, the body will manifest the different signs and symptoms.

The best treatment to avoid an allergic reaction is through staying away from the causative agents. You can do these following guidelines to avoid an allergic attack:

• Cover your pillows with plastic or polyurethane before putting the pillow case on. This will prevent the mites to dwell on them.
• Keep your environment free form dust by cleaning and disinfecting your entire house.
• Put on an air filter to avoid all the outside allergens like tree, dust, smokes, fumes and chemical allergens that can get inside your home.
• Cover your nose when a potential allergen is getting close to you. Avoid direct contact with inhalants and epidermal allergens.
• Consult your doctors about how you can avoid, prevent and control the manifestations of signs and symptoms of allergy.

Follow these guidelines properly and carefully to avoid the attack. Read, research and understand the true origin of your allergy so you will know what to avoid.

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