How can I prevent
skin
problems? Skin allergies are allergic reactions that affect
the skin. Contact dermatitis, eczema, and hives are typical
types of common skin allergies. How are they caused? Chemicals
are a typical cause of contact dermatitis, and these allergic
chemicals can be naturally occurring or man made. Two examples
are poison ivy (a natural poison) and self-care products
(typically man made). With poison ivy, the reaction to the plant
chemical may not develop for up to 48 hours. A poison ivy
reaction may cause redness and swelling, blisters, and severe
itching. However, chemicals in cosmetics or lotions may also
cause skin problems despite extensive testing in the laboratory.
The symptoms may occur right away, or take a few days to
develop. Typical symptoms include swelling, burning, stinging,
itching, and redness. Most of these reactions are caused by skin
care products that are used on the face, hands, and body. Other
causes include hair care products, including hair dye and
permanent wave solution, and face makeup products. The worst
offenders are:
-fragrance ingredients found in perfumes,
-after shave products and bath powders,
-preservatives, and
-household products.
Eczema may occur as a result of exposure to certain plants,
foods, animals, nickel, rubber, soap products or dyes, or even
for no apparent reason at all. This can produce itchy rashes and
weeping blisters. This is a common problem with all jewelry made
with nickel as a base metal. Hives are another kind of skin
response. They may occur as a result of changes in body
temperature or stress. Hives are small, red, itchy swellings on
the skin. They arise quickly and can last up to 48 hours. They
appear in clusters which disappear as another cluster develops.
Foods like chocolate, nuts, tomatoes, and berries are common
causes of hives. Certain drugs such as aspirin, penicillin, and
sulfa may also result in the development of hives. Some people
who are sensitive to irritation can get hives simply by rubbing
or scratching their skin. No permanent cure exists for skin
reactions. It is best to try and avoid the causes. It may help
to change to hypoallergenic and fragrance free products. If
contact dermatitis, eczema or hives do occur they can be treated
with over-the-counter antihistamines but as in all situations
where the symptoms persist you should contact a qualified
medical practitioner. Interested in this subject? Try this link
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