Allergy Relief Expert

I’m allergic to my earrings, which are 14k gold?

I’m starting to have symptoms of allergy in both ears, what can I do to stop them?

Best Answer:

A mild skin reaction to gold is a greenish stain on the skin directly in contact with the gold and is often mistaken for a gold allergy but is actually oxidation from sodium chloride via skin perspiration which slightly corrodes the metal. Fine jewelry, such as 18-karat gold, oxidizes far less, so the discoloring usually doesn’t occur with those pieces.

With that being said there are people who do have jewelry allergies that can cause severe skin rashes and hives, so if there is any doubt, visit an allergy doctor for your piece of mind.

Consider heading out to buy hypoallergenic stainless steel or platinum.

Hope this helps … try stainless steel first because it’s cheaper!

Related Posts: Jewelry Allergy and Nickel Allergy.

About the Author: David Herschthal, MD, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (Dermatologist)

Few think that their home may be a source of pollution but the truth is that the air may be up to 100 times more polluted than the air outside their home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollution is the biggest health problem in America.

Over 40 million people in the United States are affected by allergies. An estimated 20.3 million Americans suffer from asthma and even more people suffer from upper respiratory problems that are caused by pollutants such as mold, fungi, smoke, and dust. On average we spend about 90 percent of our time indoors – which 65 percent is spent at home.

What is Indoor Air Pollution?

Airborne pollutants are generally divided into two classes: Particulate matter (such as plant, animal, mineral, pollen, mold, dust mites, lead, asbestos, soot, smoke, and manmade dust, etc.) and gas (combustion products, natural gas, propane, radon, plus vapor outgassed from building materials or household products).

House Allergies Effect Some Worse

The people who are especially susceptible are the very ones who spend the most time at home. However, many chronic illnesses are caused by short term exposure to indoor air pollution. What’s worse, like so much air pollution, many of the contaminating substances give no warning and produce vague and sometimes similar symptoms that are hard to narrow down to a specific cause.

Allergies Are Not From the Ducts

Advertising campaigns by duct cleaning companies in recent years has lead people to point the finger to their ductwork as the source of their indoor air pollution. However, dirty ducts are usually the symptom of a problem not the actual problem itself.  The ductwork of your house in effect acts as the respiratory system allowing conditioned air to circulate throughout the structure. If your ducts are getting dirty, you are also breathing dirty air. The initial cause of dirty ducts is the lack of particulate control. Particulates can be filtered efficiently thus reducing buildup in the air conditioning system as well as the living space.

How Many Particles Are in Indoor Air?

Each cubic foot of air in your home can contain millions of particles. Particles are commonly measured in microns, a metric unit of measure. There are 25,400 microns in one inch. A human hair can range from 40 to 300 microns. The average person breathes in about 16,000 quarts of air per day. Each quart contains over 60,000 visible and invisible particles. Approximately 98-99% of all particles by count are in the size range of 10 microns or less.

Particles 5 microns and smaller are known as respirable and typically remain in the lungs for the body to process. They will often lodge themselves in your mucous membranes and the linings of your lungs. Breathing respirable particles long term can lead to severe allergic reactions and may also lead to chronic respiratory disorders.

Living Particulate Matter

Living particles from organic sources are often referred to as bioaerosols. They can make up a very large percentage of airborne particles. One of the most alarming bioaerosol polluters is the common dust mite and is believed to be the leading cause of asthma in the home. Microscopic particles from non living mold spores, pollen spores and dead insects are also very common in the typical American home and are believed to be the primary cause of mild to severe allergies in the indoor environment.

How Can I Improve my Indoor Air?

FOUR primary methods of controlling indoor air quality is:

1. Identify the source of pollution in your house. The first step to improving your indoor air is to identify the sources of air pollutants. Be aware by reading articles such as this. Pay attention to chronic illnesses and symptoms you feel is worse in the home environment. Hire an indoor air consultant if you feel there is something wrong in your house you can’t seem to identify.Testing can determine the presence, amount, and type of allergens, molds, gas, bacteria, chemicals and other pollutants that may exist.
2. Remove and prevent the source of pollution. Preventing the sources through awareness is the most effective way to improve your indoor air.  Be aware when using household cleaners. Remove identified sources when possible. Pay close attention to damp areas which can quickly become the breeding ground for pollutants such as mold and other microbes. Although it is not possible to eliminate every contaminant source, reducing the sources and/or the amount of pollutants they emit, will contribute to a healthier living environment.
3. Control the indoor temperature and humidity. Try to maintain an indoor temperature in a comfortable range at all times. Your ideal indoor humidity level should be between 30 to 50%. Be aware of drastic changes to temperature and humidity which can lead to condensation. Remember that molds, bacteria and dust mites thrive readily when the indoor humidity is 60% or more.
4. Clean the air with scientifically proven devices. Utilizing HEPA (High Efficient Particulate Air) vacuum cleaners and air purifiers are the most valuable tools available to remove all types of particles down to the sub-micron range. Additional filtration devices utilizing carbon or potassium permanganate can control organic and non-organic chemical vapors. Certain electronic air purifiers can assist in controlling bacteria, viruses and odors.

In Summary
The greatest hazard to the indoor air quality issue is misinformation. There are a host of claims from individuals and companies which are attempting to sell a service or product to address the issue. Improving and controlling the indoor environment requires a complex approach and should only be addressed with scientifically proven products and practices which form a protocol to improve and maintain acceptable indoor environmental quality.

The subject of Indoor Air and Environmental Quality in the home is vast, yet resources for factual data are becoming readily available. Your home can be your “haven” by being aware of the issues regarding the cause and effect of indoor pollutants combined with making simple changes to your everyday routine.

About the Author:
The Sick House Center is a resource and information center about indoor air pollution and related issues. Read about What Causes Allergies in the home at the Sick House Center.

Best Little Cat House Owner Allergic to Cats!!

Wool clothing is known for its comfort, strength, flexibility and durability, but the health benefits of pure wool is what makes it outstanding from other natural and manmade fibers. There are persons who believe that they may be allergic to wool, however allergy specialist state that it may actually be the organic matter such as dust and pollen in the wool that is really causing their allergy symptoms.

Hypoallergenic Qualities
People who suffer from allergies choose wool for its ability to resist mold, bacteria and fungi are common causes of allergic reactions. Wool also repels dust mites , which seem to cause some forms of asthma. The mites need moisture to reproduce and survive, but the wool draws moisture and allows for rapid evaporation creating an inhospitable environment for dust mites.

Regulatory Temperature
The quality wool clothing is both warm in cold weather and cool when the sun rises. Its fibers form pockets of air that help take the moisture the body and dries quickly to keep dry and warm.

Fire resistance
With an ignition temperature of 570-600 degrees celsius wool is much more difficult to ignite than other natural fibers and most certainly man-made fibers used in textile manufacturing. Wool is a natural fire retardant. When touched a flame it will resist burning and may finally extinguished itself. Wool clothing is recommended for this reason clothing for children and, especially sleepwear.

The organic wool with the added comfort of knowing that never came into contact with chemicals of any kind and is completely natural and safe.

So when it comes to quality of natural wool fibers insist on the safest option in the textile industry.

About the Author:

Greg Richmond is a retired teacher with 36 years experience. He is also a partner in an Australian business called Seekushop Marketing which markets quality, niche products over the world. www.aussieclothesforkids.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Why Wool?

Natura World Organic Bedding Reduces Common Allergens

If your clothes bother your skin or cause skin rashes, you may suffer from detergent allergies. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, contact dermatitis (a skin rash) is an inflammation of the skin caused by direct contact with an irritating or allergy-causing substance. This type an allergic reaction may cause a rash that can linger up to 48 hours after exposure.

Certain detergent products are labeled as soap making label reading paramount to preventing allergic exposures. As a general rule, the more added ingredients, the more potential allergens.

Detergent Allergy Strategies

• Visit an allergist. They can help you determine what substances or chemicals you may be allergic to. Keep a journal of your allergic reactions prior to visiting the doctor to help them identify possible culprits. If the source of your allergies cannot be easily identified, your doctor may recommend skin-patch testing.
• Consider using corticosteroid skin creams which are known to reduce skin inflammation.
• Seek out dye- and perfume-free detergents and fabric softeners. Consider clear types since color and scents are chemicals known to cause allergic reactions.
• Get a second recommendation if your doctor cannot help you improve your skin irritations within two weeks. An allergy doctor may prescribe oral steroids as a short-term treatment for severe cases.
• Use the extra-rinse cycle to fully wash out any detergents use.
• If your water is soft or normal, then don’t use fabric softener.
• Purchase allergy-free detergents which are 100% free of petroleum-based or other hazardous ingredients, fragrances, phosphates, animal by-products, dyes and other common triggers for allergies.

Fresh Clean Clothes & No Detergent – LaundryPure

What is the difference between organic milk, regular milk and soy milk?

My daughter is 1 year old and just had allergy testing done. The testing confirmed that she does have an allergy to milk.  I’ve been introducing her to soy formula with only 1 ounce each of her bottle and been a week now but she still seems to have allergic reactions. I just read that it is also possible to have an allergy to soy milk.  What can I do?

Best Answer:

Yes, an allergic child can have an allergy or become allergic to any milk and at any time. If a child is believed to have allergies, it is always advisable to track all foods and beverages in a journal for the first three years.

It is possible that she would also be allergic to soy since it also considered to be a possible food allergen. However, statistically, soy allergies are rarer than dairy milk allergies. My brother was born allergic to all dairy and my mom substituted rice products for years and he eventually grew out of it.  Rice Dream is one of the best and allergy reactions are very rare if any.

To answer you question about organic and non-organic milk; the distinction should always be made by whether or not the product contains the following ingredients if tested:

• antibiotics
• pesticides
• growth hormones

The dairy cows that the milk is extracted from should also be free of any type of cloning programs to be considered organic. Do not confuse natural with organic as natural have totally different meanings such as no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Also, it is always better to look for certified organic seals on the packaging since the word organic itself does not always guarantee the product to be 100% organic.

Related Posts: Dairy Allergies, Cheese Allergies and Food Allergies.

Source: Yahoo Answers

Eczema & Allergies : Symptoms of Milk Allergies

Headaches and Allergies

Any allergic reaction may cause a headache by increasing swelling and blockage of the sinuses which in turn creates pressure that causes a headache. However, not all headaches in the sinus areas is directly related to allergies.

While headache symptoms may be reduced by taking an over-the-counter pain medication; therapy for allergy related headaches should be directed at the cause such as a sinus infection, sinus inflammation or other related allergic reactions.

If you believe that you may have pain as a result of a severe sinus infection, seek medical help from a ear, nose and throat professional immediately.

Here are some helpful tips to reduce sinus pain and a directly related headache:

• Avoid getting chilled during all times of the year.
• Use a HEPA (High Efficient Particle Air) vacuum weekly and a HEPA air purifier daily to reduce pollen, house dust, dust mites and other airborne allergens which can be found indoors.
• Use warm, moist cloths applied to the sinus areas for 1o minutes to reduce inflammation.
• Irrigate your sinus cavities daily with a sinus rinse device or Neti-Pot. This will remove excess pus and will stimulate proper nasal function.
• Drink hot teas and fresh water to assist the sinus cilia to heal.
• Breath in steam to assist in opening up the sinuses. It is best to use distilled water.

Related Post: Related Post: Sinus Allergies.

About the author: Stan K. Hall a.k.a. The Sick House Doctor is a recognized specialist in Indoor Air Pollution as well as Health & Safety in the home. He has performed over 400 indoor environmental evaluations over the past 26 years and has helped hundreds of homeowners make their homes a haven. He is widely known as the originator of T.E.A.M., the scientifically proven approach to controlling and resolving indoor air pollution.

To learn more about how to make your home a allergy-free haven, please sign up for our sponsor’s Free 10-Part Email Mini-Course on this page or click here to read more.

Herbal Remedy for Sinus Headaches

Sterilized gloves were used in hospitals in 1894 and the first disposable latex based medical gloves were introduced to the world market in 1964 by Ansell Gloves, a company found by Eric Ansell in Melbourne, Australia in 1905.

AIDS and Latex Gloves

In the mid eighties and due to the breakout of the AIDS epidemic, the use of disposable gloves in the medical industry grew rapidly. Latex based gloves products continued their growth in non-medical markets until the mid-nineties when the media started reporting on allergic reactions to latex.

Latex-based products are derived from extracting the sap of the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis. This latex sap is mechanically extracted in commercial settings and chemical preservatives are added during a heating process. The primary additive is ammonia which is believed to increase the  rubber’s structural strength.

Latex Allergen

It is still not fully known if it is the chemical additives, the latex material itself or the combination of both which can lead to latex allergies. Preliminary studies have shown that the allergen which may cause a latex allergy may be from the protein found in the rubber (latex) but more studies must be completed before a definitive answer will be discovered.

Preventing Latex Allergies

If you feel you have a latex based allergy, then avoidance is always the best method for prevention. Even the dust from a latex glove may set off a reaction. There are great latex glove alternatives such as nitrile-based gloves which are found to be more tear resistant. Glove manufacturers and also recently introduced new low latex-protein, powder-free gloves which are shown to have less potential for creating a reaction in an individual which is  sensitive to latex.

Here are some additional products which may contain latex:

• Adhesives
• Band-Aids
• Balloons
• Cleaning gloves
• Carpet backing
• Condoms – Diaphragms
• Electricians gloves
• Elasticized fabrics
• Elastic waist bands
• Hot water bottles
• Pacifiers
• Rubber toys
• Rubber bands
• Shower curtains / mats / & other rubber mats
• Sport racquet handles
• Swim caps/ some goggle straps
• Toy balls

About the Author: Jim Rothingham is a national sales manager for a major manufacturer and supplier of medical supplies to the medical industry.

Latex Allergy, Part 1

Natural remedies for sinus infection is an alternative treatment for sinus problems you can really do at home. Why people seek these remedies is that due to medical treatments always come with side effects. Sinus infections are systemic which means it affects the whole body, as you probably know, is why if doctors do not work properly can lead to a worsening of their condition.

Sinus infections affect millions U.S. resident every year and still confused about breast problems until now. Basically sinus infection is an infection of the the air duct inside the nose and sinuses, which attacks around the eyes, cheeks and nose. Sinus infection is also called as sinusitis is usually caused by allergies, cold, deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps, bacterial infection or an abnormal growth that is blocking the nostrils. Immune System Another cause of recurrent infections of the breast is defective. Questions immunodeficiency when contracted conditions such as myeloma, AIDS, cystic fibrosis, hypothyroidism and diabetes, may even lead to recurrent infections of the sinuses.

Here are some amazing natural remedies for infection breasts that really work for you.

Neti Pot – One of the best natural remedies for sinus infection that can cause serious infections when you arrive Breast is to use neti pot. Fill the neti pot with warm saline solution, then place the tip of the pot into one nostril, tip your head slightly and let the solution flow through the nasal cavities and the other nostril. In doing so, you wash the allergens, irritants and other mucous membranes and moisturize the sinuses. Neti pots come from India, which have been used to unclog infected sinuses for centuries. Known in Yoga circles as “Jala Neti”, the term is refers to an ancient cleansing technique that literally means the “water purification”. You can also add eucalyptus in your humidifier every night, to cure your sinus infection. If you do not get sinus infections regularly, then with a neti pot in the hand is still a very important treatment of a blocked nose when you are sick.

Apple Cider Vinegar – As one of the most popular natural remedies for sinus is apple cider vinegar effective to dissipate the mucosal infection, the management of colds and runny noses. Take two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar, mixed with a teaspoon of honey in the region every day. Not much flavor, but it has absolutely prevented further attacks of the breast.

Goldenseal Extract – One of the simplest natural resources for infection breasts. Since infections are often extended the result of a weakened immune system, experts point to herbal goldenseal as valuable herbs boost immunity. Goldenseal herb also helps reduce mucus congestion. Golden seal is known for its antibiotic properties that may help the body to get rid of the infection. The root of the goldenseal plant is a powerful astringent and refrigerant, which comes as a powder from the capsule. Take one or two capsules of 200 mg or create a dye, where 1 ml is taken three times daily.

Garlic – One of the most effective natural remedies for sinus infection that has a function as an antibacterial agent and an antimicrobial agent. It’s great for people with sinus problems and increase your immunity system.

Did you know acute sinusitis can last 2-8 weeks, sub-acute-lasting from 1-3 months long and chronic – which are those infections that have lasted longer than 3 months. Can your body system afford to survive that long? Discover how you, friends and family members can stay healthy and free from sinus problems, sinus infections and constantly running noses or stuffed noses, no longer suffer today. Find out this natural treatment and get rid of your sinus problems forever.

About the author:

Joe Johnson

http://sinus101.blogspot.com

Sinus Rinse

Dairy allergies are believed to be the most common of all food related allergies and affect millions of people worldwide.  People who suffer from dairy allergies have to watch their diets very carefully according to their known sensitivities.  More time than not, a diary allergy is confused with milk or lactose intolerance, however an allergy to dairy related products can lead to severe symptoms to include hives, respiratory difficulties and even anaphylactic shock.

Persons who suffer from this form of food allergy have accidentally ingested a dairy product in some form and died before reaching a hospital. This type of severe allergy is actually related to the protein found in cow’s milk which can cause a more severe reaction than an intolerance which is normally caused by sugars found in milk. While symptoms of milk intolerance may be uncomfortable, it is normally not life threatening.

Ongoing dairy allergies can damage the digestive tract and cause a deficiency in the enzyme lactase, which is produced by the cells lining the digestive tract.  Many people mistakenly believe that they can continue to eat dairy products as long as they take an oral digestive aid but usually receive temporary relief. Unfortunately, most continue to suffer from their dairy allergies even though their digestive symptoms have diminished.

Persons who know they have a lactose intolerance should be tested for a dairy allergy via a blood test from a allergy specialist.

Related Posts: Milk Allergies, Cheese Allergies and Food Allergies.

Source: Allergyreliefexpert.com staff

NLP Eliminates Dairy Allergies and Lactose Intolerance

If you are allergic to chlorine then you suffer from allergies Type 4 also called cell-mediated allergy or delayed.  The most common symptom is an itchy rash in the armpits and groin area. While bromine is a milder for of chlorine, it is still responsible for skin allergy symptoms in hot tub and spa users.

Scientists consider chlorine one of the most toxic elements found in nature and yet the number of people allergic to chlorine is extremely small. Eye irritation, dry skin, coughing, sneezing, runny nose or itchy nose may be symptoms of an intolerance to chlorine instead of a real allergy.

Some groups use bromine instead of chlorine. Bromine is used in most hot tubs because it can withstand heat better than chlorine. More people may develop an allergic reaction to bromine than chlorine, but still considered very rare.

In chlorine treated pools the chlorine reacts with other substances. Chemicals, such as the fans in the land, which creates chloramines compounds. Always shower before swimming in a chlorinated pool to stop this chemical reaction occurs in the pores of the skin you.

The small white spots that may develop on the skin after bathing is not an allergic reaction to chlorine. White spots are caused by a type of yeast infections and needs to be treated with a topical medication. Always shower after swimming and use a shampoo anti anti chlorine soap and chlorine.

Many people develop stuffy nose after swimming in a public pool or hit tub. This is commonly called swimmer’s sinusitis is caused by getting water on your breasts. The best treatment for swimmer’s sinusitis is to drink plenty of water to keep the mucus thin and allow the sinusitis to drain properly. Some people find that using a nasal spray after swimming will also relive some of the symptoms. If the problem persists, see a health professional because persistent sinus infection could lead to a more serious problem.

Another treatment for swimmer’s sinusitis is to use eucalyptus oil in boiling water or Olbas and inhale the steam that is generated. This treatment is very good for any type of stuffy nose due to a cold, flu or allergy problems. Both readily diffuse in the air and can provide benefits to nasal and bronchial areas.

If you are allergic to chlorine and then find a good health care professional before beginning any type of home treatment.

Always consult your physician before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and should not be construed as medical advice.

Related Post: Chlorine Allergy.

About the Author: David Cowley has created numerous articles on allergies. www.allergies-team.com

To learn more about how to make your home a allergy-free haven, please sign up for our sponsor’s Free 10-Part Email Mini-Course on this page or click here to read more.

Chlorine/Salt/Bromine FREE swimming pool/spa water