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)

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

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

Tomato allergies are not as common as other food allergies. Tomatoes are considered as part of the nightshade allergy family. However, those that do have a severe tomato allergy face the  possibility of anaphylactic shock and death.

Allergy or Intolerance

More persons actually have a food intolerance for tomatoes and not a full-blown tomato allergy.  An intolerance for tomatoes usually creates gastro-intestinal problems, such as diarrhea, cramps or vomiting.  A protein found in tomatoes is generally what creates the allergic reaction by the body’s immune system. A persons immune protection function see the tomato protein as a toxin and attempts to eliminate it by releasing histamines to kill it.  It is the histamines themselves which create swelling, hives, rashes, headaches, and other symptoms which may even include the constriction of the bronchial tubes. In very severe cases; too many histamines can cause respiratory distress, failure, and even death during an anaphylactic shock.  A tomato allergy can occur in 15-20 minutes and can subside just as quickly if the correct medication is administered.

Many people who have a known tomato allergy can actually tolerate well cokked tomatoes with little or no reaction. Other people reaport that they can consume low acid tomatoes. However, data shows that all tomatoes are equally acidic and what they are really referring to is the flavanoids that give the taste of acidity.

Note that in both of these cases, a food journal should be kept for a month or more (noting symptoms after meals) to share with the physician if you suspect you may have a tomato allergy. An allergy test done by a qualified allergy doctor is the only accurate way to detrmine if you truly have a tomato related allergy. Food allergy tests may include various blood tests, skin tests, possible nasal smears, and a full food journal review. They should also consider whether or not your parents have had food allergies.

Here are a few tips for tomato allergy sufferers:

• There are tomato-free sauces, ketchup, barbecue, and salsa available at certain retailers but are better found by researching online.
• Take supplements which are known to help allergies. These would include beta carotene,vitamin C, vitamin E, pantothenic acid, glucosamine, and quercitin which is a well known flavonoid. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants which can reduce inflammation and block the release of histamines.
• Try making a no tomato ‘pasta sauce’ by adding a lot of olive oil  and add lots of veggies chopped up and spices which can make a great sauce!
• If ordering out, try a white or pesto base instead of a tomato base. Also, specify no catsup anytime when ordering out.

Related Posts: Related Post: Food Allergies, Citrus Allergies and Strawberry Allergies.

About the author: Jimmy Don Strongwell operates a organic farm which are known for their great tomatoes and other vegetables in the Canton area of East Texas.

Ferrari eats a tomato

What can I do to stop these allergies or sinus problems?

I have allergies most of the year, but it is rare for me to get sinus problems. But my sinuses are suddenly get’s really bad. They come and go and its been happening for a week. I feel I have a scratch in my throat and I have to sneeze frequently. My air filter was changed already for nearly a week and I vacuumed my house the other day. What can I do to stop scratching the throat and the feeling of sneezing?

Best Answer:

One solution is a sinus rinse (made by NeilMed). I swear by it! Can be a bit hard for someone who has allergies all the time, but sounds like it might help. It’s about $10 and can be purchased at most durg stores nationwide. They come with premixed salt solution packets. You mix a packet with distilled water that is pre-heated (microwave for 15-20 seconds) in the sinus rinse bottle. Squeeze the bottle in each side of the nose a few times. It really helps wash out the pollen, dust and other allergens which can lead to inflamation of the sinus cavaties.

I used to have the worst allergies, but since I started getting allergy shots for the 40+ things I’m allergic too and my allergy doctor started my using the sinus rinse product, my symptoms have been much less. My allergy doctor convinced me to start using it because he said that hundreds on his patients swear by it.

I hope that helps.

Related Post: Allergy Headache.

Source: Yahoo Answers

Sinus Rinse: A Simple, At-Home Method for Reducing Allergy Symptoms

Sulfites are used as an preservative in just about every wine and heavily processed meat product throughout the world and can cause mild to serious allergic reactions. Sulfites are also used as sanitizing agents and food color preservatives. Sulfites are also suspected to be a carcinogen when heavy consumed but there is still much testing to be done.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that 1 percent of people the United States have a sensitivity to sulfites and up to 5% of these people are considered to be “sulfite allergic.”

Many people who either know they have a sulfite allergy or just wish to avoid sulfite containing products because of their potential health consequences do not fully know how widely used it really is. Like many food related allergens, avoidance is the best strategy to preventing allergic reactions.

Here is a list of the top 15 products which can contain sulfites in addition to wine and processed meats:

1. Canned fruits and vegetables
2. Condiments
3. Dressings
4. Dried fruit
5. Grapes (fresh) – safe in some countries
6. Ketchup
7. Lemon juice/concentrate
8. Lime juice/concentrate
9. Mushrooms (canned or frozen)
10. Pickled foods
11. Pickles
12. Potatoes (dehydrated, frozen french fries, dehydrated, mashed, peeled, pre-cut)
13. Raisins (dried or dedydrated)
14. Soups
15. Vinegar, wine vinegar

by Tony Coturri

Tony Coturri on Sulfites

Formaldehyde is the chemical that has received much press in recent years and is referred to as being responsible for the term ‘mobile home syndrome’.  It is widely used in a multitude of consumer products such as household cleaners, laundry detergents, glues, adhesives, shampoos and soaps.  It is also a good preservative and makes an excellent adhesive and is widely used in the carpet and furnishings industries. It is even commonly used in the auto industry and is believed to be in certain foam and adhesive products.

Formaldehyde Sensitivities

Most people are sensitive to formaldehyde and many of those can have an allergic reaction when they are exposed to it.  Formaldehyde is like many chemicals, symptoms from exposure will get progressively worse the longer these people are in its presence.

Particle board is the most common product which is known to contain formaldehyde and is in the adhesive which holds the board together. Over time many of these products will break down and dry out, thusly releasing the formaldehyde. Many particleboard and carpeting manufacturers are marketed as ‘reduced formaldehyde’ products and may still have other aldehydes in the product which may still cause adverse reactions.

Dangers of Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is considered to be a suspected carcinogen and has also been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals and. Health effects include eye, nose, and throat irritation; wheezing and coughing,  fatigue, skin rashes and severe allergic reactions.

Here are a few tips to help you minimize your exposure to formaldehyde:

• Limit the use of particlewood products, such as pressboard and plywood.  Choose 100% wood products instead.
• Insist on formaldehyde-free carpets, not reduced-formaldehyde since new carpets may outgas formaldehyde vapors for years to come.  Note: Carpet outgassing does not work, only time will allow the chemical to fully vaporize from the carpet according to humidity levels.
• Don’t smoke indoors. Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) contains formaldehyde thousands of other chemicals, many of which are carcinogenic (cancer causing)
• Wash all permanent press clothes before waering or storing. Remove plastic bags from all dry-cleaned clothes and air them out outdoors, when possible.
• Ventilate; The solution to pollution is dilution!

About the author:

John A. Daniels is a certified home inspector in Cleveland OH.

ALS Linked to Formaldehyde Exposure

Sometimes a feeling of uneasiness and discomfort occurs immediately after a meal. It is often thought that the result of a food allergy. In most cases, however, this feeling of discomfort is the result of the intolerance of some foods rather than food allergy. The difference in food intolerance and allergy is mainly realized through the difference in time scale and severity of symptoms.

To understand and diagnose the difference between the two is important Knowing the symptoms of food allergy that affects far more serious patients. Symptoms of food intolerance can manifest within hours or even a day later. In the case of allergies, the onset is immediate and generally within an hour. Food allergy occurs when the immune system achieves a protein food incorrectly, leading to an overreaction by the body and the production of certain chemicals.

Some of the key symptoms that occur for food allergy are:

1. Skin rashes and itching
2. Severe diarrhea and vomiting
3. Stomach cramps
4. Swelling skin especially in areas of procurement, such as the eyelids, lips and inside the mouth
5. A runny nose and blocked nasal passages
6. Inflammation throat, trachea and larynx
7. Headaches
8. Fatigue and dizziness
9. Joint pain
10. Hives

These are foods most common allergy symptoms that affect most adults, and it is important to visit a medical professional as soon as you experience any of these signs. In cases of food intolerance smaller degrees of similar symptoms may occur but usually disappear after a short time. In the cases of food allergies these symptoms even more pronounced and severe, and may also lead to severe breathing problems or diarrhea. Food intolerance regular like lactose intolerance is manifest even when a person has consumed dairy products and the results of bloating, gas, vomiting or diarrhea.

It is important to identify the allergen in question is causing the food allergy so that it can be avoided in future. These symptoms should be identified immediately as delayed treatment can lead to malfunctioning of the internal systems. Some things must be considered as check food labels when buying food or checking with the waiter at the restaurant about ingredients used to prepare a plate. Some patients are so vulnerable that doctors even advise them to carry self-injectable epinephrine, which helps during sudden allergic.

Related Posts: Candida Allergies, Shellfish Allergies and Yeast Allergies.

Source: For over 20 years, the ALCAT Test has provided both patients as well as healthcare professionals with a tool to successfully overcome a wide variety of conditions which result from chemical sensitivity and food intolerance. Their site is: www.alcat.com.

Food Allergies:A Personal Story