Definition Of Skin Allergies
Biologics are highly efficient and cost-intense therapies. Thus, they are generally only justified in severe and chronic diseases. Concerning skin diseases, occasionally self-limited skin allergies are treated with biologics. Namely, severe cases of drug-induced exanthema such as toxic epidermal necrolysis might be treated with a single injection of anti-TNF-α as early at onset as possible. However, allergic skin rashes such as allergic contact dermatitis or drug exanthema are self-limited as soon as the trigger is removed and are usually not treated with biologics. Thus, skin allergies are defined here as chronic inflammatory conditions that are mediated by and/or associated with immediate and/or cytotoxic hypersensitivity reactions.
How To Prevent And Treat Skin Asthma
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What is it?
It is a skin condition that has allergic features. It is hereditary, non-contagious, and characterized by chronic inflammation of the skin. The skin appears red, flaky, with pinpoint raised spots, can sometimes be weepy, watery, or wet, and can be very itchy. In worst cases, scaling and thickening of the skin is common.
What causes it?
Atopic dermatitis, a.k.a. skin asthma, is caused by reduced humidity and excessive sweating, common during summerwhen the condition can become even worse. Primarily genetic, skin asthma is caused by abnormal immune responses. Atopy occurs when the immune system incorrectly recognizes and attacks substances that should be harmless. Dr. Malayang-Kimwell, medicine resident at East Avenue Medical Center differentiates that unlike skin allergies, which usually occur when exposed to particular allergens, skin asthma can occur with mild or even no exposure to irritants.
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Use A Peak Flow Meter
A peak flow meter is an inexpensive handheld gadget. You use it to measure how fast air comes out when you exhale hard after a full breath in. This number is called a peak expiratory flow .
Your doctor may want you to use a peak flow meter to help you recognize signs of trouble. Many asthma symptoms result from not being able to move air out of your lungs. If your PEF goes down, that’s a sign that your asthma is getting worse and that you need to do something.
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Solar Or Actinic Urticaria
Hives and pruritus develop following brief exposure to light is known as solar urticaria. Hives result from exposure to certain wavelengths of light and typically are limited to sun-exposed areas. Symptoms often resolve quickly. However, in rare instances, generalized light exposure can lead to anaphylaxis. There are different types of solar urticaria, which are classified according to the wavelength of light that induces the eruption. A diagnosis is made by testing patients with specific wavelengths of light. Effective therapy varies depending on the type of solar urticaria. Sunblock containing zinc oxide, titanium oxide, or both are particularly effective in avoidance treatment.
Aquagenic urticaria;involves an outbreak of hives following contact with water that is not temperature-dependent. The diagnosis is confirmed by placing a compress with distilled or tap water against the skin for a few minutes . Other forms of physical urticaria must be ruled out before making the diagnosis.
Whats The Difference Between Dermatitis And Psoriasis
Psoriasis and dermatitis can appear similar. Both cause patches of red skin. However, in psoriasis, the scales are thick and the edges of those scales are well-defined.
Discuss with your healthcare provider your questions about which type of skin condition you have. You can have more than one skin condition at a time. Treatments for one may not work for the other.
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Top Home Remedies For Asthma
Roughly 34 million Americans now have asthma, about 7 million to 8 million of which are;children. Asthma is behind 12.8 million missed school days and 10.1 million missed work days in the U.S every single year.;In addition, asthma costs the U.S. about $14.7 billion a year in medical costs, prescription drugs and lost productivity leading many people to search for home remedies for asthma.
Heres something that might surprise you: Although asthma medications can help control symptoms in the case of an emergency attack, they can actually sometimes make asthma symptomseven worse long term. Most asthma medications also have a host of side effects due to how they affect the endocrine system and the immune system. Research shows some asthma drugs might contribute to problems including mood changes, acne, yeast growth and weight gain plus over time they might hinder normal immune functions that make allergic and asthmatic reactions more frequent.
What are some effective, holistic ways of treating asthma that can help prevent attacks instead? Home remedies for;asthma that dont require taking prescription medications or even using inhalers include limiting irritant exposure, reducing food allergies, improving gut health, supplementing with vitamin D or getting more naturally from the sun, and maintaining a healthy weight.
What Medications Are Used To Treat Eczema
While there are no medications that cure the condition, the good news is that there are many medications both over the counter and by prescription that can relieve symptoms.
Every individuals eczema is unique, with different triggers and different symptoms. As a result, treatments will vary from one person to another and even from one flare to another. What works for you one time may need to be changed in the future.
Its important to work with your physician on a personalized treatment plan. Then get to know your medications so you understand how to manage your symptoms most effectively. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about any possible side effects. Read labels carefully and follow dosing and safety instructions.
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Avoid Your Asthma Inducers
Another great way to control your asthma is to avoid your asthma inducers. Asthma inducers are things that make your airways swollen, red, and filled with mucus. Each person with asthma has their own set of inducers. The inducers that affect one person may not affect another person.Common asthma inducers include:
If you avoid catching viruses, you will have fewer asthma symptoms. Here are some ways to avoid viruses and prevent viral infections:
- Wash your hands properly and follow other germ-fighting tips;
- Get the flu shot
- Ask your doctor if you should get the pneumonia shot
- It also helps to get enough sleep. If you youre well rested, you may be less likely to have symptoms from a virus.
- If you have a viral infection like a cold or the flu, pay attention to your symptoms. If your symptoms are getting worse, follow the directions in your asthma action plan. Your action plan may tell you to take more of your asthma preventer medication when you have a virus
What Exercises Control Asthma
Just because you have asthma, it does not mean that you cannot lead an active life. Exercising daily, doing yoga, or going for walks and swims will help you to keep asthma attacks at bay. Cardio workouts like walking, cycling, or light running will keep your body fluids flowing and prevent excess mucus build-up in the airways.
Try to do these breathing exercises to keep your asthma under control:
Simple breathing Also known as diaphragmatic breathing. Lie down or sit with your back straight. Breathe in and out slowly. Your stomach should go out during inhalation, not your chest. While exhaling, your stomach should go in. Buteyko breathing Sit in an upright position with the chest and belly muscles relaxed. Take a long shallow breath and exhale slowly. Hold your breath for as long as possible. Then, continue breathing gently. Pursed lip breathing While in the simple breathing position, exhale through pursed lips like you are blowing a whistle. Exhaling should ideally be twice as long as inhaling.
These exercises can also be called chest exercises as they involve your chest muscles. Remember to not overexert yourself and your lungs while doing any type of exercise.
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Allergies Asthma And Eczema Oh My
Constant colds, growing pains, scrapes and bruises childrens bodies are put through the wringer. And while your child is growing and learning about their body, their body is figuring out how to work with the world around it, too.
But the human body isnt perfect. It may develop in ways that cause other problems. For instance, extra-sensitive lungs can lead to asthma, an overly responsive immune system can lead to allergies, and weak skin barriers can lead to eczema.
These three conditions are very common in children. Still, it can be frustrating to see the physical and emotional toll they can take on your child and frightening if it puts them in danger.
Ocular Complications Of Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic keratoconjunctivitis;is almost always bilateral, and symptoms include itching, burning, tearing, and;mucoid discharge. It is frequently associated with eyelid dermatitis and chronic blepharitis and may result in visual impairment from corneal scarring.;Keratoconus;is a conical deformity of the cornea that is believed to result from persistent rubbing of the eyes in patients with atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis. Anterior subcapsular cataracts may develop during adolescence or early adult life as a complication of AD.
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Current State Of The Art Of Definition And Epidemiology
Asthma is a common chronic and heterogeneous condition affecting more than 300 million people worldwide, with a varying prevalence ., Variation also exists between genders; in children, boys are most affected but that changes at puberty to a higher prevalence in women .
Asthma has a high social impact, mainly in low- and middle-income countries, where years of life lost due to asthma are increasing. The economic burden of asthma is estimated to exceed the combined burden of tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.
What Do I Need To Know About Topical Corticosteroids Used To Treat Eczema
Topical corticosteroids are steroids that are placed topically, on the skin. Important points about their use include:
- Corticosteroids are often the first line of treatment for eczema.
- Corticosteroids are available as creams, solutions, foams and ointments.
- Low potency doses available without a prescription.
- Corticosteroids cause thinning of skin.
- If recommended by a physician, corticosteroids may be used 1-2 times per week to prevent outbreaks in areas that commonly flare.
- They come in different strengths; do not substitute one for another without consulting a doctor.
- Childrens skin absorbs medicine more quickly and thoroughly than adult skin, so recommended medications and dosages differ according to age.
- For best and long-lasting results, use the medication for the full amount of time recommended by your physician. Discuss any concerns about side effects before discontinuing use.
- Always tell your physician and pharmacist about current or recent use of all forms of corticosteroids, including oral, inhaled, nasal, topical and eye drops.
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Diet To Follow For Asthma
The importance of a healthy diet cannot be contested. Incorporate fresh and organic fruits and vegetables in your daily diet and see the difference. Food rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals will ensure healthy functioning of the respiratory system. Some foods that are good for asthmatics are given below:
Fruits apples, cantaloupes, bananas, kiwi, pineapple, and berries.Vegetables carrots, garlic, avocado, Broccoli sprouts, spinach, sweet potatoes, ginger, tomatoes, kale, and Swiss chard.Juices make a healthy concoction by using any of the fruits and vegetables listed above.
Steer clear of junk food and fried fatty food that can act as a trigger for an asthma attack.
How Reducing Indoor Allergens Can Ease Your Eczema Symptoms
Eczema usually isnt a persistent condition, but rather one marked by long symptom-free periods followed by flare-ups.
Various environmental factors may cause the immune system to respond as if the body has encountered a harmful substance, resulting in inflammation and worsening eczema symptoms.
These triggers may include a variety of allergens and;irritants, such as:
- Pet dander, pollen, mold, and dust mites
- Allergenic foods
- Clothing made of wool or synthetic fibers
- Cigarette smoke
Theres no cure for baby eczema, but the condition usually becomes less severe over time.
Treatment focuses on managing skin dryness to prevent flare-ups and on reducing skin inflammation.
Doctors recommend the following strategies to parents whose babies have eczema:
Your doctor may also recommend other;eczema treatments;for your child, including:
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Role Of The Skin As A Barrier
Does the rash cause the itching and scratching? Or does the itching and scratching cause the rash? It is unclear which comes first. It is known that the breakdown of the skin barrier by scratching and irritants can cause an AD flare. Further, the resulting pro-inflammatory cascade occurring within the skin can induce a patient to scratch more, further damaging the skin. This sequence evolves into an itch-scratch-itch cycle.
In normal skin, the;stratum corneum;of the epidermis is made up of desmosomes linking keratinocytes together. A lipid matrix made up of cholesterol, ceramides and fatty acids is crucial in protecting the skin barrier as well. AD is associated with breakdown of this barrier, including reduced ceramide levels, increased transepidermal water loss and increased activity of endogenous proteolytic;enzymes. This barrier can be further weakened by exogenous proteases . Therefore,;dust mites;and;staph aureus;are two potential triggers of AD.
Food Allergy And Eczema
Nearly half of the children with moderate to severe AD suffer from some form of food allergy. The onset of reactions to foods may be immediate or delayed and may be associated with hives, itching and flares of AD, GI symptoms, or respiratory symptoms. Milk, soy, eggs, wheat, peanuts, shellfish, and tree nuts are the allergens that produce 90% of food allergy reactions.;
Negative allergy skin testing for foods is 95% accurate. However, false positive tests are not uncommon and require a carefully monitored challenge to confirm the actual presence of food allergy. A history of food allergy triggering AD may be misleading. It should be supported by elimination of the suspected food and subsequent improvement of AD symptoms.
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Everyday Skin Care For Ad
A simple and basic regimen is key to effective AD management. Staying with one well-tolerated soap and one moisturizer is very important. Using multiple soaps, lotions, fragrances, and mixes of products may cause further irritation of sensitive skin.
Maintaining the skin barrier will prevent further damage and enhance the patients quality of life. An effective daily skin care routine is critical in preventing recurrent episodes of symptoms. Key factors are proper bathing and the application of lubricants, such as creams or ointments. People with atopic dermatitis should avoid hot or long baths and showers . A warm bath helps to cleanse and moisturize the skin without drying it excessively. The doctor may recommend limited use of a mild soap or non-soap cleanser because soaps can be drying to the skin. Bath oils are not usually helpful.
Another key to protecting and restoring the skin is taking steps to avoid repeated skin infections. Although it may not be possible to avoid infections altogether, early identification and treatment is best.
How Is Eczema Treated
There is no cure for eczema. But treatments can help with symptoms. The doctor will recommend different treatments based on how severe the symptoms are, the child’s age, and where the rash is. Some are “topical” and applied to the skin. Others are taken by mouth.
Topical moisturizers. Skin should be moisturized often . The best time to apply moisturizer is after a bath or shower, with the skin patted dry gently. Ointments and creams are best because they contain a lot of oil. Lotions have too much water to be helpful.
Topical corticosteroids, also called cortisone or steroid creams or ointments. These ease skin inflammation. It’s important not to use a topical steroid prescribed for someone else. These creams and ointments vary in strength, and using the wrong strength in sensitive areas can damage the skin, especially in infants.
Other topical anti-inflammatory medicines. These include medicines that change the way the skin’s immune system reacts.
Medicine taken by mouth. These can include antihistamines to help itchy kids sleep better at night, antibiotics if a rash gets infected by bacteria, and corticosteroid pills or other medicines that suppress the immune system.
Other types of treatment can include:
- wet wraps: damp cloths placed on irritated areas of skin
- bleach baths: bathing in very diluted bleach solution
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Atopic Dermatitis: A Review Of Diagnosis And Treatment
CHRISTINE E. CORREALE, M.D., COLLEEN WALKER, D.O., LYDIA MURPHY, R.N., B.S.N, and TIMOTHY J. CRAIG, D.O., Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
Am Fam Physician.;1999;Sep;15;60:1191-1198.
;See related patient information handout on eczema, written by the authors of this article.
Atopic dermatitis is a common, potentially debilitating condition that can compromise quality of life. Its most frequent symptom is pruritus. Attempts to relieve the itch by scratching simply worsen the rash, creating a vicious circle. Treatment should be directed at limiting itching, repairing the skin and decreasing inflammation when necessary. Lubricants, antihistamines and topical corticosteroids are the mainstays of therapy. When required, oral corticosteroids can be used. If pruritus does not respond to treatment, other diagnoses, such as bacterial overgrowth or viral infections, should be considered. Treatment options are available for refractory atopic dermatitis, but these measures should be reserved for use in unique situations and typically require consultation with a dermatologist or an allergist.
A topic dermatitis is a chronic inflammation of the skin that occurs in persons of all ages but is more common in children. The condition is characterized by intense pruritus and a course marked by exacerbations and remissions.
What Causes Eczema In Children
Researchers dont know exactly what causes baby eczema, but they believe its most likely due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Eczema is not contagious.
Infants are more likely to develop eczema if family members have a history of eczema, hay fever, or;asthma.
While these conditions don’t cause one another, infants are more likely to develop hay fever or asthma if they already have baby eczema.
Scientists believe eczema results from an;immune-system dysfunction;that affects the skin barrier and its ability to hold in moisture.
Eczema is a general term to describe a number of inflammatory skin conditions. Aside from atopic dermatitis, other types of eczema that commonly affect children include contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema , and seborrheic dermatitis, or scalp eczema .
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