Allergy Treatments for Bee Stings
Over two million people in America are allergic to stings from bees and other stinging insects, and the degree of these reactions ranges wildly from the mild to the potentially fatal. In the US severe bee sting reactions are responsible for around 50 deaths per year. If you have ever had a reaction to a bee sting – even a mild one, then there is a 60% chance that your next sting could be similar or worse than that last one. As such, it pays to ensure that you are prepared for future stings and know how to deal with them should they occur again.
Bee Sting Reactions
A systemic reaction (across the whole body) to bee stings is likely to occur in those who have antibodies in their body from previous stings and these are the ones that are most dangerous (in essence it is your reaction to the sting, rather than the actual sting itself, that will cause you problems). Around 2% of stings from bees cause a systemic reaction.
The reactions to bee stings vary greatly and can include itching, hives, loss of skin colour, unusual sensations inside the mouth, vomiting and nausea. In the most severe cases the individual will suffer 'anaphylaxis' which is the most likely reaction to be fatal. Here the individual will experience difficulty with breathing, feinting, swelling of the tongue, dizziness and a hoarse throat. This can occur immediately or up to a day following the sting. Read more...
Cosmetic Allergy Reactions
A study revealed that many women are using at least seven types of cosmetics each day. They include moisturizers, deodorants, colognes, shampoos and other products that are often considered as necessities these days. Cosmetics are used to enhance beauty and over time, these products become an inseparable part in our lifestyle.
It is important to understand that there are a number of ingredients in these products that act as triggers, such as preservatives and fragrances. Cosmetic allergy is relatively rare compared to other allergies and researches showed that only ten percent of the population is expected to experience some form of cosmetic-related energy at some point of their life. Due to higher exposure, women are more vulnerable to this condition than men.
Preventing Cosmetic Allergy
These are a few measures that can help in preventing cosmetic allergy.
• Always read the label first. Some active ingredients can trigger allergic reactions to your skin. Find products that are safer.
• If a tester is available, you should perform a mini-patch test to determine whether it causes unfavorable reactions on your skin. Rub your wrist with a few different products; wait for 24 hours to see whether redness appears on the tested area. If you get no allergic reaction, you can return to the store and buy the product.
• Choose a cosmetic with the simplest formula and fewest ingredients.
• When using perfume, apply it on your clothes, instead of your skin.
There’s no harm in making necessary precautions, prevention is often easier than treating the symptoms of cosmetic allergy. Remember that, like any other allergy, cosmetic allergy is incurable, it is only treatable. Read more...
Allergies in Children
Allergy is an exaggerated immune response or reaction to substances that are generally not harmful. Allergy is caused by a highly sensitive immune system which leads to a misguided immune response. Normally, the immune system protects the body from harmful substances such as bacteria and viruses. An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system reacts to substances (allergens) that are usually harmless to which most people do not produce an immune response.
In a child with allergies, first exposure to an allergen stimulates the immune system to recognize the substance. Any subsequent exposure to allergens typically causes symptoms. When an allergen enters the body of a person who has the sensitized immune system, certain cells release histamine and other chemicals. This causes itching, swelling, mucus production, muscle spasms, hives, skin rash and other symptoms.
Allergies in Children — Symptoms
Symptoms vary in severity from one person to another. Most people have symptoms that not only cause the discomfort but also endanger their lives, while a few people have life-threatening reactions (called anaphylaxis).
The body part that comes into direct contact with the allergen influences the symptoms. For example, normally, inhaled allergens cause nasal congestion, itching in nose and throat, mucus production, coughing or wheezing. In general, food allergies can cause abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or other severe life-threatening reactions. Often, any allergy to plants normally produces a rash and an allergic reaction to medications affects the whole body. Read more...