Do you suffer from allergies? If you do, your skin may be impacted, often in more ways than one. Unfortunately, skin allergies are one of the most uncomfortable types of allergies to deal with. This is because the rashes that many develop can not only be unattractive, but they can also be itchy and painful.

One of the most common questions asked by those who suffer from skin allergies is how they can go about seeking relief. There are a number of steps that can be and should be taken. One of those steps involves determining what is causing an allergic reaction. For example, do you develop a rash right after doing yard work? If you do, you may have seasonal allergies. Do you develop a rash after holding a cat? If you do, you may have pet allergies, and so forth.

If you do not already know what it causing your skin to have an allergic reaction, you may want to consider scheduling an appointment with your doctor. If you are covered by health insurance, you have nothing to lose by making an appointment. This is important, as many individuals are surprised to learn that what they thought was causing an allergic reaction, isn’t the main trigger factor. Some individuals are even more surprised to learn that they may have multiple trigger factors, like certain foods or chemicals that are found in many household products, such as laundry detergents.

One of the many reasons why you will want to consider seeing a doctor is because they can help you determine what you are allergic to safely. Of course, you can try your own experiments at home, but you will want to proceed with caution. This is important if you think the cause of your skin rash or allergic reaction is food, as your symptoms can become much more severe. That is why you are advised against performing your own allergy tests at home, but if you do, just make sure that you aren’t alone when doing so.

Once you are able to determine what is causing your skin to have an allergic reaction, you can better go about seeking relief. First, over-the-counter allergy medications may be examined. There are also lotions and creams that can provide you with relief from itching and or hives. If you visit your doctor, he or she may be able to recommend specific products to you. If you do not visit a doctor, you should be able to still speak with one of your pharmacists to ask for their input on a certain over-the-counter allergy relief product, free of charge.

It is also important to know that you can seek relief without the use of over-the-counter products. For example, oatmeal when mixed with one cup of boiling water, let cooled, and then strained can provide relief to those who have hives. The water extracted from the oatmeal can be dabbed on the skin. You can also reduce your skin reactions by eliminating or significantly reducing your trigger factors. For example, if you are a pet owner who cannot bear to part with your pet, consider not holding them or petting them without gloves, keeping them out of your bedroom, and investing in an air purifier.

As highlighted above, there are a number of different reasons why you may have an allergic reaction to the skin. Regardless of the cause though, there are a number of ways that you can go about seeking relief.

An allergy also called skin disorder means the sensitiveness of the body to a substance that normally doesn’t affect other persons. These skin disorders caused due to the excess use of cosmetics and are called skin allergies.

Types of skin allergies

* Contact dermatitis
This allergy caused when a substance coming into contact with the skin can. Also called skin inflammation.
* Urticaria
It is a temporary swelling of the skin also known as hives.

* Prickly heat
It is caused by warm and dry weather and this results in red rash and itching of the skin.

Causes of skin allergies

* Change in temperature
* Food allergens
* Various drugs
* Pollens
* Dust and smoke
* Soap products like detergents

Home Remedies for skin allergies Treatment

* Make a paste from sandalwood and limejuice, apply this paste on the affected area it will provide relief from itching.
* Application of mashed almond leaves to the affected area is beneficial.
* Make a paste from five to six grams of garden mint in water. Sieve the water now add 12-15 grams of sugar, drink this syrup twice a day for immediate relief.
* Application of mashed papaya seeds on the area reduce itching.
* Application of lemon juice mixed with coconut oil is very beneficial.
* Intake of vitamin C reduce the chance of allergies. 1000mg of the vitamin is advisable.
* Drink a glass of water with two tablespoons of cider vinegar for skin allergy treatment.
* Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption should not be taken.
* Grind 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds with 1-teaspoon water and add 1-teaspoon of limejuice. Apply it to affected area for relief from itching and redness.

By: Alien

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Alien writes for Diabetes blog . He also writes for best cosmetics and skin diseases

Allergies in general are defined as hypersensitivity to some foreign particle or the other. Different people have different kinds of tolerances for foreign bodies. When some people cannot adjust with certain elements in their surroundings, they may suffer from certain skin problems that are commonly referred to as skin allergies.

There is a sure way of determining whether your skin affliction is an allergy or not. If you have got a skin problem due to a cause that has affected no one else, then it is an allergic reaction. For example, several people may be exposed to dust. But if it affects you in a strong way, then you are allergic to dust.

Skin allergies could be in the form of itching, dry and scaly skin, eruptions, rashes, boils, etc. There are three main types of problems that are associated with skin allergies. These types are as follows:-

(i) Dermatitis – This is the skin allergy which is caused due to contact with some substances. It is shown as an inflammation.

(ii) Hives – Hives is a fluid accumulation in the skin which shows up as a swelling. This is a temporary condition and heals with treatment. Hives are also known as urticaria.

(iii) Prickly Heat – This is a red rash which occurs on the body. Prickly heat is generally caused due to excessive perspiration due to hot and humid climates.

All skin problems are vata dosha disorders. Vata dosha controls the air element of the human body. Hence, when the vata dosha is vitiated, there are skin reactions. In different people, there are different degrees of the vata dosha. In some people, the vata may be weak and get easily vitiated due to external factors. Such people are more specific to skin allergies than others.

In this article, we see how to treat various skin allergies with an Ayurvedic point of view.

Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Skin Allergies

- Cassia (Cassia fistula)

Cassia is used effectively in the treatment of several irritations on the skin caused due to allergies. A paste of the cassia leaves can be applied on the skin in case of inflammation of the hands and feet caused due to extreme cold, and also swellings caused due to accumulation of fluids under the skin, as in hives.

- Henna (Lawsonia inermis)

Henna is an excellent remedy for several skin allergies. It can be used in case of hives, swellings, boils and other kinds of inflammation. Applying henna on the skin cools the skin and removes the symptom of the allergy.

- Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum)

The holy basil is venerated in Indian tradition as the tulsi. It has an almost maternal status for the Hindus. This plant is venerated for its many medicinal properties. Among the other advantages, tulsi is also used for healing skin problems. In case of itches and rashes, the juice of the tulsi leaves is applied on the skin. This is a very quick treatment for allergic skin problems.

- Madhuca (Madhuca indica)

Madhuca is used as a treatment for skin itch problems. The leaves are made into a paste and applied onto the skin in skin infections due to allergy.

- Rauwolfia (Rauwolfia serpentina)

Rauwolfia is known as sarpagandha in Ayurveda. It is a very good remedy for skin problems. In case of hives, the juice of its leaves is applied on the swollen parts to reduce itching. Relief is almost immediate.

- Sandalwood (Santalum alba)

Sandalwood is a traditional remedy for all kinds of itch problems on the skin. It is made into a paste and applied on the skin. It smoothes the skin and prevents it from allergies. Itches are immediately resolved by applying sandalwood paste on the skin. Permanent relief can be obtained by keeping the paste smeared on the skin for half an hour before washing it off. Sandalwood oil is also used in the treatment of diseases such as erysipelas (an eruptive allergic skin disease) and prurigo (an itchy skin eruption).

Dietary Guidelines for Treatment of Skin Allergies

You must take a lot of water to prevent all kinds of skin allergies. These include fresh fruits and vegetables that have high water content in them. In the summer season, take cooling drinks such as lemon juices and sherbets.

Do not consume sour foods if you have skin allergy problems often. This can vitiate the vata dosha further.

Home Remedies for Treatment of Skin Allergies

- Take about 30 milliliters of the juice of the leaves of wood apple (Feronia limonida) and mix some cumin powder in it. Take this twice daily. This is a very good treatment for urticaria or hives.

- Extract the juice of the jambula (Indian Plum) and mix some soda in it. Apply this in case of prickly heat.

- In hot seasons, drink a glass of lemon juice twice everyday. This will supplement the vitamin C content of the body lost due to perspiration and will prevent the outburst of prickly heat.

- Chomping on sugarcane several times in the hot season is also a good method of preventing prickly heat.

- If the area on the skin is exceptionally itchy, then mash a papaya and spread the paste of the papaya on it. This will reduce the itch and also make the skin healthier.

Posted by: “mae deluna”
Sat Apr 7, 2007 9:13 pm (PST)

Hi everyone, I have had my fair share of looking for good vets, expecially in my case a dermatologist for my two loving babies, Luke and Bo. I rescued them from a rescue in Sonoma CA, both suffering from allergies. Not being tested for allergies, the rescue sort of tried and elimination diet and came to the conclusion that they were allergic to corn, wheat and soy. When I adopted them, I have been very selective of the food they ate. Spent as much money as everyone else here with organic, allergy free types of food. I have tried it all, raw diet, just one protein and vegetable diet, elimination diet, prescription food and nothing worked. I now have them on home cooked food, just plain steamed white rice and cooked ground chicken or beef. Even this does not seem to stop the problem. Bo, the worst of the two, now looks like he has a mohawk on his back since he has scratched off the skin on both sides of his body. His neck, sides and hind legs are all raw from licking and scratching. My previous vet has put him on prednisone, medrol, cephalexin and even a high dosage of hydroxyzine (a strong prescription of allergy meds). None of this helped. I think that he just got drugged up and made things worse. After a long search, I found Dr. Susan Reinke. She has a practice both in Petaluma CA and Marin CA. I was hesitant at first to see her as I thought the price for her office visit was a little steep. But it was ALL WORTH IT. She put both boys on meds and it has only been 6 days and both of them are getting better. She has also determined the cause of their skin, ear, hair problem—YEAST infection. If anyone wants more info, contact me. I think Dr. Reinke is great. She spent more than the allotted time scheduled for me and gave Luke, Bo and myself her undivided attention. Hope this info helps.

a happy camper,

Mae

by Ayurvedic Cure com

Allergies in general are defined as hypersensitivity to some foreign particle or the other. Different people have different kinds of tolerances for foreign bodies. When some people cannot adjust with certain elements in their surroundings, they may suffer from certain skin problems that are commonly referred to as skin allergies.

There is a sure way of determining whether your skin affliction is an allergy or not. If you have got a skin problem due to a cause that has affected no one else, then it is an allergic reaction. For example, several people may be exposed to dust. But if it affects you in a strong way, then you are allergic to dust.

Skin allergies could be in the form of itching, dry and scaly skin, eruptions, rashes, boils, etc. There are three main types of problems that are associated with skin allergies. These types are as follows:-

(i) Dermatitis – This is the skin allergy which is caused due to contact with some substances. It is shown as an inflammation.

(ii) Hives – Hives is a fluid accumulation in the skin which shows up as a swelling. This is a temporary condition and heals with treatment. Hives are also known as urticaria.

(iii)Prickly Heat – This is a red rash which occurs on the body. Prickly heat is generally caused due to excessive perspiration due to hot and humid climates.

All skin problems are vata dosha disorders. Vata dosha controls the air element of the human body. Hence, when the vata dosha is vitiated, there are skin reactions. In different people, there are different degrees of the vata dosha. In some people, the vata may be weak and get easily vitiated due to external factors. Such people are more specific to skin allergies than others.

In this article, we see how to treat various skin allergies with an Ayurvedic point of view.

Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Skin Allergies

- Cassia (Cassia fistula) Cassia is used effectively in the treatment of several irritations on the skin caused due to allergies. A paste of the cassia leaves can be applied on the skin in case of inflammation of the hands and feet caused due to extreme cold, and also swellings caused due to accumulation of fluids under the skin, as in hives.

- Henna (Lawsonia inermis) Henna is an excellent remedy for several skin allergies. It can be used in case of hives, swellings, boils and other kinds of inflammation. Applying henna on the skin cools the skin and removes the symptom of the allergy.

- Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) The holy basil is venerated in Indian tradition as the tulsi. It has an almost maternal status for the Hindus. This plant is venerated for its many medicinal properties. Among the other advantages, tulsi is also used for healing skin problems. In case of itches and rashes, the juice of the tulsi leaves is applied on the skin. This is a very quick treatment for allergic skin problems.

- Madhuca (Madhuca indica) Madhuca is used as a treatment for skin itch problems. The leaves are made into a paste and applied onto the skin in skin infections due to allergy.

- Rauwolfia (Rauwolfia serpentina) Rauwolfia is known as sarpagandha in Ayurveda. It is a very good remedy for skin problems. In case of hives, the juice of its leaves is applied on the swollen parts to reduce itching. Relief is almost immediate.

- Sandalwood (Santalum alba) Sandalwood is a traditional remedy for all kinds of itch problems on the skin. It is made into a paste and applied on the skin. It smoothes the skin and prevents it from allergies. Itches are immediately resolved by applying sandalwood paste on the skin. Permanent relief can be obtained by keeping the paste smeared on the skin for half an hour before washing it off. Sandalwood oil is also used in the treatment of diseases such as erysipelas (an eruptive allergic skin disease) and prurigo (an itchy skin eruption).

Dietary Guidelines for Treatment of Skin Allergies

You must take a lot of water to prevent all kinds of skin allergies. These include fresh fruits and vegetables that have high water content in them. In the summer season, take cooling drinks such as lemon juices and sherbets.

Do not consume sour foods if you have skin allergy problems often. This can vitiate the vata dosha further.

Home Remedies for Treatment of Skin Allergies - Take about 30 milliliters of the juice of the leaves of wood apple (Feronia limonida) and mix some cumin powder in it. Take this twice daily. This is a very good treatment for urticaria or hives.

- Extract the juice of the jambula (Indian Plum) and mix some soda in it. Apply this in case of prickly heat.

- In hot seasons, drink a glass of lemon juice twice everyday. This will supplement the vitamin C content of the body lost due to perspiration and will prevent the outburst of prickly heat.

- Chomping on sugarcane several times in the hot season is also a good method of preventing prickly heat.

- If the area on the skin is exceptionally itchy, then mash a papaya and spread the paste of the papaya on it. This will reduce the itch and also make the skin healthier.