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| Ways of Managing Skin Allergy |  The first thing you have to do when you suspect an allergy is to eliminate the product that causes the allergic reaction. If you have used any new cosmetics and the next day you have an itchy reaction – through it away immediately. The problem is that not always the reaction appears at once. It may take a few days or even a week for the reaction to appear. And you will have to eliminate the suspicious products one by one till you understand which one triggers the allergic reaction.
If you can’t understand which product exactly causes allergy and can’t eliminate it you may use anti-inflammatory creams. But you must be careful with them too. The major problem is overusage. The extra doses can cause extra problems. If the itching and redness doesn’t disappear in a week or two, you have to see the doctor before you have caused more problems.
During the treatment and some period after it try to avoid the things which can cause the irritation such as scrubs, retinols and others. Rubbing the infected area is not advised. Such things as exposing the area to direct sunlight and dirt can be dangerous too.
To make the system of managing the skin allergy let’s distinguish the three steps:
Step 1. Understand the condition of your skin. You should understand that not only the respiratory or digestive systems are affected by the allergies but the skin too. Do some research and talk to your doctor to understand the processes your skin undergoes. If you understand what causes the allergic condition you will be able to control it better.
Step 2. Find out and eliminate the things that cause the irritation. There are over three thousand known triggers for skin allergies. Many are natural, but there are plenty of man-made ones too. The most common man-made allergens are latex and nickel. Latex is made from the Brazilian rubber tree with some additional artificial things. The problem with the latex is that its particles can become airborne and that’s why they cause allergic reaction not only after the direct contact but being inhaled too. So if your organism is sensitive to latex you have to avoid things like condoms, latex gloves, balloons, pencil erasers, baby pacifiers and others. Things of latex can be substituted with those of vinyl or plastic. Another product to be mentioned is nickel. It can be found in lots of objects we touch every day: coins, jewelry, scissors, bathroom and kitchen cabinet handles, zippers, mascara, eye shadow, eye pencils etc. Even some foods have nickel content. The number of people who suffer from the nickel allergy has increased by 40% in the last decade and the predictions say it will increase more rapidly. At present there is no way to desensitize a person with a nickel allergy. The best way treatment is avoidance. If you have severe reaction you should control even the food you eat. In such situation you will not be able to go without medical supervision.
Step 3. Look after your skin. Keep it moisturized and softened. Don’t allow it to dry out. You may consult the doctor and he will prescribe you special creams for this. Avoid hot baths. You can only have baths in lukewarm water for 20 to 30 minutes. You can add oatmeal or baking soda into the water to make it softer. Use soaps with neutral pH (pH7). Using bath oils is advisable, but the bubble baths are not. They can prevent your skin being moisturized. Use soft towels and lotions. The last help your skin to retain the moisture. Keep your finger nails short to avoid scratching. Also try to avoid situations where you will experience extreme physical contact, heavy perspiration, or heavy clothing. It doesn’t mean avoiding all sports. You just need to take some measures while going in for sport. For example, swimming is permissible if you rinse the chlorine from your skin as soon as you leave the pool, and use a moisturizer after drying yourself.
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