How can I prevent skin problems? Skin allergies are allergic reactions that affect the skin. Contact dermatitis, eczema, and hives are typical types of common skin allergies. How are they caused? Chemicals are a typical cause of contact dermatitis, and these allergic chemicals can be naturally occurring or man made. Two examples are poison ivy (a natural poison) and self-care products (typically man made). With poison ivy, the reaction to the plant chemical may not develop for up to 48 hours. A poison ivy reaction may cause redness and swelling, blisters, and severe itching. However, chemicals in cosmetics or lotions may also cause skin problems despite extensive testing in the laboratory. The symptoms may occur right away, or take a few days to develop. Typical symptoms include swelling, burning, stinging, itching, and redness. Most of

these reactions are caused by skin care products that are used on the face, hands, and body. Other causes include hair care products, including hair dye and permanent wave solution, and face makeup products. The worst offenders are:

-fragrance ingredients found in perfumes,

-after shave products and bath powders,

-preservatives, and

-household products.

Eczema may occur as a result of exposure to certain plants, foods, animals, nickel, rubber, soap products or dyes, or even for no apparent reason at all. This can produce itchy rashes and weeping blisters. This is a common problem with all jewelry made with nickel as a base metal. Hives are another kind of skin response. They may occur as a result of changes in body temperature or stress. Hives are small, red, itchy swellings on the skin. They arise quickly and can last up to

48 hours. They appear in clusters which disappear as another cluster develops. Foods like chocolate, nuts, tomatoes, and berries are common causes of hives. Certain drugs such as aspirin, penicillin, and sulfa may also result in the development of hives. Some people who are sensitive to irritation can get hives simply by rubbing or scratching their skin. No permanent cure exists for skin reactions. It is best to try and avoid the causes. It may help to change to hypoallergenic and fragrance free products. If contact dermatitis, eczema or hives do occur they can be treated with over-the-counter antihistamines but as in all situations where the symptoms persist you should contact a qualified medical practitioner. Interested in this subject? Try this link for more of the same





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