If you’re looking for a delicious christmas pudding that doesn’t contain any wheat or dairy, look no further. The link will take you to the December 2014 edition of the Eczema Bulletin. Just scroll down to Tip of the Month to find the recipe and a couple of photos I took of my attempt 
You’ll notice that there is potato in the list of ingredients…don’t let that put you off. Enjoy
Eczema Blog
Tag Archives: allergy
talkhealth Allergy and Eczema research published in Daily Mail
In September we ran a survey to see if patients suffering with eczema are more likely to also have allergies or sensitivity to foods such as eggs, nuts, diary and wheat. The aim of the research was to find out ways to help patients manage the two conditions better and for more medical acknowledgement of the connection between the two. We were pleased to have the results published in a dedicated supplement within the Daily Mail. To see the full article please click here.
Allergy testing reminds me how little I know about medicine
Yesterday my daughter V went in for what has become a yearly ritual: her specific IgE blood test. She bravely went in after listening to the previous patient scream for 20 minutes. She yelped when she was stuck, but gritted it out while the nurse drew four vials of blood.
Four vials seems like a lot. My wife, who is a veterinarian, says she only takes one vial to test dogs for multiple allergens.
The process reminds me how little I know about medicine in practice.
IgE is a type of antibody, a Y-shaped molecule with sticky ends that recognizes allergens and triggers inflammation. Kaiser Permanente, our HMO, uses the ELISA test to measure IgE levels, instead of RAST, which has been abandoned since 2010 because it involves using radioactive material.
The first result came back as “IgE, QN 368 Standard range 0 – 75 U/mL”
“U” is for “unit.” How many antibodies in a unit? I have no idea. The internet is no help here. 368 U/ml, from what I can tell, is her measure of total IgE, all the antibodies of this type she has circulating in her blood.
So that means V’s IgE is five times the maximum normal limit. That’s typical for someone with atopy.
We’re still waiting for the specific results. I wouldn’t put it past Kaiser to waste at least one vial doing the wrong test, and then tell us we need to come in and give more blood.
Last year, among other things, V tested positive for IgE against milk, with 7.8 U/mL. I find it remarkable that her titer of antibodies to milk is 10% of the maximum number of antibodies that a “normal” person should have against everything.
V has eczema and mild asthma. Positive IgE tests are no guarantee of allergy, but we know she’s allergic to milk, since she vomits every time we give it to her. (Our son has no allergies and my wife and I have accidentally switched the kids’ glasses at lunch. Oops.)
She also has consistently tested positive for peanut and walnut allergy (and beef!), though there are as yet no incidents where she’s eaten some and had a reaction. We’re just trying to keep tabs on her allergies as she grows up, hoping, of course, that they will go away—but also fearing that she could develop a life-threatening allergy.
End Eczema
Flea Control Secrets – Flea Allergy Dermatitis & Other Flea Complications
Fleas are not the only problem plaguing pets these days since there are some complications that fleas bring which could make your pet’s life miserable.
In addition to the transmission of disease, the most common flea complication risks to pets are:
tapeworm,
flea bite dermatitis, and
flea anemia.
Tapeworms
Tapeworms not only impact pets but they also poses a threat to humans.
Flea larvae ingest tapeworm eggs and if a pet swallows an adult flea (through licking or chewing) the tapeworm hatches and connects to the pet’s intestinal wall.
Signs of tapeworm include visible fragments in the pet’s excrement, weight loss, and scooting across the ground or carpet because of anal irritation.
To determine if your pet has tapeworms, and to treat a tapeworm infestation, take a fecal sample to your veterinarian.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)
When pet fleas bite to feed, they insert salivary gland secretions into the skin. This saliva thins the blood but can also cause a rash in many pets.
The irritation causes the pet to chew and scratch. Excessive irritation may turn into red patches, hot spots, and bald patches.
Although many pet parents seek to treat this problem on their own, it is best to get a veterinary assessment to rule out any septic or systemic complications that may develop.
Flea Anemia
Flea caused anemia is a red blood cell deficiency that can be life threatening to young and older pets.
Pets that are the most susceptible to flea caused anemia are those who are small, sickly, or unable to adequately groom themselves.
Symptoms of flea anemia are weakness, lethargy, and pale (light pink or white) gums.
In some cases animals will eat small pebbles, rocks, or cat litter in attempts to replace vital minerals.
In the event of a heavy flea infestation, or if you suspect flea anemia, get your animal to the veterinary hospital immediately.
Do you have a specific flea control question? Learn more about flea treatments and remedies.Â
Diana L Guerrero (aka Ark Lady) is an animal expert who you might have seen on Animal Planet, Discovery, or heard on NPR. She is the author of several books including Flea Control Secrets : How to Get Rid of Fleas & Live Flea Free! Get additional tips and hints on flea control along with breaking news on the EPA advisory by following her on Twitter (user name FleaControlBook) or at the Flea Control Secrets page on Facebook.
Find More Atopic Dermatitis Articles
Tick bite that causes red meat allergy spreading across U.S.
The lone star tick, whose bite causes allergies to red meat, is spreading across more states, according to news reports.
Dermatology Times – Dermatology
Your Guide to Textile Dermatitis: Latex Hypersensitivity & Polyester Allergy Explained
Another great post from itchylittleworld.com – Natural remedies for eczema to soothe your itchy little world..
By Laura Dolgy (see bio below)
Imagine this scenario…you just get back home from shopping and purchasing that adorable blouse you’ve been eyeing for a while. You’ve purchased the blouse for tonight’s dinner party and cannot wait to show it off to your friends and family.
You rip off the tag in haste, throw it on and start getting ready, but something is…wrong. Not long after throwing on the top do you realize your neck is covered in hives and itching uncontrollably. You immediately take the blouse off and notice that your skin is inflamed and hot to touch. What the ****!
If this scenario is at all familiar to you, then you may have textile dermatitis and you’ll want to read on. This week we discuss latex hypersensitivity as well as the sometimes lesser known polyester allergy. Learn how to identify symptoms AND get some tips and discover alternative clothing to try!
Please keep in mind that although these tips and information have worked for several eczema sufferers, I am in no way a medical professional. If you’re experiencing severe eczema or have a topical infection, it is always best to seek medical advice immediately.
What is Textile Dermatitis?
Many people who have sensitive skin can develop contact dermatitis, as well as several allergy symptoms due to certain chemicals in clothing and from specific fabrics used in clothing. This is called textile dermatitis. Polyester allergy and an allergy to latex are some of the most common causes of textile dermatitis.
Although symptoms are usually temporary and topical, some individuals can develop more severe systemic reactions such as:
- swollen and red skin, lips, or tongue
- runny or stuffy nose
- shortness of breath (with or without wheezing)
- abdominal pain and much more
If you develop a more serious reaction, seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Which Products Contain Latex/Polyester?
Although latex can be found in several household supplies, polyester is usually more difficult to avoid. Check out our list below to get a good understanding of which products or clothing tend to contain these two allergens.
If you think you have an allergy to latex or a latex sensitivity, you should try to avoid the following products:
- Clothing containing elastic bands such as pants, underwear, running shoes and coats with fitted cuffs.
- Certain household products such as zipper storage bags, bathmats, rugs and rubber gloves.
- Craft supplies, certain make-up, adhesives, erasers and much more.
- Anything containing Lycra, Spandex or Elastane.
There are many accounts of induvial with a latex allergy also reacting to shea butter products. While there is no scientific connection between shea and latex, if you have an allergy to latex, be cautious when trying products containing shea butter.
Read More: The Allergy Scoop: Coconut Oil, Shea Butter & Cocoa Butter
Read More: Should You Worry About a Shea Butter Allergy?
Alternatively, for a polyester allergy, you’ll want to try to avoid the following products:
- Certain exercise clothing, pajamas, shirts, blouses, etc.
- Certain toys that include doll hair or plush faux furs.
- Certain carpets and bed sheets.
Make sure to always read labels before purchasing new household products or clothing. You’ll be surprised at how much stuff out there contains these two allergens!
Latex & Polyester Free Alternatives
Although latex is easier to avoid, it can be a little more difficult to find clothing or household products that do not contain polyester.
Some excellent alternatives to this allergy prone material are fabrics such as Cotton or Silk.
If you are searching for pajamas that are polyester and latex free, 100% Organic Cotton fabrics are an excellent alternative. Check out this One-Piece Footed Pajama for Kids, as well as a Pajama Top for Adults that not only provide comfort, but can help heal your skin by preventing scratching with attached protective mittens. Both are made with latex free elastic.
For the feet, these Hypoallergenic Socks are fantastic! And yes, they are latex and polyester free! The tube sock style comes in white or black and multiple sizing options.
For latex free underwear, opting for 100% Organic Cotton is also a great choice. But it can be difficult to find safe elastic! But we’ve got you covered…these are contain latex free elastic! These Women’s Bikini Briefs are slim fit and perfect for sensitive skin. For men, you can avoid any sort of elastic all together with these Drawstring Boxers. Make sure to also check out Boy’s Latex Free Underwear as well as Girl’s Underwear for Sensitive Skin and Latex Allergy in case your child is experiencing contact dermatitis from either latex or spandex.
If you’re experiencing groin eczema due to a latex hypersensitivity, definitely check out our blog post: 4 Ways to Relieve Groin Eczema.
Other Causes
Aside from latex and polyester allergies, there are several other factors than can contribute to textile dermatitis.
It is not a secret that some clothing contains harsh chemicals and dyes to achieve a desired effect. For example, formaldehyde is used to make clothing that is wrinkle resistant. Yes, that’s the same chemical used in embalming fluid. Yuck! Chemicals are also used in fabrics that are color-fast, stain resistant, as well as in corduroy and shrink-proof wool. None of the clothing above contains any of these harsh chemicals.
Read More: Why Natural Fibers Are Essential For Eczema Clothing
A Latex/Polyester “Elimination Diet”
If you’ve read any of our past blog posts, you’ll notice we discuss food elimination diets very often because we believe in healing from within big time.
An elimination diet is carried out by eliminating food allergens for a certain period of time and reintroducing each individually to determine which food is causing the reaction.
Like a food elimination diet, you can choose to run a latex/polyester “elimination diet” as well!
- Start by separating your clothing or household products by allergy prone materials such as latex, polyester, and Spandex. Nylon allergy is pretty common too – so eliminate nylon as well just to be sure.
- For the first few days (and to treat possible flare-ups) wear only hypersensitivity-approved materials such as 100% organic cotton or silk.
- Slowly, reintroduce one allergy prone material such as latex or polyester over a several day period to determine which material is causing a reaction.
- Make sure to track your results in a health diary or journal like this one to really understand what is causing the flare-up.
If you’re not able to determine the allergen or you’re experiencing severe flare-ups, make sure to seek a medical practitioner to get a proper diagnosis on your possible allergy.
Although latex and polyester allergies might be annoying to deal with, thankfully there are several safe alternatives to manage your allergies. Find out what’s safe for you and you can be free from textile dermatitis.
Do you have a latex or polyester allergy? Let us know what safe materials you opt for below!
Bio: Laura is a contributor and content developer for It’s An Itchy Little World. She is in no way a medical professional. Her comments, suggestions, and reflections are not intended to replace any medical advice. Always seek the help of a medical professional before undertaking any diet or lifestyle changes. Please see It’s An Itchy Little World’s disclaimer for information about affiliate links and more.
Your Guide to Textile Dermatitis: Latex Hypersensitivity & Polyester Allergy Explained appeared first on itchylittleworld.com. Come read more about natural remedies for eczema!
Jan 31, Three Ladies and The Allergy Law Project
Three lawyers from the United States have founded the Allergy Law Project, the Las Vegas Review Journal has reported. The three ladies all have children with food allergies and are working to provide the right information about the law and food allergies. The article is an interesting read about how one of these ladies, Homa Woodrum, found that her first child had developed food allergies. From there she started a blog which provided recipes for families dealing with food allergies. The blog ran a story which caught the attention of an attorney from Maryland, Mary Vargas. Woodrum met Laurel Francoeur, a lawyer from Massachusetts, who came up with the idea of the Allergy Law Project. Together the three ladies provide free information online about the allergy law in the United States. You can read more about their story below
Eczema Blog
Jul 14, Suggested Nickel Allergy Triggered By iPad
In recents reports, it has been said that nickel in several personal electronic devices have triggered nickel allergies. A recent story seems to confirm these reports. An 11 year old boy, from San Diego, was treated for an itchy rash, at Rady Children’s hospital. The boy’s iPad was tested, and was found to contain a chemical compound found in nickel. After putting a protective case on his iPad, his rash improved. The iPad was an early model, and it is uncertain if other iPads or Apple devices contain nickel. It is also uncertain how often this occurs for other nickel allergy sufferers. It is good to be aware of a potential connection.
Eczema Blog
Oral Allergy Syndrome: Are Fruits and Veggies Giving you an Itchy Mouth?
Another great post from itchylittleworld.com – Natural remedies for eczema to soothe your itchy little world..
Spring is upon us and that means pollen allergies come out to play. If you’re one of many dealing with seasonal allergies, you’ll want to check out this post on Oral Allergy Syndrome…especially if you’ve ever noticed you have an itchy mouth this time of year.
Copyright© National Jewish Health. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
What Is Oral Allergy Syndrome?
Oral Allergy syndrome, also known as Pollen Food Syndrome, is a mild allergic reaction to fruits and vegetables that have similar proteins found in certain pollens. Some of the most common foods that cause this type of syndrome can be found here:
Oral Allergy Syndrome Food List
Spring (trees)
- Apples
- Apricots
- Carrots
- Celery
- Cherry
- Kiwis
Summer (grasses)
- Cantaloupe
- Tomatoes
- Watermelon
- Honeydew
Fall (weeds)
- Bananas
- Zucchini
- Cucumber
- Peaches
What Are the Signs of Oral Allergy Syndrome aka Pollen Food Syndrome?
If you already experience allergic reactions to common pollen allergens AND are experiencing swelling of the mouth or lips, itchy roof of mouth, tongue, or throat, especially after eating raw food, then you might have Oral Allergy Syndrome. Keep in mind that reactions from Pollen Food Syndrome are always mild, so if your symptoms get worse then it’s always best consulting an allergist for further testing and treatment. And if you have difficulty breathing or experience an emergency, call 911 directly.
How to Treat Oral Allergy Syndrome
Although you can take oral antihistamine medications to relieve mild symptoms, avoiding raw foods that cross-react with your pollen allergies might be the best choice. Take another look at the list above to identify which foods cross react with each pollen. Usually it’s pretty easy to identify which raw food is triggering a reaction, but in case it’s not, you can always run an elimination diet with the help of your physician, so that you can figure out which foods you are reacting to. To learn more about elimination diets, check out our post: Our Eczema Elimination Diet Success (How You Can Do It Too!).
Lastly, if you can’t seem to avoid the fruit or veggies trigging your itchy mouth, you can always cook the food to degrade the protein that causes the allergy or peel off the skin of the fruit or veggie since many fruit and vegetable proteins are concentrated in the skin.
More About Seasonal Allergies:
For natural treatment of your allergies, make sure to check out our post: Top Natural Remedies for Allergies.
If you think pollen allergies may be causing your eczema to flare-up, which is very comment, check out this post: How To Determine if Pollen Is Making Your Skin Flare-Up: The Eczema and Allergies Connection.
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Oral Allergy Syndrome: Are Fruits and Veggies Giving you an Itchy Mouth? appeared first on itchylittleworld.com. Come read more about natural remedies for eczema!
Your Nickel Rash Could Become Systemic Nickel Allergy Syndrome
By Mary Herrington (bio below) Before November, 2015 I had never heard of Systemic Nickel Allergy Syndrome. I had been experiencing allergic rashes to jewelry for years. and couldn’t wear anything but yellow gold. What I didn’t know was that a simple nickel allergic reaction on the outside of my body could also cause systemic issues inside […]
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