Through some conversations lately with friends who are suffering with skin allergies, breakouts and skin irritation, I realized this was a great subject for a post. Nothing is worse or more annoying than itching, redness and breakouts from products we use every day.
My eye doctor put something in my eye last week which I am apparently allergic to. As I write this, I can’t see out of one eye because of the allergic reaction.
I have been a very sensitive person my whole life and as a result have had to find solutions that you may, or may not, know about. Here are a few things to know about allergies:
- Allergies are cumulative. I had cats for years before I developed allergies so life threatening that I had to re-home my furry friends.
- You can suddenly develop an allergy to something you never had a problem with in the past.
- If you are having an allergic reaction to one thing, it may make a reaction to a different allergen more intense.
- If you have skin allergies, remember your skin is the largest organ of your body and needs to be protected and cared for.
- You are not alone and there are products to deal with most issues.
Some solutions for Skin Allergies
Work together with your Dermatologist to find the best products for you. The following products have worked for me, but pay attention to your own body!
Laundry
The biggest area of your body is the skin from your neck to your feet and your
clothes touch this area the most, as do sheets.
What you wash your clothes and bedding in can make a big difference.
There are ‘Free and Clear’ laundry detergents, fabric softeners, non-chlorine bleaches
that have removed the most common known skin irritants (fragrances and
chemicals). Try laundering your clothes
and bedding using these products.
Allow a few weeks of the new regime to see if its working. It takes a while to get the old residue out and for your skin to heal.
When my son was little and had serious skin reactions, his pediatrician had us add white vinegar to the rinse cycle (put in with or in place of fabric softener) to help get all the soap out of the laundry. I still add vinegar to every load to this day.
Lotions and Creams
Replace Vanicream for skin lotions and creams. It is free of common allergens and is used as a base for prescription creams because of its lack of irritants.
Be sure any soap you use is free of perfumes and be wary of extra additives. Ivory and Dove are two good options. Vanicream also makes a soap.
Makeup and Hair
Look for hypo allergenic shampoos and other hair products. This may require some experimentation. Most add fragrance so look for unscented products that touch your skin.
For makeup, I have used Clinique since I was young. Even some hypo-allergenic products may cause an allergic reaction (I had issues with some eyeshadows) so be aware that its possible.
Other Culprits
If you continue to have problems, look at everything to touch your skin. There are people who are allergic to the bleach or chemicals used in diapers, toilet paper, or feminine products. Depending on the reaction, you may need to do more investigation.
Some Skin Reactions Come from Inside
Keep in mind that your skin reaction might come from something you ate, swallowed (meds) or got injected (shots). Most of these allergies come within 20 minutes of taking in the offending substance. If you have a rash and itching after taking anything into your body, let your primary care doctor know right away. They can judge how serious the situation is, how to act immediately and how to deal with it long term.
Obviously if you are pretty sure you are allergic to a food or other substance, avoid it in the future.
Hope you feel better soon!
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