SKIN ALLERGY

 Skin Allergy, causes of allergy, home remedies for skin allergy and ayurvedic treatment of skin allergy,

Clear skin is free from germs. But an irritated skin is a cause of trouble. Chafing of the skin is more likely to occur where two moist areas meet, such as in the groins or buttocks, or under the arms. Skin reactions are more common today due to many new fabrics in use. Babies often develop skin rashes because of irritation from the coloring materials in these fabrics.

Allergies are abnormal or hypersensitive responses of the Immune System to relatively harmless environmental antigens (substance which causes the allergy).

Diaper rash usually arises from some chemical irritation due to certain germs present in the baby’s stool. These germs break down the urea into ammonia, which irritates the skin.

Allergic conditions, such as Hay fever and sinusitis are also greatly aggravated by the presence of the germs within the tissues of the nose and throat. The most common allergens are grass and tree pollens, mold spores, dust mites, and animal dander. Eating certain foods and food additives and being stung by insects can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people. Such common disorders as eczema, hives, hay fever and asthma are often attributed to allergic reactions.

The most common cause of the skin allergies is impairment in the immune sysytem, which increases the risk of allergic reactions. This occurs due to stress on the immune system due to excess of the toxins.

Other causes of the skin allergies are the nutritional deficiencies, imbalanced diet, chemicals in the food chain due to preservatives and chronic intestinal yeast overgrowth.

Researchers have found that digestion also plays some role in the allergies. These are not just caused by the food. Proper digestion helps to remove toxins from our body. When digestion is disturbed, large amount of toxins get accumulated in the body and our body becomes over loaded with the toxins. This is what leads to allergies.

Itching is an unpleasant sensation, which we try to relieve by scratching. A certain amount of mild itching is normal for every one. Only if it is persistent and troublesome it becomes serious. Persistent scratching may produce swellings in the skin with deep scratch marks and small ulcers into which germs have found their way, causing much more trouble.

HOME REMEDIES FOR SKIN ALLERGIES

• Grind 1 tbls of poppy seeds with 1-teaspoon water. Add 1-teaspoon limejuice. Apply to affected area for relief from skin allergies.
• Add 1-teaspoon limejuice with sandalwood paste. Apply to affected skin allergy area
• Avoid the foods, plants, animals, drugs, dust, or other substances that trigger an allergic reaction.
• Smoking exacerbates allergic reactions. Those who are allergic to MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) should avoid smoking.
• Vitamin C is very helpful in fighting with the allergic reactions.
• Avoid white sugar, and everything made with it. The process of chemically whitening sugar is toxic.
• Avoid bleached flours, and everything made with it.
• Avoid all processed foods, including the frozen pre-packaged types.
• Avoid the processed meat.
• Thoroughly wash all fresh fruits and vegetables in warm water
• Eat whole foods, and prepare your meals at home using fresh, natural products.
• Prepare an eating schedule. It may be that 3 large meals per day or 4 or 5 smaller ones will be better.
• Regularly practice juice fasting. This will cleanse your system of toxins and residues.
• Avoid smoking and heavy alcohol consumption. Heavy coffee consumption is to be avoided ( 1 or 2 regular cups per day is not considered harmful )
• Avoid fried foods and foods cooked in oil to prevent skin allergies. When oil is heated to cooking temperatures it begins to break down and has been identified as a carcinogen.
• Regularly try to do regiment of moderate exercise, such as walking, biking or swimming and strive to live in harmonious surroundings that contribute to inner peace.
• Rub an ice cube gently over the affected area. This cools the skin, reduces inflammation and soothes the itch immediately.
• Pour boiling water over a bowl of oats. Cover the bowl and leave for 10 minutes. Strain the oats away and pour the liquid into an ice cube tray. Freeze the oat liquid to form oat cubes. To relieve itch, rub and frozen oat cube gently over the affected area.
• Apply aloe Vera gel on the affected areas. It will sooth the areas and gives a cooling effect.
• Take 2 cups water, ½ teaspoon each Echinacea root and marshmallow root, 1 teaspoon chamomile flowers, ½ teaspoon peppermint leaf and ¼ teaspoon ginger rhizome. Combine water and Echinacea and marshmallow roots in a saucepan and simmer for about 5 minutes. Turn off heat and add remaining ingredients. Steep for 15 minutes, then strain out herbs. For a 50-pound child, give 1 to 2 cups daily.This is an effective home remedy for skin allergy.
• Take 1 cup boiling water,1 teaspoon each calendula flowers, chamomile flowers, Echinacea root, elder flowers and yarrow flowers, 3 tablespoons baking soda. Pour boiling water over herbs and steep for 15 minutes, then strain out herbs. Stir in baking soda. Apply to irritated skin with a soft cloth or a sponge until itching is reduced. This is also an effective home remedy for skin allergy.
• Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily.

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) (tulasi)

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 millilitres 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.

References:

• Milam, Larry J., D.I.HOM, Allergies: How to Avoid Them, 2000.
• Ullman, Dana, Discovering Homeopathy, North Atlantic Books, 1988, 1991.
• Materia Medica, B. Jain Publishers, Pahargani, New Deli, 1992.
• Hass, MD, Dr. Elson M., Staying Healthy with Nutrition, Celestial Arts Pub., 1992.

Conjunctivitis or Eye Flu

Causes & Symptoms of Conjunctivitis  

A highly contagious disease, conjunctivitis is the swollenness or inflammation caused in the conjunctiva, a thin membrane which coats the front of the eyes. Also called 'pink eye' and 'eye flu', it is a condition when a person has sore eyes. Conjunctivitis is infectious and easily be transferable from one person to the other through direct contact. Symptoms for conjunctivitis are inflammation caused on the eyeball and underside of the eyelids. It also causes eye pain, burning, blured vision, feeling of dryness and discharge of a sticky fluid. On a severe stage, it also forms pus over and under the eyelid. The main cause of conjunctivitis is unhealthy and unhygienic state of living but since it is transferable, it may also be caused because of someone in the vicinity has it. However, it is treatable and can be cured using home remedies. Check how to cure conjunctivitis naturally.

The infection occurring in the conjunctiva that lines the eyelid is called conjunctivitis. Popularly known as pink eye, conjunctivitis mostly occurs due to an allergic reaction or an infection. The inflammation that results from it causes swelling of the small blood vessels, which, in turn, gives a pink or red cast to the white portion of the eyes. A highly contagious disease, conjunctivitis can spread from one person to other through direct contact. Overcrowded places, dirty surroundings and unhealthy living standards worsen the ailment. In the following lines, we have listed the various causes and symptoms of conjunctivitis.  

Causes Of Conjunctivitis

• Direct contact with an infected person 
• Overcrowding  
• Unhygienic surroundings  
• Eyestrain  
• Bacteria  
• Virus  
• Irritating substance or material in the eyes
• Allergies   
• Ophthalmia neonatorum  
• Environmental factors, such as smoke, dust, or pollen  
• Chemical splash in the eye  

Symptoms Of Conjunctivitis

• Eyes turn reddish  
• Itching in the eyes  
• Watery secretion from the eyes  
• Pus formation in the eyes  
• Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid  
• Increased amount of tears  
• Thick yellow discharge from the eyes, which crusts over the eyelashes, especially after sleep  
• Green or white discharge from the eye  
• Burning eyes  
• Blurred vision  
• Increased sensitivity to light  
• Inflamed eyes   

Home Remedy For Conjunctivitis 

• One of the effective remedies for curing conjunctivitis is to mix 2 tsp. chamomile flowers and 1 tsp oregon grape root in 2 cups of boiling water. Once cooled, strain this mixture and use it as an eye wash.  

• Sliced potatoes would also be beneficial in curing conjunctivitis. Peel the potato and cut it into thin slices. Apply on the affected area of the eye.  

• Prepare a tea using goldthread leaves and use it as a eye wash. Not only does it cure the swollenness caused and the infection, it also relieves a person of the pain.  

• An excellent eye wash for treating conjunctivitis would be to prepare a decoction using handful of dried coriander in 60 ml of water. It relieves a person of the pain and lessens the swelling as well.  

• Increase in the consumption of vitamin A and B2 helps in curing conjunctivitis. The foods rich in Vitamin A are whole milk, yoghurt, butter, carrots, pumpkin, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, mangoes, and papaya whereas green leafy vegetables, almonds, citrus fruits, bananas and tomatoes have high content of vitamin B2.  

• Indian gooseberry juice has medicinal properties which cure conjunctivitis. Prepare a cup of this juice and add two teaspoons of honey. Consumption of this juice two times everyday would be beneficial.  

• Carrot juice also is effective in treating conjunctivitis. To enhance the efficacy of this, add spinach to it. Mix 200 ml of spinach juice with 300 ml of carrot juice. Another combination of raw parsley juice 200ml, mixed with 300 ml of carrot juice also has therapeutic properties and provides relief.  

• Sterile cotton ball and dip it in warm water. Use this to take away the crust formed on the eyelashes. Warmly compress the cotton against the eye to provide relief.  

• Another remedy for conjunctivitis, would be apply poultice yogurt on the infected area of the eye. It would heal the itchiness caused. 

BODY RASH

Body rash or skin rash is usually an inflammation on the skin. Eruptions on the skin of the back are called Back Rash. There is a change in color and texture on the affected area. Skin or body rash could be the result of irritation, disease or an allergic reaction. Allergies could be to food, plants, chemicals, animals, insects or other environmental factors. This kind of skin rash could affect the entire body or be area specific. Though not all body rashes are contagious, some could be.

Symptoms for Body Rash

Red itchy or non-itchy bumps

Little, red itchy or non-itchy bumps on the skin. Stinging or burning sensation on the affected area.

Causes for Body Rash

Reaction to cosmetics,perfumes, soaps

Skin rash could occur as a result of a variety of reasons. Some of the common ones are -
- Allergy to dyes and chemicals in clothing.
- Chemicals present in elastic, latex and rubber products.
- As a reaction to cosmetics, perfumes, soaps and detergents.

Some of the causes for back rash are:-

- Heat rash
- Dermatitis
- Measles
- Dry skin
- Ichthyosis

Home Remedies for Body Rash

Oatmeal bath is preferred

Applying olive oil to the rash could provide some relief.

Aloe Vera gel, cod liver oil and Vitamin E oil are also helpful in combating body rash.

Using baking powder on the affected area is another suggestion to deal with body and back rash.

An oatmeal bath is thought to be effective in treating body rash as it relieves inflammation. Pour a cup of uncooked oatmeal into your bathwater and soak in the tub for best results.

Wash the affected area using chamomile tea.

A poultice made from dandelion, yellow dock root and chaparral helps alleviate skin rash.

Another remedy is to soak a cloth in comfrey tea or calcium water.
Calcium Water preparation – Stir in a spoonful of calcium gluconate powder into a cup of water.

Diet for Body Rash

Consume foods rich in Vitamin C

The antioxidant properties present in Vitamin C helps in fighting body rash. Consume foods rich in Vitamin C.

Avoid foods causing allergic skin rash on the body or back.

Suggestions for Body Rash

Avoid exposing the affected area to direct sunlight and hot water

Do not scrub your skin when there is a rash breakout.

Avoid using soap, switchover to gentle body cleansers.

Refrain from using cosmetic lotions or other ointments directly over the rash.
Make sure you use warm water for cleansing and not hot water. Take care to pat dry your skin instead of rubbing.

Completely stop usage of any newly tried cosmetic or lotion, reaction to this could be a cause.

Ensure that the affected area is exposed to air as much as possible.

Avoid exposing the area to direct sunlight and hot water.

Asthma ATTACKS & Allergies

A Dangerous Link

Asthma is a disease of the respiratory system. The bronchial tubes, which carry air to the lungs, get inflamed, and the simple fact of catch a breath becomes torture. The pollen and some substances that travel in the air can give us an allergic reaction. That allergic reaction can be the trigger for an asthma attack. New medical studies prove the link between allergies and asthma attacks, and doctors recommend that the people who suffer from asthma get tested for allergies.

Get the allergens that can trigger the asthma attacks under control improves the lungs health. The of the allergies are well known: watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing. In a patient with asthma, coughing will be a that will alert them of the possibility of an asthma attack. That would be the moment to go seek for medical attention.

We can do some things to prevent or minimize asthma attacks. Always under medical supervision, there are medicines and procedures that can help. Generally, people diagnosed with asthma, is treated with daily doses of corticosteroids. Some "puffs" with a spray in the morning and at night will prevent the inflammation of the bronchial tubes. In more critical season, as spring, may be necessary to increase the dose of the corticosteroids, and it is important to keep in mind that this medication does not treat asthma attacks, but helps prevent them.

Another important way to prevent asthma attacks is to keep an asthma diary and monitor the lung function. We can do that using a peak expiratory flow, a little machine that measures our lung capacity. We inhale and exhale on it and it gives us a result. We write it down in a graphic that would make the asthma diary. This is very important, because helps the doctor to know about how our lungs "behave" in different moments of the year, and can identify the triggers that cause our asthma attacks.

Once we tested for allergies, we should be persistent and use our medication. If we sports, it is important that we know if the activity is a trigger for our asthma attacks, maybe some allergies medication will avoid having to stop practicing.

In the house, we should extreme the precautions, cleaning and dusting all the time, to prevent allergens that can affect us. Vacuum is a very effective way to eliminate dust mites, animal dander, indoor mold or even pollen, all of them known causes for allergies. Wash bed covers, sheets and pillow cases often, and avoid an excess of around the house. Carpets have to been extremely clean, because they can store a lot of allergens. Remember that secondhand smoking can be a dangerous asthma trigger.

The most important information about asthma is to know the ways to prevent it, and the necessity of being persistent on the medication. Always follow the doctor's instructions.