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Eczema Mayo Clinic
Contact Dermatitis Symptoms and Treatments
Eczema, hives and other skin conditions are a common reaction in those who have a type of allergy called contact dermatitis. It may be caused by sensitivity to hair dyes or perfumes. It can result from wearing rings made from certain metals like nickel or gold.
According to a recent study at the Mayo Clinic, the top 10 likely skin allergens are:
1. Nickel in the form of nickel sulfate hexahydrate
2. Gold in the form of gold sodium thiosulfate
3. Balsam, a fragrance used in some perfumes and skin lotions
4. Thimerosal, which is a mercury compound used as a preservative in some vaccines
5. Neomycin, a common topical antibiotic
6. Some common fragrances used in foods, cosmetic products, insecticides, antiseptics, soaps, perfumes and dental products
7. Formaldehyde, used in paint and some cosmetic products
8. Cobalt chloride, a compound used in some medical products and elsewhere
9. Bacitracin, another topical antibiotic
10. Quaternium 15, a preservative used in some cosmetic products.
Other factors, such as bee venom, can also produce allergic reactions that manifest themselves as hives or other skin problems. Some food sensitivities such as to peanuts, may also cause hives.
In all cases, prevention is the best medicine. Usually, that means avoidance. Avoiding contact with substances that can contact the skin and produce an allergic reaction is the best course of action. Bee and wasp stings, or spider bites, can't necessarily be avoided entirely. But one can improve the odds by avoiding certain areas or putting traps far from the front door or garden.
Fortunately, when allergic reactions do occur, there are numerous effective treatments.
Topical 1% hydrocortisone creams are one very common and effective over the counter treatment. This solution does work for millions. Gentle application and proper clothing to avoid wearing it off rapidly can provide symptomatic and even long-term relief.
Non-alkaline cleansers can be useful for symptom relief for those who suffer eczema. After the area is cleaned, it can help to apply corticosteroids to reduce swelling. Then apply moisturizing agents to prevent dryness and cracking. Since the skin is the body's first line of defense against disease from germs, it may be necessary to take antibiotics to prevent secondary infections that can result from germs entering through skin cracks.
Sometimes, treatments from the inside are equally effective. Antihistamines such as Tagamet can be very useful. Even though the allergen may be very different from, say, that which causes hay fever (such as pollen), the treatment can be the same. That's because the underlying immune system reaction is very similar. In both cases the body is overreacting and producing excess histamine.
In the nasal membranes, for example, that histamine creates openings in tissue that swell and release fluid, producing a runny nose. In skin tissue, the histamine causes a similar swelling action, with a resulting bump. So, an antihistamine that reduces the action of this natural biochemical can be an effective treatment for mild skin allergies.
For those who suffer more severe allergic reactions, there are more powerful treatments.
Oral or injectable steroids, such as prednisone, can be highly effective. But, as with all steroids, long term use can lead to undesirable side effects. They should be taken only on the advice of a physician after a professional diagnosis.
In those rare cases where the skin condition triggers severe anaphylaxis, epinephrine may be called for.
About the Author
James Conrad is a freelance article writer, and holds a B.A. in English Studies. He, like many people, has had to deal with allergies since childhood. James has compiled a website with lots of resources on how to deal with allergies. For more help, with allergies, including tips, articles, and videos, you can visit his web page at http://www.allergyinformationonline.com
The Truth About Dark Circles Under the Eyes
You’ve probably heard it all before – from your friend, lover, mother-in-law or even your next-door neighbor. Staying up late at night and stress can cause dark circles under the eyes. However, the truth may surprise you.
While fatigue and burning the midnight candle can contribute to the condition, dark circles under the eyes are often the result of nasal congestion, according to Mayo Clinic dermatologist Dr. Lawrence Gibson.
“You may be surprised to learn that fatigue usually isn't the cause of dark circles. Instead, the most common cause is nasal congestion. When your nose is congested, veins that usually drain from your eyes into your nose become widened (dilated) and darker,” Gibson explained.
Eyelid swelling during sleep is another common cause. When you lie down, fluid collects in your lower eyelids because of gravity. As the eyelids swell, this may create the appearance of shadows or dark circles below your eyes.
Other possible causes are chronic skin conditions such as atopic eczema (also called atopic dermatitis), a disease characterized by red, flaky, and itchy skin, and fluid retention due to excessive salt intake, too much smoking, and heart, kidney or liver disease. The condition may also be a sign of dehydration or iron deficiency anemia.
But don’t panic! In most cases, the condition is temporary and not a serious medical problem. It tends to run in families so if one of your parents have it, chances are so will you. As blood passes through tiny capillaries close to the surface of the eyes, it becomes more noticeable in fair skinned people, contributing to dark circles. The problem becomes worse with aging since the skin under the eyes becomes thinner, making the blood vessels or dark circles more visible. If you love the outdoors and spend a lot of time under the sun, you may also develop dark circles below the eyes because the harmful rays of the sun can weaken the skin.
To get rid of those dark circles, here are some tips from Dr. Mark Van Wormer, a board certified diplomat of the American Board of Anti - Aging Medicine:
“Place cotton pads soaked in eye soothing fluid in the refrigerator. On the morning you wake up with puffy eyes or in the evening when you must go out after a long hard day's work but those dark circles are jumping out at you in the mirror, do the following:
• Start by removing all eye makeup.
• Lie down with feet up.
• Place the cool soaked pads over eyes.
• Rest 10 minutes while listening to soft, soothing music.
“Ten minutes later, your puffiness will be gone and you will look rested,” he said.
Some people swear by Eyevive, an eye cream for men and women that strengthens tiny vessels around the eyes to reduce the formation of dark circles, fine lines, wrinkles, and puffiness. This breakthrough formula contains special ingredients enhanced with green tea extract, aloe and Pro-Vitamin B5 to give you a fresher and more vibrant look. For more information, visit http://www.eyevive.com.
About the Author
Janet Martin is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premier online news magazine. http://www.thearticleinsiders.com.
