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Posts Tagged ‘Allergy’

Jan
10



In the last few years, there have been emergent concerns about the allergic potential and the toxicity of a lot of raw materials used in fragrances. The issue is pretty sensitive; however any chemical taken in large amounts would harm you. As a matter of fact, the doses of chemicals in colognes or perfumes are not little. Any perfume or cologne contains a mixture of natural raw and synthetic materials. Perfume materials are not drugs or toxins, however since you would be spraying only 10 milligrams of cologne on your body; it would act as a routine cleanser on the skin.

Every substance can potentially become an allergen. Generally, if you are exposed to one chemical for longer periods of time, there are chances that you may develop an allergy. As far as perfumes or colognes are concerned, some amount of strong-smelling molecules are used which can trigger allergies in some individuals. There are many who suffer from severe respiratory allergies that can obstruct the airways and may perhaps be life-threatening. For such people, it would be suggestive to carry a list of known allergens while shopping for their perfume. In case it turns out to be too late and you have already come in contact with the allergen, then you must take appropriate steps to remove the allergen as soon as possible.

Some people develop some kind of skin rash after applying a specific perfume or cologne. In case if you wish to stay free from allergens then you may apply the fragrance on the fabric instead of applying it directly on your skin. Headaches are often a common reaction by individuals who are exposed to an increased amount of fragrance. There are special cases where people may be sensitive to the slightest amount of fragrance. It would be suggestive to keep these people away from all kinds of cologne or perfume.

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Jan
06
Pet Allergies


Our pets are our “furry family.”  But like our human family members, our pets can suffer from allergies.  Contact allergens are, by far, the most common of pet allergies, but inhalant (or ingested) allergies can also affect our pets.

Inhalant allergies are generally allergic reactions to food and/or oral drugs.  Most ingested allergens are derived from your pet’s food – but not from what you might think!  The majority of a pet’s allergic reactions from food come not from the coloring or preservatives in the food, but rather from the meat, dairy, or grain products from which their food is comprised.

Inhalant allergens also include a reaction to medication given by mouth, as well as an episode precipitated by your pet “snacking” on a plant.

Surprisingly, an allergic reaction to food can take anywhere from seven days to ten years to exhibit!  Therefore, it is often one of the last things you, as an owner, may suspect.  (After all, if your pet has been eating the same brand/type of food for several years, it’s not going to “top of mind” when considering what caused your pet to become ill.)  As is the case whenever your pet becomes ill, it is wise to take them to your veterinarian to correctly diagnose the problem and begin treating your pet to get them back on the road to recovery!  (Many veterinary pet insurance plans cover the lab work/tests and medications required to treat your pet’s allergies.)

An allergic reaction to medication or plant ingestion will manifest much more quickly. Felines and canines share identical symptoms including an itchy rash, and possibly diarrhea and vomiting. Additionally, your cat may also have an excessively oily coat.

Fortunately, treatment for this type of allergy is relatively simple. If your pet has a reaction to a plant, just remove the plant from your pet’s “realm.” If it is an allergy to a medication, your veterinarian may suggest an antihistamine, in conjunction with the medication, until it is finished.

Often, food allergies are treated by implementing a bland, hypoallergenic diet for your pet. Many pet supply stores offer hypoallergenic foods, which usually consist of rice and boiled chicken or lamb. Using distilled water for your pet instead of tap water is also recommended, as the minerals and chemicals in tap water can also cause a reaction. Your pet’s symptoms should subside within a week.  However, if your pet continues to scratch incessantly, you may want to consider a veterinary dermatologist for further testing.



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