A cat’s food allergy is a difficult thing to assess. Once it has been determined that a food allergy is the problem, the diet of the cat needs to be examined. Cats can be irritated by sarcoptic mange (scabies), fleas, and inhalation allergies (seasonal pollens for example) but a food allergy has been cited as one of the itchiest afflictions for a cat. Store-bought cat food tends to be seriously processed. Food colorings and a general lower quality of ingredients can play into this. A recent diet change can be also be the culprit. Most interesting however, is the fact that the determination of a food allergy can only really take place if all fleas are eradicated from the pet. A flea bite can at times produce a similar allergic reaction that of a food allergy.
There are several other factors that need to be discerned before a food allergy can be the “arrived upon” diagnosis. Cats will display their discomfort through unkempt hair, continual scratching of infected, crusty skin and possibly even recurring ear infections. Food allergies produce similar results to sarcoptic mange, and flea reactions, but they are a form of atopy. Atopy is characterized by irritation to areas of the body that hasn’t been in direct contact with the allergen. This is why it is very important to determine if the atopy is food related or inhalation related. Pollens, dust, and dust mites can all provide atopic dermatitis similar to that of a food allergy.
After eliminating the other potential irritants, the diet cat’s can now be adjusted. The next step is a hypoallergenic food trial. This is a four to eight week period of time where foods are fed to the cat in order to determine which produces the allergic reaction. During this period of time, if a food doesn’t bring about an adverse reaction, it is a good idea to adopt that food to the pet’s regular diet. Some suggest home cooking as a solution. The test diet can have home-cooked servings of chicken, fish and even tofu added as part of the attempt to determine the food allergy of a cat. There are also specialized foods available for purchase that help a cat owner determine food allergies. A cursory search of the Internet shows that there are specialized cat foods available in order to “mix-up” your cat’s diet and determine what works and what doesn’t work. Common meat products such as herring, turkey and chicken are available.
Sometimes a longer diet trial is needed. The ideas of a continuing inhalant allergy or a fresh round of scabies still being the culprit are things to consider. Furthermore, one has to be completely sure that the food that they are feeding to the cat is the only food that the cat is taking in. A cat’s food allergy is hard to determine, but with patience, and proper trial and error, it can be determined and your pet can be healthy in a relatively short amount of time.
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Posts Tagged ‘Atopic Dermatitis’
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A skin allergy is the body’s over-reaction to one or more allergens in our environment. Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when your skin comes in contact with an allergen that your skin is sensitive or allergic to. Jewelry metals and fragrances top the list of substances most likely to cause serious skin rashes. It can also be triggered by a number of factors, including plants, animals, clothing, food and heat. Eczema is a term used for a group of skin conditions having several things in common: dryness, itching, inflammation and thickening of skin, and recurrence. Contact dermatitis occurs at all ages, whereas atopic dermatitis is most often a problem in kids. Hand dermatitis is caused by skin irritants such as detergents or chemicals. Dry skin occurs because of lack of water in the stratum corneum.
Some allergic reactions to wine stem from insect chemicals, new research shows. Chemicals from Hymenoptera insects may be present in some wines. There are four main types of skin allergy, each caused by different allergens. Prickly heat warm weather often causes the itchy red rash known as prickly heat. Bites and stings is irritations from insect bites and stings can be uncomfortable but reactions tend to be short lived. Urticaria type of allergy. Urticaria also called is nettle rash, because it comes up as an itchy red rash, raised in the middle. The swelling that sometimes goes along with urticaria is called angioedema, and often involves the lips, the eyes, and the hands and feet. Angioedema is usually not itchy or red, it tends to burn, sting or cause a tingling sensation.
The most common treatment for allergic contact dermatitis is a cortisone ointment preparation. Many people opt for the more effective natural treatments such as epitrex, which can eliminate flare-ups. Some people find that oral antihistamines like benadryl allergy relief do the trick. Hydrocortisone is an anti-inflammatory steroid cream. Its low potency makes it safe for self-care. Try to determine what exposures aggravate your rash and avoid them. Wear gloves when washing dishes or clothing, and don’t allow your hands to be constantly wet. Allow wool clothing or blankets against your skin. use soapless cleansers or non-alkaline (neutral) soaps. Use washable cotton or synthetic blankets, not fuzzy surfaced ones. Use easily laundered cotton bedspreads or coverlets; avoid chenille.
Skin allergy Diagnosis and Treatment Tips
1. Use fragrance free products when suffering from allergies of skin.
2. A good moisturising lotion will prevent the skin from drying out.
3. Corticosteroid creams or ointments relieve itchiness and halt the spread of rashes.
4. Using washing detergents suitable for people with allergies will not cause any damage to the skin.
5. Keeping a diary of moments when your skin is inflamed or extremely itchy with raised patches.
6. Antihistamines and decongestants are the most common medicines used for allergies.
7. Hydrocortisone is an anti-inflammatory steroid cream. Its low potency makes it safe for self-care.
8. Try to determine what exposures aggravate your rash and avoid them.