Seasonal Allergies
Dr Bassett on How to Treat Hives
I’m here today to talk a little about hives.
Overview of Hives
There are many varieties of hives. They may have a variable appearance, generally are red in color, often round and raised, and are of varying sizes. The hallmark symptom in most patients is itchiness. A mild case of hives often disappears on its own after a few hours, but may last or occur on and off for weeks, months and even years.
Acute Hives
Acute hives that last less than 6 weeks are generally caused by a variety of allergens that may include foods, insect stings, bites and infection (particularly in children). A medication a patient takes such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or antibiotics can be some of the leading causes. Please also note that acute hives may be part of an allergic reaction that can be associated with life-threatening symptoms.
Chronic Hives
When hives last for more than 6 weeks they are known as ‘chronic’. About 1% of the US population suffers from chronic hives, and in many cases it is extremely difficult to determine the exact cause.
Chronic hives are generally more common in middle-aged adults and women. The immune system may be somehow involved, especially in cases where an answer is elusive. Other common causes associated with chronic hives include thyroid and hormonal conditions as well as physical triggers like rubbing, scratching, vibration, water, skin pressure and even changes in skin temperature.
Solar or Light Triggered Hives
In some cases, such as solar or light triggered hives, a simple sun block and avoidance will provide the answer. With delayed pressure hives, the symptoms may be slow to start but last longer periods of time. Loose-fitting clothing may help in this case. Dressing warmer can reduce cold temperature hives, especially if you wear gloves.
In many cases, it may be difficult to know the exact cause of a hive. In allergic associated hives, there may be a pattern of exposure (cause and effect) and keeping a food diary can often provide some valuable insight into possible triggers. In a small number of individuals with hives, exercise actually can be the provoking stimulus.
Some of the most effective and safest treatment of hives can come from second-generation, non-sedating oral antihistamines. These medications will reduce itchiness, the size of the hive and the frequency and severity of the episodes. In some cases when hives are severe and /or persistent oral steroids may need to be prescribed to control the itchiness and/or swelling of the skin.
In many cases you may need to see your health care provider or a specialist, such as a dermatologist or an allergist.
For more information, please visit About.com.
Dr Bassett on Pack an Anti-Allergy Summer Kit
I’m here today to talk a little bit about what you should include in an anti-allergy summer kit.
Nasal and sinus allergies can cause a lot of misery, especially during the summer when peak pollen levels can be quite high. Let’s review some essential items that you should have available this summer for effective anti-allergy control.
Nasal Saline Solutions
Nasal saline solutions, either a dropper bottle or a neti-pot can really assist in keeping your sinuses and nasal passages clear and clean, and they serve to help dilute and wash away pollens and molds. This will result in fewer and less severe allergy symptoms.
Anti-Itch Creams
Keep some over the counter hydrocortisone steroid cream to help with any skin rashes and mosquito bite reactions, especially during the prime biting times such as dawn and dusk. Along with the anti-itch cream, keep an instant ice compress for rashes, bites and the like. This provides a rapid reduction in redness and itchiness associated with both bites and simple rashes, which will bring relief.
Insect Repellent
Keep insect repellent sprays for adults and children and lotions in your kit to provide real anti-bite protection from mosquitoes as well as ticks this summer. The two major types of repellents are chemicals, such as DEET, and natural products such as oil of lemon and eucalyptus. Apply as directed – read the label – and wash them off when coming indoors.
It’s also a very good idea to include calamine lotion in your kit. This helps with minor skin irritations, bites, and plant-related rashes such as poison ivy. It can provide some soothing anti-itch comfort.
Epinephrine Auto Injectors
More than half a million of us in the US are treated each year in urgent care settings for a reaction to an insect sting from bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and even fire ants. Get a prescription for two epinephrine auto injectors if you have an allergy to stinging insects, and of course, keep it with you particularly during the warm summer months.
Band-aids and Adhesive Tape
Band-aids, adhesive tape, instant cold compresses, anti-infection creams as well as antiseptics for minor cuts and abrasions are all great items to have as well, especially when your kids are around.
If you suffer from allergies, have a pollen mask and/or non-latex rubber gardening gloves, which will really help you if you’re working in the garden to reduce your chance of getting plant dermatitis.
For the more than twelve million who have food allergies, keep safe snacks on hand and a list of what food ingredients to avoid when away from home.
You may wish to adjust the contents of your survival kit this summer to meet your exact needs. Stay safe and try to be ready to prevent and control allergy related conditions.
For more information, please visit About.com.
Dr Bassett on Tips for Avoiding Pollen
Today, I’d like to provide you with some helpful tips for avoiding allergy misery from exposure to pesky pollens during the summer months.
Be aware of the pollen count and know what pollens you may be allergic to by simple in-office allergy skin tests, so you can plan ahead for summer outdoor activities.
Pollen Counts Lower by Water
As pollen counts are typically lower by a body of water, take your vacation at such places as beaches, rivers or lakes, especially during your peak allergy season.
On high pollen days, consider exercising indoors or perhaps later in the day when pollen levels are often lower. Take your allergy medications before going outside to prevent annoying symptoms.
Pollen Protection: Hat and Sunglasses
Wear a hat and big sunglasses to prevent pollen from landing on your hair or in your eyes. Don’t use hair gel and similar hair-care products that can act as a pollen magnet during the height of the allergy season.
Wash Hair at Night to Rinse off Pollen
Wash your hair at night to rinse away any pollen that may have landed there during the day. Avoid window fans to keep unwanted pollen from being blown into your home. Allergy unfriendly plants and flowers include: many types of daisies, dahlias, sunflowers, Black-eyed Susan, zinnia, privet and even lilac.
Combining these strategies can help you reduce exposure, and in my patient practice, it really does help to reduce allergy misery all summer long.
For more information, please visit About.com.
Dr Bassett on Natural Sinus Allergy Treatment
Today I would like to talk a little bit about natural ways to treat your nasal and sinus allergies. Among the many options available to you, I recommend exploring the following approaches.
Natural Way to Treat Allergies: Acupuncture
Let’s start with acupuncture. Although it’s not exactly clear why, several recent studies have looked at acupuncture and how it may help alleviate allergy symptoms, especially if you start early and treat before symptoms begin. Some theorize that it may work by stimulating various meridians, which are pathways of energy flow in the body that may help control overactive immune responses to specific allergies.
Drink Hot Beverages to Clear Nasal Passages
Hot beverages is next. Just like a nice steam room or shower, holding your nasal passages near a cup of soup, tea or hot liquids can help allow your nasal and sinus passages to open up. In some studies, antioxidants present in various teas like green tea have been shown to perhaps assist in anti-inflammatory or allergy fighting capabilities.
Spice it up. That means chili, cayenne peppers that contain large amounts of capsaicin can be helpful. This active ingredient can help decongest your nasal and sinus passages. While spicy foods laced with chili peppers may trigger some immediate, mild discomfort, they may also provide a reduction in nasal congestion afterwards.
Remember, natural is often not better, and is generally combined in my practice with traditional, time proven nasal and sinus management strategies.
For more information, please visit About.com.
Dr Bassett on Summer Sun Allergy: Prevention and Treatment
Today, I’d like to discuss preventing and treating of summer sun allergies.
Overview of Sun Allergies
Some individuals have had sun allergy symptoms since childhood and others develop these symptoms later on in life due to a variety of things associated with sunlight exposure.
Sun allergy is actually a true immune system event that’s responsible for a variety of skin rashes and blisters on generally sun-exposed areas, such as the neck or upper chest.
Photo-Allergic and Contact Dermatitis
A photo-allergic or contact dermatitis occurs when the skin reacts with a chemical such as a sunscreen or fragrance as an example.
Common Solar Skin Allergies
The most common type of solar skin allergy is polymorphous light eruption, otherwise known as PMLE, and occurs in as many as 1 in 10 Americans. Adult women are more commonly affected with this condition. It often kicks off each spring and may even go dormant during the wintertime thought to be due to lower ultraviolet light exposure.
Solar Allergy Symptoms
Solar allergy symptoms often develop about 24-48 hours after exposure to the offending agent. In office allergy skin patch tests are very helpful in identifying the cause or trigger. There are a variety of oral medications such as antibiotics, aspirin, NSAIDS such as ibuprofen and other pills that may trigger sun related skin reactions.
In solar urticaria, the onset of hives may be seen quickly yet fade over a few hours. In any case, avoidance of direct sunlight and a good sun block agent reduces the likelihood of symptoms and the likelihood of a reaction. Topical steroid creams are also used and prescribed for sun-provoked reactions of the skin. Severe episodes often require stronger medications including the use of oral corticosteroid pills.
For more information, please visit About.com.
Dr Bassett on Summer Camp Tips for Kids with Food Allergies
Today, I’d like to make some recommendations for kids with serious food allergies who will be attending summer camp. Before he or she takes off, be sure to have a written food allergy action plan by an allergist and/or pediatrician. This action plan should focus on a few main concepts:
Make a List of Foods to Avoid
- Have a specific list of all food allergies and items to avoid. Accidental exposure may occur, and there needs to be a clear-cut plan in case of an emergency.
- Be clear about the proper, immediate treatment for allergic reactions.
- Know the location of and how to use an epinephrine-auto injector.
Become Familiar with Food Allergy Warning Signs
Be familiar with the early warning signs of a food allergic reaction in a child and be sure that camp staff is aware of these signs as well.
An awareness must be present at camp as far as food sharing, especially with younger children. Also, always travel with safe foods and snacks, and this really helps to reduce temptation.
Become a ‘Label Detective’
Being a label detective during the summer and at camp is essential in reducing the risk of consuming foods that need to be avoided. For example, knowing various common food and chemical allergen names, such as ‘casein’, a milk protein, is critical. In fact, casein can even be found in canned tuna and hot dogs in some cases. In many facilities, it’s now common to see peanut and nut free policies for all of the campers and staff.
Have a conference before camp starts with camp staff about what you expect if they are to care for your child properly. The best offense is a great defense, so take the time to have a thorough conversation with those in charge before your kid goes off to camp this summer!
For more information, please visit About.com.
Dr Bassett on Summer Skin Allergies
I’m here today to discuss summer skin allergies.
Plant Dermatitis
Plant dermatitis, it’s a scary name. What does it mean. Millions of us will succumb this year to effects of poison ivy, poison sumac and poison oak. They can really do quite a bit to damage your summer, and our tips today will help you become more allergy and ivy-free.
Common Poison Ivy Plants
First, learn what the most common poison ivy plants look like, so you may avoid direct contact with them. Poison oak, ivy and sumac all contain an oily chemical known as urushiol, which really irritates your skin and can produce a severe allergic reaction. At least 50% of us in the United States are sensitive to this chemical and may react to one of the Rhus family plants, known to cause discomfort when you come in contact with this plant causing itchiness, redness, oozing skin, blisters and severe burning. As urushiol is an oily substance, water alone will not remove it, but be sure to use soap and water.
Poison Ivy Remedies
Some remedies include the use of skin barrier creams and lotions that contain ivy blocking compounds in them to prevent the oils from getting in to your skin. You may also need to see a dermatologist or allergist for prescription strength creams and even oral steroids to hasten recovery, which may take up to 21 days for severe episodes to resolve.
Warm, summer hot days are associated with heat-related rashes that can occur from excessive sweating. It may appear as a rash, especially in areas of creases of the skin, and this type of summer rash often disappears without any treatment. Obviously, dressing with loose, breathable fabrics allow for sweating to dissipate more easily. A dermatologist can also be consulted if it’s persistent and doesn’t go away as you may also have folliculitis or worsening of eczema as well.
Insect Allergies
Stinging insect allergy: Obviously, if you have a history of a life threatening allergic reactions to bees, hornets, wasps, yellow jackets and even fire ants you need proper evaluation and management by an experienced allergist to reduce your chances of going into anaphylaxis, which is a potentially life threatening allergic reaction. There are a great deal more stings and bites of these venomous creatures during warm summer months. And, if you have a history of significant or life threatening reactions or allergic reactions, have an action plan in place including the use of an epinephrine auto injector, which can reverse the effects of a potentially life threatening reaction immediately.
For more information, please visit About.com.
Are You Allergic to Your Sunscreen?
by Dr. Clifford Bassett, Published July 05, 2013, FoxNews.com
Over past couple of decades we have seen increasing danger from our powerful sun and its UV rays to cause sunburns and skin cancer. That is why it is so very important to have maximum protection that includes selecting a sunscreen that is effective and safe. Skin allergy to sunscreens can occur as a result of an allergic reaction to any one of multiple ingredients in the sunscreens. Some of the more common triggers may be from the fragrance and/or preservatives in a sunscreen lotion
“Suspicion of allergy to sun blocks are not uncommon concerns of patients”, according to David E. Cohen MD, MPH Director of Allergic, Occupational, and Environmental Dermatology at New York University School of Medicine. If you have a sunscreen reaction it can occur anywhere the lotion is applied. Rarely, you may even have an allergy to the sun itself!
Who is most likely to be allergic to their sunscreen?
First, those exposed to sun on a regular basis, allergic persons (i.e. eczema), people who work outdoors, as well as women as they are more likely exposed to cosmetics that contain sunscreen. Sunscreen allergy is estimated to be about 1 percent of all skin allergies.
There are 2 types of sunscreens; one is a “chemical absorber” that acts as a sponge to block UV radiation from affecting skin. Physical blocking agents such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide may be preferred if you have sensitive skin, or if you have a sunscreen allergy to chemical sunscreens such as benzophenones, cinnamates.
Whatever product you ultimately choose, a simple in office delayed allergy patch test can identify if you are allergic or will react to the agent chosen. “Patch testing would be helpful in distinguishing the specific item that may be causing the allergic reaction”, according to Dr. Cohen, who is an international expert on skin allergies and patch testing, “when a chemical sun block allergy is suspected, physical sun blocks that contain titanium or zinc may be helpful”.
Lastly in a recent published study in the Annals of Internal Medicine, daily sunscreen users were much less likely than those using sunscreen only when needed, to show evidence of signs of aging skin after four years, in a group of young and mid aged adults. So apply a well-tolerated sunscreen every day to possibly slow the effects of sun damage, and why not have younger looking skin!
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/07/05/am-really-allergic-to-my-sunscreen/#ixzz2YSFNf4wk
Say ‘I don’t’ to allergies on your wedding day
Wedding season is in full swing and we all know allergies and weddings don’t mix. If you want to avoid saying “A-choo!” instead of “I do,” take a few minutes to plan ahead before the big day.
Here are some helpful tips to avoiding misery on what will be the happiest day of your life:
1. Watch the pollen count (pollen levels are usually higher in the early morning). Plan an indoor wedding if it coincides with peak spring and summer pollen season.
2. Pre-medicate before the big day to prevent itchy, red eyes and lots of sneezing.
3. Do a trial run with your makeup artist, or do a patch test to make sure you won’t break out from new makeup used on your wedding day.
4. Pack an allergy emergency kit for your honeymoon.
5. Faux candles work best, but if they aren’t an option, try scent-free natural candles, such as soy and/or beeswax.
6. Consider paper or silk flowers.
7. Choose a no- or low-fragrance flower for your wedding bouquet. The best flower choices include: daffodils, tulips, orchids, gladiolas, fuchsias, carnations, low-scent roses or tea roses, snapdragons and “double-flowered” baby’s breath.
8. Avoid scented flowers like peonies, lilies, gardenias, stargazers, freesias, daisies, dahlias and sunflowers. Watch out for the sap from lilies and alstromeria that can cause a nasty rash.
9. Various oils (ginger, bergamot, orange, lime, and grapefruit) used in aromatherapy or during a pre-wedding massage can provoke a rash, after your skin is exposed to the sun. Try to avoid these if at all possible.
These strategies should be the beginning of an allergy-free & healthy life together!
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/06/21/say-dont-to-allergies-on-your-wedding-day/#ixzz2XAzo2tQD