Archive for the ‘Allergies’ category

How to Reduce Asthma Triggers in Your Home

December 8th, 2011

To reduce allergens in your home you have to make sure your home is as dust free as possible. You should also avoid using harsh cleaning products while cleaning your home as well.

Here is a few things you can do in your home to help reduce asthma triggers in your home.

Dusting

Avoid feather dusters. Feather dusters tend to upset the dust and put the dust back into the air. Instead, use a slightly moist cloth or specially designed dry cloth to wipe, trap, and remove dust on all hard surfaces.

Choose the Right Vacuum Cleaner

Vacuums come in all shapes and sizes and prices. Unfortunately when it comes to vacuums you get what you pay for. Many vacuums suck up the dust and then spew it back out into the air. You should make sure that the vacuum has a HEPA filter and is well made with tight seals around openings so that no dust can be leaking out of the vacuum as you are using it. Make sure the vacuum is easy to open and empty so that when you are emptying a full vacuum the particles of dust and dirt are not entering the air again.

Cleaning Products

When choosing a cleaning product make sure you are reading labels and purchasing cleaners that are non-toxic with little to no odor. Avoid aerosol products as they are another potential irritant.

Pet Dander & Dust Mites

You want to make sure that pet dander is limited. Dust mites use pet dander as food. Pet dander will settle on pretty much any surface, specially linens, furniture, blinds, carpet, etc. You want to make sure that you vacuum and change bedding on a weekly basis. In every room of your home you should vacuum furniture, curtains and drapes once a week. If at all possible choose easy to clean flooring. Carpets tend to hold on to pet dander and dust mites very well. You must vacuum often. Easy to clean flooring such as hardwood, tile, and laminate flooring are great choices for any home and room. They are easy to keep dust free and they are easy to wash. » Read more: How to Reduce Asthma Triggers in Your Home

Figuring Out What One Is Allergic To

December 8th, 2011

Are you bothered by skin problems? If so you are definitely not alone. Skin problems of some kind are among the most common complaints of adults and teens. Proper treatment and care help correct various skin problems.

1. Acne condition – you are probably aware that acne is one of the most common complexion complaints especially among teens. Why does this problem occur so frequently during the teen years, when appearance is so important?

During maturation, sex glands increase the secretion of hormones, and this produces many body changes. There is noticeable spurt in growth and an increase in body hair. A childish figure begins changing into that of an adult at the same time these hormones stimulate the oil glands to produce more sebum. This extra oil causes the acne problem.

Acne cannot be prevented or cured but it can be controlled, in most cases acne clears by itself after the teen years but don’t wait yourself or your teen outgrow the acne it is better to get help as early as possible.

2. Boils – When bacteria that cause pimples penetrate all the layers of the skin, an infection called boils will develop. This tissue surrounded by pus that is compose of living, dead bacteria and white blood cells. Like pimples boils should not be squeezed because once you did it will spread the infection all over the skin and increase damage.

3. Warts – often warts appear as horny, raised growths on the epidermis. Warts are caused by a virus that can be contacted anywhere. Up to this time there are no drugs that could kill virus. Mostly warts appear on the face but it can grow anywhere particularly in warm moist areas. It can easily spread around the body and multiply rapidly because it is contagious. Doctor’s advice is important to eliminate this problem. A special procedure maybe conducted as per doctor’s advice.

4. Skin Spots – White spots, also known as vitiligo are patches where the skin fails to produce melanin. There is no explanation so far why this condition occurs. There are special drugs that said to have success in treating this disorder however covering the spots with cosmetics are more practical.

5. Moles – are excess pigment and slight overgrowth of epidermis and dermis. Usually moles with light and dark brown colors are harmless but you should be alarmed if the mole is black or blue because it can be dangerous. Moles can be develop into skin cancer anytime so it is best to consult your doctor especially when you notice rapid changes in your mole like change in color, bleeding or irritation. » Read more: Figuring Out What One Is Allergic To