Posts Tagged ‘skin’
Dog Care : What to Do if a Dog Has Dry, Itchy Skin
If a dog has dry, itchy skin, the best treatment is going to be medicated shampoo, which can moisturize the skin and prevent flaking. Find out how conditioner can become trapped in a dog’s hair follicles by coconut oil withhelp from a professional dog groomer in this free video on dogs with dry skin. Expert: Victoria Calvin Contact: www.splish-n-splashmobile.com Bio: Victoria Calvin is a professional dog groomer in Miami, and the owner of Splish-n-Splash Mobile Pet Grooming. She is a member of the National Dog Groomers Association. Filmmaker: Paul Muller
Learning About Two Common Symptoms of Dog Skin Problems
If your dog is having any skin problem, never ignore it. Your ignorance can lead to an extremely sore skin of your beloved pet made by its biting and scratching. Moreover, if not paid heed to for long, the skin disease can intensify and spread to other members of your household, even you.
The basic symptoms of dog skin problems are itching and reddening of the skin.
If you find your pet constantly scratching a specific part of its body, be sure, it is caused by terrible itching. Itching can occur due to attack of parasites like tick, mites or lice. If you examine carefully you may also be able to discover bacterial sores i.e. small reddish spots in already inflamed areas.
There are basically four causes for this problem:
Ear disease
Parasite infestation
Contact dermatitis which is indicated by redness on the stomach
Affected anal sacs, which is indicated by dog licking inflammations at the base of his tail
The treatment of course, is cause specific. If it’s caused by parasites, an antiparasitic bath is the best antidote. For minor bacterial problems, use antibacterial wash. If your pet is suffering from severe bacterial sores or ear problems or infected anal sacs, don’t take a chance! Consult a vet immediately!
For reddened skin, there are still four possible causes:
Allergic dermatitis
Contact dermatitis
Fleas
Anything that causes irritation such as lice, ringworm, or bacterial sores
If the reddening is limited to one particular region of your pet’s body, try applying calamine lotion. But if it is more extensive, wash out the infected part with lanolin baby shampoo. This will cool down the affected skin of the patient. After the dog is dry, you may even use a good flea spray. In case nothing works and the problem remains after 24 hours, do consult your vet.
Do Older Dogs Tend to Get Fat?
The answer is YES. Too much pampering tends to overfeed your dog. Older dogs develop loose muscles owing to lack of exercise and over feeding.
How Does a Dog’s Hearing or Sight Change, as He Gets Older?
Both hearing and sight are negatively affected with age. Even when the dog is medically fit, we see that dogs aged between 9-15 years often lose their power of hearing. Deafness occurs so gradually that often it’s impossible for the owner to detect it properly until the dog has become totally deaf.
Blinding, however, is a much rarer problem in dogs although partial clouding of the lens may occur with advancing age. Dog’s eyes contain no cones but only rod cells. So they are color blind i.e. can see only shades of black, white and gray. They do not have the power of a colored vision.
To learn more about dog behavioral and other pet-related problems, check with your local vet by phone or in person. You can also surf the web for many dog articles to help you and your furry friend become better at knowing one another.
Take care!
Article by Kelly Marshall from Oh My Dog Supplies – to find ceramic dog bowls to match any decor, go to http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/dog-supplies/dog-bowls/
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http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/learning-about-two-common-symptoms-of-dog-skin-problems-765652.html
Learning About Basic About Dog Skin Problems
Dog skin problems may not seem worth worry, but in reality, they often develop complications. The term that is generally used for skin problems of dogs is eczema. It is used to refer to sore, swollen skin. But pinpointing the actual cause of eczema is not easy and sometimes even impossible.
Dog skin problems are chiefly caused by soreness or dermatitis that leads to itch and irritation. Naturally, the dog, feeling uncomfortable scratches the swelled skin with its teeth and claws, thus causing hair loss and worse inflammation. Hence, this kind of skin disease of dogs is called itch-scratch-itch cycle. This may also cause rawness of skin, which will thus be an easy prey to bacterial infection.
There are a few definite symptoms of this kind of eczema:
Scratching
Rashes
Reddened skin
Loss of hair
Body parts wet from licking (in white dogs, the infected parts grow brown by coming in constant contact with the saliva)
Black and rough stuff in the fur
Dryness of skin
Worms attracted by the fur
Infected spots, dandruff and mats
As you must have understood by now, the most effective way to avoid dog-skin problems is to keep your pet hygienic and clean. Regular bath and cleansing is necessary to keep the fur as well as the skin of your dog totally dirt free.
Many people still believe that grooming a dog is strictly optional and needed only for cosmetic reasons. Don’t pay heed to them. Good grooming is mandatory if you want your pet to be healthy. It is a useful way to test the presence of fleas, ticks, and other signs of diseases, that can cause skin problem to your dog.
You must be wondering now about how many times to give your dog a bath. First of all, it’s obvious that if your dig was playing outdoors or gets into something dirty, he needs a bath at once. Otherwise you have to decide upon the number of times you should bathe it, according to the texture of its fur.
If your pet has a smooth coat like a Dalmatian or a Whippet, it requires bath only twice a year. The same rule prevails if it’s a Golden Retriever or Saint Bernard.
If the fur of your dog is long like a Bearded Collie or a Maltese, it faces greater risks of entanglement and other dog skin problems. He needs at least once in a month bath schedule to stay fit.
On the other hand, a wirehaired dog like the Schnauzer or Norfolk Terrier, will require a month at the interval of 3-4 months.
Finally, if your dog has cute, curly fur as a Poodle or a Curly-Coated Retriever then be sure to face entanglement and knots to occur frequently. For these dogs, a bath becomes necessary every 6-8 weeks to keep them away from skin problems.
Muscle Atrophy In The Older Dog: It is natural that every mammal’s muscles grow weaker and smaller with advancing age. But still, there are two muscle disorders on dogs, which initially look like normal weakness but are actually poorly comprehended complex problems.
The first disease is often termed as polymyositis, which causes inflammation of one or more muscles in the body. The chief symptom is that the dog feels weak at its leg muscles after a period of physical exercise and may fall down. After a time, it will seem to get better only to reveal in a while that it is not and would thus fall down again.
This disease generally affects dogs during late middle and early old age. The root cause may be various but apparently deficiency in the dog’s immunity system is primary. Treatment with corticosteroids has proved to be effective. Although sometimes the muscles of the esophagus are affected and swallowing becomes difficult, they are successful to an extent.
The second disorder that occurs mainly in older dogs is muscular dystrophy. It is very similar to the muscular dystrophy that we see in human beings. Affected animals become inflexible in its movements as the muscles go on becoming smaller in size and weaker in strength. The cause of this disease is yet to be discovered and thus, the only treatment possible is to sooth the patient, trying to make him comfortable and is often based on the specie concerned.
Article written by Kelly Marshall from Oh My Dog Supplies – to find dog food storage containers in every size, go to http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/dog-supplies/food-storage/
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How to Help Dog With Itchy Skin
Dog allergies are fairly common and can be the cause of dry, itchy skin. If your dog is scratching a lot, he could be suffering from environmental allergens like pollen and dust, or even from inflammation caused by flea bites. Another source of itching could be the shampoo or grooming products used on your pooch.
This is because a dog’s skin is ten times more sensitive his caretaker’s. This makes them highly susceptible to the irritants found in their surroundings.
Getting to the heart of the matter may take a multi-pronged approach due to the numerous causes for canine itching. Making time to do this however, will be essential in diagnosing and subsequently curing your dog’s skin ailment.
Proper Grooming
While dogs often run away from the dreaded bath or flea dip, most do not mind being brushed. This is because loving pet parents who know what they’re doing can make it an enjoyable experience. With the proper products, habitual grooming may even make a dogs skin healthier. Keeping the skin healthy is one significant way to keep itchiness to a minimum.
If you find you rarely have time to groom (or don’t know how to do it properly) take your doggie to a pro.
Groomers use products that help a dog maintain a healthy coat, which is gained from healthy skin.
Provide a Skin Protective Diet
Just like human beings, dogs may be susceptible to food allergies. Even organic pet food or treats can have ingredients in them that cause the dog’s skin to be dry and flaky.
To uncover the offending item, try changing the foods your pet eats. If and when you find the suspect ingredient, remove it from your pet’s diet. This could in turn alleviate your dog’s dry itch.
Also, be sure to scan future purchases to ensure new products are free of this particular allergen.
Bathing and Dipping
Some dog owners may be over washing their pet, which can lead to dryness, especially if the products being used are chemically based. This is due to the fact that many chemicals found in maintenance products can be extremely harsh to a dog’s skin. However, even with organic pet products, over washing is not a good idea.
Washing once a month is always best.
If fleas are the cause of the itching, then a dip could be the solution. Taking your pet to the vet would be the best course of action, but if you insist on doing the dip yourself, look into organic products that won’t irritate the dog’s skin further. As a matter of fact, if your pet suffers from chronic dry, itchy skin, you should look into an organic line of grooming and maintenance product anyway.
Remember to use lukewarm water when bathing your pet as well and towel dry your dog as opposed to blow drying him or her. These all important steps will continue to keep the skin from over-drying.
When to visit the vet
Realistically speaking, your dog itchiness can be a reaction to any number of things, including the mange. If you have tried to figure out the source of your dog’s condition and come up empty, it may be time to take them to the veterinarian.
A vet can do a ton of diagnostics that will aid them in determining the factors that are contributing to the skin problem.
They will also be able to employ a variety of solutions, like steroid injections, topical or oral cortisone and/or antihistamines.
Once you uncover what is behind yours dogs dry and itching skin, you can take the steps necessary to protect them. The health of your dog and his quality of life could very well depend on what you do in the regard and your loyal and adoring companion is worth all the effort.
Find all wholesale dog supplies for your canine friend; from dog shampoo to dog itchy skin remedies.
Source: ArticlesBase
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Ways to Improve the Health of Your Dog’s Coat and Skin
Is your dog’s coat dry and matted/knotted? There are many ways to solve this problem, including using natural ingredients. Dogs that lack certain nutrients and vitamins will more likely have skin issues and even skin allergies. They can also experience hair loss and also a dull coat. Here are some ways to improve the condition of your dog’s coat and skin:
Using a conditioner – there are many dog shampoos on the market that also include a conditioner that de-matts and makes the dog’s coat silky and soft. There are also products that can be applied by spraying them on the dog’s coat after a bath to make the coat shiny and soft. Note: Bathing your dog too many times can damage the coat making it dull and dry since the shampoo can wash off the natural skin/hair oils. Carefully picking your dog’s food – dogs that are known to have skin or coat problems should be fed with a different diet, especially one that contains fish as the main ingredient. Some dogs may even be allergic to certain kibble brands, so you need to experiment with the food until you find what works for your dog and his skin and coat. Adding fish oil to your dog’s diet – fish oils from salmon, sardines, and anchovies are great for your dog’s coat. You can add some fish oil to your dog’s food that is either sold in a bottle or in capsules that can be opened and put the oil on his food. Raw eggs - raw eggs can help make the coat shiny and soft but should not be given often – maybe twice a week. The best thing would be if you can just give the yolk part and remove the egg white since too many raw egg whites by themselves can cause your dog to suffer from a biotin deficiency. Salmonella is another concern of raw eggs, but the probability that an egg is contaminated with Salmonella is 0.000033% (basically 1 in 30,000 eggs). Olive oil – a great way to rehydrate your dog’s coat and protect his skin is to use olive oil. Wet your dog’s hair and then rub it with olive oil. Let it sit for about 20-30 minutes, and then give your dog his usual bath to remove any excess oil that was not absorbed by the hair and skin. This method also works for human hair!
Find purebred dog breeders and puppies for sale in your area. Responsible breeders are welcomed to join us, and showcase their healthy, sound dogs that reflect their proper breed standard.
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Skin Irritation: What is Your Dog Suffering From?
Skin problems are a lead cause of irritation for dogs. The remedy for skin irritation in dogs usually depends on what the cause is.
Fleas and ticks found in your dog’s fur is a frequent issue. They are parasitic creatures that gain health by feeding on the dog’s blood. They usually live on the surface of the skin and when their saliva touches the skin, it causes extreme annoyance to the dogs due to skin irritations. This is why dogs scratch themselves a lot.
To avoid your dog from becoming a flea and tick housing society, there are several products you can use on a routine basis to cure him.
If your dog is showing bald spots and has reddened skin, then it is possible that he is suffering from mange. Mange is a deadly skin disease in which mites dig up holes inside the dog’s skin and cause him excruciating pain and also a lot of itching. On the basis of the nature of the mite involved, the mange can be classified as sarcoptic mange or demodectic mange.
Also known as scabies, mange is extremely dangerous as the mites not only dig up holes in a dog’s skin, but sometimes lays eggs there too. This disease is also something that can affect humans and the symptoms most of the time begin with skin irritation. This will most probably get better after some time but it is always safe to see a doctor.
A lime and sulphur soak is a sure cure for scabies. You can immerse your dog in this dip and let him stay immersed for about 10- 15 minutes a few times a week. Never scrub the solution off his body. Let it dry by itself. But do keep a check on your dog so make sure that he does not try to lick his fur.
The best thing in an extreme itching situation is to go to a doctor. This will help in a better diagnosis and treatment of your dog’s problem.
Many believe that dogs are friendlier and more trustworthy than our very own species. But understanding dogs requires a special effort and one may find it worthy to consult some good Dog Books.
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http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/skin-irritation-what-is-your-dog-suffering-from-1068466.html
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Dog Health Care Article: What To Do If Your Dog Has Skin Problems
Under all that copious fur there is skin. Skin that is susceptible to a myriad of diseases and afflictions just as we humans are. The difference being that in humans we can readily see a health problem. In a dog, skin health problems are not readily apparent until the dog gives us an indication. Usually, the indications are excessive licking and scratching. In general we humans tend to take our skin for granted. If we go out into the sun, we use sun screen. If we have dry skin, we use a lotion. And occasionally we notice irregularities and then we go to the doctor. We’re pretty complacent and tend to think of skin as the wrap that molds our body. With dogs, the skin goes beyond being a mold. It is an organ in itself. This organ regulates the heat in a dogs body and works in conjunction with the foot pads which allow the dog to perspire.
As with humans the skin communicates sensations such as pain, heat, cold, touch, etc. to the brain. An animals skin also processes vitamin D just as we do. When we take our pet to the veterinarian, one of the usual examinations done is one of the skin. When the veterinarian back brushes the fur he/she is not only looking for parasites such as fleas and mites, but they are also looking at the skin. Dry skin and fur can indicate illness. Yellow skin can indicate jaundice and blue skin can indicate heart problems. Rashes can mean allergies.
Dogs can have seasonal and environmental allergies as well as food allergies. Food allergies may not always be associated with new foods but can also come from foods they have eaten for years and have become sensitive to due to many reasons. So called “hot-spots”, for example may be a result of a dog no longer being able to digest a certain food. Your veterinarian will recommend ways to test your dogs diet and recommend a course of treatment. Many dogs such as spaniels have seasonal and environmental allergies which can manifest themselves not only with sneezing and watery eyes, but also with skin rashes.
Allergies to fleas and medicines can also cause skin rashes. There are now veterinarians who are specializing in animal allergies and dermatology. Should your veterinarian find it necessary a referral could be made for diagnosis and treatment.
There are also genetic skin disorders and glandular skin disorders. There are several diseases associated with ovarian and testicular problems. Diagnosis and treatment can be made by your veterinarian. Dogs are also susceptible to various types of skin fungus. They are highly contagious to humans and other animals. Mange is another skin disease that is contagious. Quick diagnosis and treatment is essential.
In addition to the previously mentioned skin problems, there are also seborreic (seborrhea) skin diseases, tumors, melanomas, infected sores, mites, etc., that can be diagnosed by your veterinarian.
The purpose of this article is to make owners aware that the care and regular examination of your dogs skin is essential. Before buying a dog, consult with the breeder and a veterinarian. Know the diseases which are specific to the breed you desire. Know your dogs body as you should know your own. Check for skin problems during regular grooming.
If you find an area of concern, consult your veterinarian immediately. Do not make a self diagnosis and start a course of treatment. Only a veterinarian can make a proper diagnosis and recommend oral and/or topical treatments. Delay in proper diagnosis and treatment can cause delay in recovery and possible spread of the ailment and unnecessary prolonged discomfort for your beloved pet.
Terrie Simpson has been involved in the dog world for over 28 years and has achieved numerous awards with her Springer Spaniels in tracking and obedience. Over that time, she has amassed a good amount of knowledge about how to keep a dog healthy. Terrie brings her years of experience to the K9 KlearUp team. K9 KlearUp is an organic dog balm that helps clear up the 17 most common canine skin and coat problems. Visit www.k9klearup.com for more information…
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Understanding Dog Skin Issues And Possible Treatments
Have you noticed lately that your dog is constantly licking and scratching? There are many possibilities as to why this is happening and it is very important that you move quickly to diagnose the problem for the sake of your dog’s well being, and your sanity as well. Skin problems can be very troublesome for you dog and can leave him very uncomfortable which can lead to lack of sleep and other health issues. Here are some steps you can take to diagnose the problem and get your dog back on the road to good health and comfort.
The first step in treating your dog’s skin problem is to pinpoint exactly where the problem lies. Is the itchy area on the belly, legs, neck, or all over? This will help lead to further possibilities of what the issue may be. Next, you’ll want to check for symptoms like flaky skin, red bumps, discoloration, sores, and so on.
There are a number of different types of skin conditions that could be present based on the symptoms you find. For example, contact dermatitis is a skin irritation resulting from contact with certain things like detergent, carpet powders, or other household chemicals that react negatively with your dog’s skin. This could be the cause of itchy raised bumps on your dog’s skin. One other possibility for itchy raised bumps is some king of parasite infestation. Parasites usually tend to target areas on a dog where there is increased blood flow so if there are signs of irritation in these areas alone, you may consider looking further into the possibility of a parasite problem. The skin condition could be a simple skin infection which could have been by a number of different sources. Typically a skin infection will not be targeted to a specific are of the body, but rather a more general area like the entire chest and belly.
Another possibility that could be affecting your dog’s skin is food allergies. This one of the toughest conditions to pinpoint because of the time and steps needed for diagnosing. Assuming that the current food is causing the allergic reaction could be incorrect and therefore any efforts to get your dog on a new food source would be unnecessary. You won’t know this until you determine that the skin irritation is not getting any better.
There are a number of ways to treat skin conditions or at least temporarily relieve the symptoms caused by irritated, infected skin. You can purchase antiseptic spays that provide temporary relief from the itchy, irritated feelings of the infected areas. Many of the sprays also contain ingredients that produce a bitter taste which is helpful in reducing the amount of licking that your dog does. This helps speed the process of healing. Another way to treat the skin condition is by washing the infected area with medicated shampoo every couple days. This will provide relief from the symptoms and promote healing as well. If these techniques do not work, your veterinarian will be able to give antibiotics that will help your dog’s body fight off the infection and heal the affected areas.
The important thing to remember is that if you are unsure about what a skin condition actually is, consult a veterinarian before making your own decisions as far as how to treat the skin condition goes. What you think could be a suitable treatment for the skin problem that your dog is experiencing could actually end up causing your problems and you would end up spending more for treatment in the long run than if you were to simply consult a veterinarian right away.
Search for dogs for sale, and other animals for sale at FarmMedley.com
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Get To Know The Different Forms Of Skin Allergies
Allergies, in most cases, are manifested through skin allergies. Either skin allergy can happen when the skin is exposed to a substance that it might be allergic to or it can even happen as a reaction to allergens in certain food or medicine.
Causes
Skin allergy can be caused when it is exposed to substances such as latex, perfume, hair dye, dust, flower pollen, make-ups, powders and certain soap. Allergy due to latex is the most common these days, as it is being used in a number of products. The other common cause for skin allergy is poison ivy, which is a form of a plant usually found in most parks and gardens.
Eczema & Hives
Some allergies are genetic in nature and may not be curable. Skin allergy due to eczema is one such decease. It results in the skin being dry and itchy. Hives is another form of skin allergy. This is usually caused due to allergens in food or other external factors, such as, contact with cats, plants or poison oak.
Treatment
Most skin allergies are incurable. Once you have an allergy, then it stays with you for the rest of your life. But it can certainly be treated. But the best way to treat allergy is to avoid coming in contact with the factors that trigger an allergic attack. So it is very important to keep your surroundings clean. It is also advisable to keep your food habits in check. Keep away from the obvious cause of skin allergies such as pollen or dust or animals. Nutrients also help in treating skin allergies. So it is important that you intake adequate amounts of Vitamins and minerals essential for the skin.
Skin allergy can be kept away by taking simple measures. Changing bed sheets, reducing humidity, allergy proof bed covers and keeping away stuffed toys may seem insignificant, but it can protect you from an allergic attack. There may be various types of skin allergies but the good news is that there are different ways to treat them.
Other effective treatments for allergies
Another common treatment for allergies is using a set of medications called antihistamines, which prevent the formation of histamines that are the main cause of allergy. The best example of such antihistamine is Benadryl that will reduce your allergies effectively. The other common over-the-counter drugs that are required for treating allergies include decongestants, bronchilators [for treating asthma related allergies], and allergy shots. The allergy shots are given in the form of vaccines but you should make sure about the amount of medication is needed to produce the desired effect in controlling allergic reactions.
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Skin Allergy and Types
While a healthy Great Dane may remind you of a chiseled Olympic athlete Danes are not famous for their health. Their short hair is a blessing and a curse. It is easy to take care of, requires little maintenance, no cutting, does not hold dirt, but as a rule short haired dogs are more prone to skin allergies.
The most common of the allergies which I appropriately call bald butt, not sure about the scientific name, seems to appear during hotter weather or when a Great Dane is stressed. I have seen it happen with both of our adopted Danes the first year we had them and return only mildly in following years. The only remedy that I have found to work for any extended period of time is a steroid sot administered by the vet. This is not the cheapest option and you have to watch out for accidents afterwards but it is effective. Repeated bathing seems to make the problem worse.
Allergy is a condition in which the body tends to react due to hypersensitivity to some substance such as food, drugs, drinks, pollution, flowers, and others. An allergen can be anything under the sun that might cause a reaction in one’s body if the body disagrees with that substance. Even a common thing such as sunlight and air might cause sever reactions in some if the skin is susceptible to allergies due to the same.Skin allergies are caused when the skin comes in contact with certain items that the skin does not agree with. This causes the skin to break into hives, rashes, swelling, redness and lots of itchiness. These might be caused due to a variety of reasons and not just food.
A few reasons that cause skin reactions are mehendi, henna, tattoos, metals such as nickel, silver, gold, cosmetics, latex, makeup, sunlight, seasonal rashes and many more such simple reasons that actually make no sense except to those who suffer.Some say that people are more conscious of what a food allergy is today and in the past it may have been that people thought their kids had colds or respiratory issues instead of allergic reactions. Nonetheless, three million kids in the US are said to have food allergies. In other studies, the biggest offenders are dairy , peanut-based products and eggs. Peanut allergies can also cause severe reaction called anaphylaxis. When this happens the person will have their airways swell, lowered blood pressure and a severe reaction.
Allergies are defined as hypersensitivity to foreign particles. The allergy may manifest in several forms including skin allergy. Skin allergies themselves have different manifestations like rashes, itching, scaly and dry skin and boils. Also, there are different types such as dermatitis, hives, prickly heat etc. In most cases, the cause of the allergy will determine the time needed to cure the problem. While something like prickly heat can be tackled soon, other forms of skin allergy can demand time and patience.Allergies are caused by an extreme reaction of the immune system to certain substances – allergens and irritants. This causes the release of inflammation producing chemicals which are responsible for the symptoms of the allergy. There’s lots of information available online, you should also consult your GP and go to the library. Knowledge is power!
Types
Allergies in general are defined as hypersensitivity to some foreign particle or the other. Different people have different kinds of tolerances for foreign bodies. When some people cannot adjust with certain elements in their surroundings, they may suffer from certain skin problems that are commonly referred to as skin allergies.
There is a sure way of determining whether your skin affliction is an allergy or not. If you have got a skin problem due to a cause that has affected no one else, then it is an allergic reaction. For example, several people may be exposed to dust. But if it affects you in a strong way, then you are allergic to dust.
Skin allergies could be in the form of itching, dry and scaly skin, eruptions, rashes, boils, etc. There are three main types of problems that are associated with skin allergies. These types are as follows:-
(i) Dermatitis – This is the skin allergy which is caused due to contact with some substances. It is shown as an inflammation.
(ii) Hives – Hives is a fluid accumulation in the skin which shows up as a swelling. This is a temporary condition and heals with treatment. Hives are also known as urticaria.
(iii) Prickly Heat – This is a red rash which occurs on the body. Prickly heat is generally caused due to excessive perspiration due to hot and humid climates.
Urticaria, also called hives, is a skin rash that is itchy, swollen, and red. It appears anywhere in the body. Its size and shape can vary. It is often caused by viral infection, latex, or food and usually disappears spontaneously. It is a result of the chemical histamine in the skin’s upper layers. There are special cases of chronic hives, however. Angioedema is swelling of the skin that sometimes accompanies urticaria. It normally occurs at the eyes, hands, feet, and lips. It causes a burning to stinging sensation. If hives is at the upper layers of the skin, angioedema reaction is found at the bottom layers.
Contact dermatitis has two types, allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) caused by allergens and irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) resulting from caustic substances reacting with the skin. Contact dermatitis causes rash. A quality of ACD is that it only occurs on the skin area right where the offending agent comes in contact. ACD is characterized by itching, redness, and blistering of the skin area after touching the plant poison ivy or poison oak of the rhus family. Touching the rash can produce another reaction, except when the rash area has been already washed. ICD is considered to be painful than itchy. The offending agent actually damages the skin.
Atopic dermatitis, commonly called eczema, is a widespread skin allergy. Eczema mostly appears in the face, knees, and elbows. It is also known to occur on the chest, scalp, and feet where a person scratches. There is no cure for it. Eczema is an itchy, red, and scaly rash. It may produce oozing at times. Scratching of the affected areas should be avoided. Excessive scratching results in broken skin. Lubricating and applying cold compress is helpful in easing the effects of eczema.
Read about Cough Relief and also read about Sore Throat Treatment and Licorice
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