This week we commemorate World Allergy Week (2-8 April), an annual initiative of the World Allergy Organization (WAO) to raise awareness around allergic disease and related disorders. Around 20 percent of the world population suffers from allergic disease (e.g. allergic asthma), and for more than 50 percent of adults and 80 percent of children, their asthma is allergic.
Allergens such as pollen, dust, pet dander and dust mite droppings are common indoors and due to their microscopic nature can easily become airborne, affecting the quality of air that we breathe. You can invest in a good quality air purifier like these ones from Philips but you may be surprised about some of the lesser known materials, foods, or environments that can cause allergic reactions in certain people:
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People with dust allergies can have serious problems when opening or rifling through old books. Beware of dust accumulating on your bookshelves, too, which could trigger a sneezing fit. To keep allergens from accumulating on your home collection, wipe down surfaces, books and other collectibles often.
Ingredients in cleaning products can also cause a contact rash. These types of skin reactions aren’t immediate and initially, it may just look a little red or irritated. But over time you become sensitised to it, and within days, a more chronic rash may appear. Seek treatment immediately.
Inexpensive silver-colored jewelry is often made with nickel — one of the most common causes of an itchy rash known as allergic contact dermatitis. Switching to high-quality sterling silver or 14-karat gold jewelry usually solves this problem but some people are even allergic to gold so try before you buy.
Some ingredients in laundry detergents and fabric softeners (especially dyes and scents) can cause people to break out with contact allergic reaction. Try changing up your detergent to find a suitable one for you and your family or try looking for unfragranced or naturally-derived detergents.
Most people aren’t allergic to leather, but some do have reactions to the additives used to tan and treat the material. If you find yourself getting itchy or redness where leather has come into contact with your skin, try switching to a different material to get relief.
Rare reactions can be caused by outside physical stimuli, for example, a scratch of a fingernail or the rub of a belt or a bra strap can cause some people to break out into hives. It’s not the material or the fabric, but it’s the rubbing motion itself. This can easily be treated with antihistamines.
People with metal allergies may have trouble using mobile phones, tablet computers or even some laptops as these products often contain potential allergens nickel and cobalt. Using a protective case is a quick and cheap solution to this problem.
People who are allergic to latex can experience an irritating rash when exposed to products with the plant-based rubber (think condoms, rubber gloves, balloons). It can sometimes be so severe, that these people may experience difficulty breathing and swallowing. Always check labels before you buy anything and avoid latex where possible.
Are some people secretly vampires? It’s rare but true that certain individuals can be allergic to the sun, and experience redness, swelling, itching, and blisters or hives when exposed to ultraviolet light for even a short time. Some mild cases go away on their own, but more serious problems may require treatment with steroids.
Chlorinated bleach or pool water can have a strong irritant effect on airways, eyes, and skin. For people who are sensitive to its fumes, it can make existing allergies worse or trigger asthma attacks. For people who have trouble swimming in chlorinated water, try to find a saltwater pool if possible.
Plush toys and collectibles can be teeming with dust mites, which can trigger a runny nose, wheezing and coughing, and even asthma attacks in children or adults who are allergic. Try buying stuffed toys that can be put through the washer and dryer, and launder them once a month.
Wool can sometimes be itchy but its the lanolin found within the threads that can cause an allergic reaction. People with a sensitivity to this ingredient should look for items that are labeled lanolin-free. Remember, lanolin is also used in some cosmetics, lip balms, shampoos, and ointments so watch out.
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