Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts with the label allergies

Best Laundry Products for Eczema and Sensitive Skin

Best Laundry Products  for Eczema and Sensitive Skin My daughter and I both experience eczema symptoms. As a physician assistant, I've treated countless clients with contact dermatitis from the wrong laundry products.  Laundry products can trigger symptoms for individuals who suffer from  eczema  and sensitive skin. The best treatment for eczema and sensitive skin is to identify and avoid irritants and triggers.  Let's look at the best laundry products for eczema and sensitive skin.  **This post contains affiliate links. I earn small commissions for clicks that result in qualified purchases at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support! Less is More The best laundry products for eczema and sensitive skin is BASIC. Keep it simple. Choose fragrance-free formulations. Popular branding terms are free, gentle, hypoallergenic, sensitive and unscented. Laundry detergents that seem to be well tolerated by individuals with eczema and sensitive skin include  All free & clear , 
4 comments
Read more

Is it a Good Idea to Get a Pet? 10 Things to Consider Before You Get a Pet.

  Is it a Good Idea to Get a Pet? 10 Things to Consider Before You Get a Pet. This post is going to highlight some of the not so glamorous parts about having pets. Please, don't come at me! The truth is if done right, owning pets can be costly among other challenges.  At the time this post is being published, there is an epidemic of "Covid pets" - animals that were adopted while people were spending more time at home during the pandemic that are now being surrendered to shelters.  If you take on a pet without truly knowing what you're getting into or being in it for the long haul, then that's not fair to the animal either. Don't mistake me for a pet hater. I have two cats, and there was always at least one pet in my childhood home. I'm not denying the benefits of having pets, and realize that they can be beloved family members.  But let's explore some of the things pet owners might not realize they're signing up for when they get a pet. Is it a Goo
2 comments
Read more

Suffering from allergic rhinitis symptoms? Try these treatments!

Suffering from allergic rhinitis symptoms? Try these treatments!  Let's talk allergic rhinitis treatment options. So you've implemented  home modifications , but you're still suffering from allergic rhinitis symptoms. You're not alone! Allergies affect more than 50 million Americans and are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States according to the  American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology .  I'll always advocate for avoidance, elimination, lifestyle change, etc. where possible. But when these efforts are not possible or fail, then various treatment options are available.  As an allergy sufferer, the symptoms are not fun. I'd much rather treat preemptively than feel miserable with itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing and sore throat. The inflammation of nasal and throat passages also makes you more prone to acute upper respiratory infections since this is where pathogens are inhaled and replicate to cause illness in the body. When
2 comments
Read more

Why do my allergies get worse in my house? 7 home modifications to improve environmental allergy symptoms.

Why do my allergies get worse in my house? ? 5 home modifications to improve environmental allergy symptoms.  Let's talk environmental allergy symptoms. Some of the most common allergens are dust mites, mold, pet dander and pollen.  Depending on what you're allergic to, you could suffer from symptoms year round, though the severity will likely fluctuate. Check out this  everyday health article  that features a month-by-month guide to allergies.  Environmental allergy symptoms are uncomfortable and a leading cause of doctor visits. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis or hay fever are NOT contagious and include cough, congestion, irritated and itchy eyes, nose, mouth and throat.  Symptoms are caused from breathing in allergens through your nose and mouth triggering the body to release histamine ( Cleveland Clinic ). The best "treatment" of allergic rhinitis is to avoid allergens or triggers. However, we only have so much control over our environment. Let's look at what yo
2 comments
Read more

How Can I Treat Eczema in My Child at Home? Lifestyle Changes to Treat Eczema at Home.

How Can I Treat Eczema in My Child at Home? Lifestyle Changes to Treat Eczema at Home. Let's talk eczema.I'm sure you've heard of it, even if you haven't personally experienced it.  Eczema is a condition that seems synonymous with childhood, though all ages can be affected. Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is characterized by dry, itchy patches of skin.  In children, eczema patches are common in the elbow creases as pictured, and behind the knees. Eczema is common, affecting 10-20% of infants according to  Cleveland Clinic . There is no cure for eczema, but symptom control is possible, and those affected tend to "outgrow" the condition. Once you identify and remove allergens, irritants and triggers, eczema often becomes a thing of the past.  My daughter and I both have eczema, and I've treated many clients with it during my career. Eczema symptoms can be uncomfortable and lead to cuts in the skin that are prone to secondary infection. Let's look at lifest
Post a Comment
Read more

Popular posts from this blog

Screening colonoscopy prep and procedure: a firsthand account

Content warning: mentions cancer and death If I had a dollar for every time a patient came into my office and said they “want to be checked for cancer,” well…I probably wouldn’t be writing this blog post! There is no single universal test for cancer, but common things happen commonly. Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths when men and women are combined ( cancer.org ). Screening for colorectal cancer should be on your list to be “checked for cancer.”  For those at average risk, screening for colorectal cancer should begin at age 45 ( cdc.gov ). If you want to know more about colorectal cancer incidence, risk factors and screening methods, then check out last week's blog post  here . I am at increased risk for colorectal cancer, because my father died from complications of colon cancer when he was only 45. So though I’m only in my thirties, I’ve already had my first screening colonoscopy, which is the gold standard screening method for individuals at hig
Post a Comment
Read more

Why Can't I Sleep? 10 Steps for Good Sleep Hygiene

Why Can't I Sleep? 10 Steps for Good Sleep Hygiene Sleep is essential to function properly. Good sleep hygiene supports the ability to regulate emotions and hunger, manage stress, concentrate and complete tasks, learn, process and retain new information.  NOT getting enough sleep increases the risk of certain medical conditions  (nih.gov) . I’m sure you’ve heard or said the phrase, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” Or you’ve gotten the impression that the lack of sleep that accompanies parenthood is considered a badge of honor.  But there’s nothing admirable about sleep deprivation; in fact, it is  a torture method. Thankfully, our culture seems to be shifting its attitude towards rest. There’s no shame in resting; in fact, sleep should be a priority!   If you sleep well, then I don't care what you do (as long as it's safe)! But if sleep is a struggle, then you may benefit from implementing a good sleep hygiene routine.  Lifestyle changes should almost always be made before consi
2 comments
Read more

5 Reasons to Consider Cutting Back on Caffeine

5 Reasons to Consider Cutting Back on Caffeine Caffeine is considered the most popular, legal, psychoactive substance in the world.  Over 90% of Americans consume caffeine according to  foodinsight.org ,  Caffeine is most often consumed in coffee and tea , but can also be found in soda, energy drinks, supplements and chocolate (commissions earned). Caffeine is a stimulant that promotes alertness and improves concentration and mood. Sounds great, right? But when it comes to caffeine, you can have too much of a good thing. Let's look at 5 instances where you might consider cutting back on caffeine.  **This post contains affiliate links. I earn small commissions for clicks that result in product(s) purchased, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support! 1. Anxiety Caffeine is a stimulant. If you struggle with anxiety, the last thing you would want to do is exacerbate the symptoms. Such symptoms can include sweating, restlessness, racing thoughts, rapid heart beat and breathing. 
Post a Comment
Read more