Is 2023 the time for you to get an allergy test?

14th December 2022

Is 2023 the time for you to get an allergy test?

We’re on the precipice of a new year. Oh how the time has flown by. This period of transition into a new year is a time for reflection. When they look at where they want to be in 12 months’ time, and resolve to make a change. It’s the perfect occasion to stand up and say you’re actually going to do those things you’ve been putting off.

For many, it means going to the gym, eating healthier, or making more time for themselves. But we think there’s one aspect of your health you should pay extra attention to: your potential allergies. Why not start 2023 feeling better and get an allergy test? Here’s why we think now is the perfect time.

Why take an allergy test now?

Because a new year means a new start. Also, because it’s a motivational time for many, so why not channel that into something useful? This isn’t to say you should take an allergy test if you have no symptoms. But if you have been experiencing something not quite right, and you’re struggling to put your finger on it, then it’s worth doing.

The main benefit? It can help you feel better. Maybe you’ve got a mild rash that comes or goes, or certain food turns your stomach a bit. These are the kinds of symptoms many people just get on with. But if you knew how to fight them, you wouldn’t have to deal with them anymore. You can have crystal-clear skin or feel less bloated all day.

Another good reason is it’s just safer. Knowing what you’re allergic to allows you to avoid it and the accompanying symptoms. Since some severe allergies can be fatal, being in the know is better than being in the dark.

Is there anything to worry about?

For the people who aren’t fans of going to the doctors or potentially dealing with needles, let us put your mind at ease. Allergy tests don’t have to be invasive or involve taking blood. These are options, but you’ll be glad to know about patch tests.

This is when a doctor puts patches of potential allergens on the skin to see how your body reacts to them. They have to stay there for around 48 hours before they can assess the reaction, though. A step up from this is a skin prick test. This is similar, except they make a small prick in your skin to allow the allergen to seep in. It’s mostly painless, but some do find it uncomfortable.

Of course, a blood test is likely going to be one of the better tests to take. But if you’re squeamish about this, at least go and have the conversation with your doctor or an allergy specialist to discuss your options.

What would the benefits be?

Well, you’ll be free! Free of whatever symptoms have been holding you down. And you might find it’s a huge weight off your shoulders. Even if your test comes back negative, at least you’ll be able to cross that option off your list.

We also want to stress that this is a great course of action no matter what your age. New allergies can appear seemingly out of nowhere, even as an adult. So a regular check-up is the perfect way to achieve peace of mind.

So why not start 2023 in the best way possible? As a healthy, confident person who knows what they like and don’t like. And always remember, listen to your body if you experience a new sensation. It knows what it’s talking about.

Don’t worry for a second longer. By becoming a patient with us, you have access to a team of allergy specialists who can walk you through the process and your results. Get in touch with us today on 02031 433 449.

Contact dermatitis: what you need to know

1st November 2018

Contact dermatitis: what you need to know

With the winter months approaching, contact dermatitis can take a turn for the worse, with the cold weather affecting dry skin even more. If you have dermatitis or think you might, this is what you need to know about the skin condition.

What is it?

Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema that is triggered by allergens, specific chemicals, or certain substances. The most obvious and primary way to identify eczema is dry, itchy skin. Unlike other forms of eczema, the affected skin will usually clear up if contact with a trigger is stopped.

Symptoms

Other than dryness or itchiness, other symptoms can include:

• Blistering
• Bumps
• Discharge from the skin
• Scaly skin
• A ‘tight’ feeling in the skin

Differences

Before we delve into the causes of dermatitis, it’s critical to establish the differences between irritant and allergic contact dermatitis.

Both conditions cause the skin to itch, dry out, and turn red, but they are also completely different. Irritant contact dermatitis is usually more widespread and, unlike allergic contact dermatitis, doesn’t involve the immune system so isn’t an allergy. As its name suggests, irritant contact dermatitis occurs due to exposure to irritants. However, allergic contact dermatitis is more localised and can cause the skin to blister and swell.

There is also a third type called photocontact dermatitis. This is far less common than the other types and occurs when the active ingredients in a skin product are exposed to the sun which can lead to the skin being irritated.

Causes

Common causes of allergic contact dermatitis might include:

• Jewellery
• Latex
• Perfumes or fragrances

Common causes of irritant contact dermatitis might include:

• Strong chemical products like bleach
• Detergents
• Soap

If you think you suffer from contact dermatitis, the following points are essential to think about:

• When did it first start?
• Are you aware of specific triggers?
• Have you used any new products?

Patch test

If you’ve been using new products that may be causing your skin to react negatively, try eliminating them from your routine and see if this makes a difference and clears your skin. Any new products you do use, be sure to check the ingredients list and do a patch test before using.

A patch test can be carried out at home. All you have to do is apply a small amount of product to a ‘patch’ of your body (such as the inside of your elbow) and after a few hours, look for any signs of irritation. If your skin reacts, you’ll notice some itching or swelling in the area you applied the product too. Patch testing can help you identify which chemicals are causing your skin to react.

We highly recommend that you have an allergy test to determine whether or not you have dermatitis, and what your triggers are. The skin can become easily dried out and irritable during cold weather, so finding out as soon as possible what is affecting your skin means that you can seek out treatment.

If your skin feels dry, itchy, and red, it might suggest you have allergies or a skin condition that you didn’t even think about. Why not request an allergy test today or speak to our experts, so that you can live irritant-free.

Are cosmetics affecting your allergy?

12th September 2018

Are cosmetics affecting your allergy?

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with an allergy or not, finding cosmetics that don’t leave your skin an oily or dry, angry, rash-covered mess can be complicated. It can affect your entire day and ruin a good night’s sleep. They are one of many items that make living life with an allergy hard. It’s not as easy as putting down the makeup, as irritants are in everything from soaps to baby wipes.

Everyone is different

Unfortunately, even gentle ‘hypoallergenic’ products can leave your skin red and itchy, or you eyes swollen. So many new products hit the shelves each year that it can be difficult keeping up with what is and isn’t right for your skin. The fact is, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to what you should use. However, some ingredients will benefit you more than others.

If you think you’re reacting to a product, the first step is to eliminate as many products from your routine as possible and start to re-introduce them by patch testing.

What is a patch test?

If you aren’t familiar, this simple test can be carried out at home. All you have to do is apply a small amount of product to a ‘patch’ of your body (such as the inside of your elbow) and after a few hours, look for any signs of irritation. If your skin reacts, you’ll notice some itching or swelling in the area you applied the product too. Patch testing can help you identify which chemicals are causing your skin to react.

Irritant vs allergy

If the patch test leaves your skin looking angry, it could be either an irritant or an allergy. An allergy is likely to affect your skin several hours or days after being applied. This delayed reaction is known as allergic contact dermatitis. An irritant causes a response in less time, sometimes even immediately, which is known as irritant contact dermatitis.

Chemicals

Next time you want to try a new product, be wary of the ingredients. Even cosmetics that claim they are unscented may contain fragrances to mask the plain or chemical smell. Opt for fragrance-free toiletries instead and make a list of the ingredients you already know can irritate your skin. They may sound similar, but unscented products can also contain alcohol, parabens, and preservatives which are common irritants.

Plant extracts

Be wary of products that also contain plant extracts. You might believe them to be ‘natural’ and therefore less irritable, but that isn’t the case. While plant-based products are a fantastic alternative to perfumed cosmetics, plants may also be an irritant or allergen to your skin.

Although toiletries and bathing products for children aren’t usually as harsh on the skin, you may want to have your child tested for allergies too; if your child suffers from eczema, there is a greater risk of allergy.

If you’re unsure what’s causing your skin to itch and swell, book a test with one of our consultants today to limit your exposure to irritants.