What does your child’s skin inflammation mean?

10th May 2023

What does your child’s skin inflammation mean?

Kids are constantly coming home with bumps and scrapes. How? We aren’t sure. But when you’re of a certain age, it’s hard not to be envious of how good they are at brushing them off. And, as a parent, we’re sure you can’t help but worry too much about these. Where have you been? I told you to stop climbing trees!

That’s the job of a parent, after all. When those skin blemishes don’t have an obvious explanation, it can make you worry even more. A rash or patch of red skin is cause for concern. More often than not, it’s related to an allergy. But where exactly do they come from? And what do they mean? That we can help with. Let’s take a look at different skin reactions in children.

Atopic vs contact dermatitis

First, it’s important to differentiate between atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. Because only one is an allergic reaction, and it’s going to help put you on the right path.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that results in repeated inflammation of the skin. It’s believed to be genetic, or possibly combined with environmental factors. It tends to occur in specific places, mainly areas that are easier to scratch or irritate. Think in the folds of your skin or somewhere like your inner elbow where the two sides rub against each other.

But if it’s an allergic reaction, then it’s contact dermatitis. As the name suggests, it’s inflammation from where the skin comes into contact with an allergen. The symptoms will be similar to atopic (more on that below) but will occur where the two meet. So, in theory, it could happen anywhere on the body.

If you notice skin inflammation regularly around the same places on your child’s body, that might point towards atopic dermatitis. But if it’s rarer and happens in various spots, then it could be contact dermatitis.

Symptoms

There will be some crossover in the symptoms, as they are both skin reactions. But there are some subtle differences. First, we’ll look at where they’re similar. Symptoms of dermatitis can include:

• Rashes
• Itchy skin
• Flaky skin
• Bumps and blisters
• Swelling
• Burning
• Leathery patches of skin

In both cases, it’s your body’s way of dealing with whatever the aggravation is. As for differences, you’ll have to pay attention. With atopic dermatitis, you might notice broad, raised areas of skin that weep clear fluid. But with contact dermatitis, it’s more like small, specific fluid-filled blisters. Contact dermatitis is often more likely to burn or cause pain.

Either way, the only accurate diagnosis is to talk to a doctor. If you notice multiple instances of unexplained skin irritations, that’s your cue to visit your child’s GP.

Causes of contact dermatitis

We’ve established that atopic dermatitis is down to (at least partially) genetics. But if it’s contact dermatitis, how do you know what exactly causes it? Is it one or multiple things? We can’t say. Again, your doctor will be much better equipped to answer that. In the interest of preparing you, here are some of the more common causes.

Food – It’s no news that food allergies can be common in children. Some estimate that as many as 1 in 12 children could be diagnosed with a food allergy at some point. They don’t have to eat it to feel the symptoms. Touching it can cause contact dermatitis – or even coming into contact with airborne particles of the food.

Pollen – A symptom of hay fever could be skin inflammation, in which case it would be because of the pollen. This can also apply to similar particle-based allergies, such as with dust mites or pet dander.

Chemicals – When we say chemicals, this means anything that can have chemicals in them. Examples being detergent, soap, or perfume. This can also occur after touching someone who has used said product.

The sooner you catch something like this, the quicker you can find a solution. It’s not often that such an allergy can be dangerous to a child’s life, but we still recommend talking to your child’s GP about any unexplained skin conditions and finding out your best next steps.

If you ever have concerns about you or your child’s potential atopic or contact dermatitis, get in touch. We have a team of allergy specialists who can guide you through the diagnosis and treatment journey. To find out more, call us on 02031 433 449.

Three tips for flying with an allergy

31st August 2022

Three tips for flying with an allergy

We’re now in the peak of holiday season. Many people are jetting off to faraway destinations to get some summer sun, sea, and relaxation. But travelling can be a stressful time. Navigating a busy airport, trying to stay under the luggage limit, not losing your passport. There’s a lot to worry about. And this stress and worry is only magnified if you struggle with an allergy.

For allergy sufferers, flights can bring a lot of anxiety. You’re confined for hours in a small space with little to no control over what food or environmental allergens you might be exposed to. And you just need to look at the stats. 9% of peanut allergy sufferers report experiencing a reaction on a flight.

But the last thing you want is for your allergies to prevent you from seeing the world. So whether you’ve got a holiday coming up soon, or want some reassurance before booking your next getaway, here’s our advice for flying with an allergy.

Do your research

A lot of the work to allergy-proof your trip should be done before you even step foot on the plane. Or even in the airport! Every airline will have their own policy on food allergies. So if you’re a sufferer, you’re going to want to do your research ahead of time.

Have a read of your chosen airline’s policies and make sure you feel comfortable with the protections they have in place. If you have any questions or want clarification, get in touch with them well in advance, preferably before confirming your booking. 

And if you’re not comfortable with what you read, explore other providers and airlines until you find one that meets your needs and expectations. It’s always better to spend a little extra time planning your trip than an eight-hour flight spent in panic mode. Also worth noting is that the airline you book through might not always be the one providing or managing the plane. So a few extra calls might be needed to confirm you’ll be good to go. 

Communicate, communicate, communicate

To make your journey as smooth as possible, you’re going to have to communicate with airport and airline staff. A lot. Perhaps you’ve requested to sit in a particular part of the plane or to board early. Even if you’ve arranged this ahead of time, you might want to get to the airport in good time just to confirm that the airline is aware of and ready to accommodate your requests.

You also can’t be too careful. So communicate with staff about your allergy at every stage of your journey. Before and during boarding, while ordering any food, before eating it, or if you start to feel any tingles or sniffles coming on. This way, you can reduce your risk of experiencing a reaction mid-flight. 

Try not to worry about repeating yourself or being demanding of staff. The priority is making you as comfortable and safe as possible for the duration of your flight. 

Keep your allergy emergency kit close 

We broke down what to include in your allergy emergency kit here. But when it comes to flying specifically, you’re going to want to keep it as close as possible. Your medications are no use to you from the luggage hold, so everything you need should stay in your hand luggage. 

Always bring more than you think you’ll need. You never know when you’ll be hit with a delay or lost luggage. And let anyone you’re travelling with – or cabin crew if you’re alone – know where your medications are and what you might need, just in case you experience a severe reaction. Also, keep medications in their original packaging where possible. This could help to reduce any dramas during airport security or bag checks.

Flying can be an exciting time. You’ve been looking forward to your holiday for months and the time has finally come. But as an allergy sufferer, you have a few extra things to think about in the lead-up. Follow these tips and you’ll be able to ensure a safe, smooth, and enjoyable flight every time.

If you have any questions about your allergies or intolerances, or what they mean for travelling, feel free to talk to one of our allergists today. Just call us on 02031 433 449, or register as a new patient.

Everything you need to know about anaphylaxis

17th November 2021

Everything you need to know about anaphylaxis

“Anaphylaxis” – or “anaphylactic shock” – is a term you might have heard when people talk about allergies. You may have even seen a story about it in the news. But what exactly is it?

Approximately 1 in 1,000 people have or will experience anaphylaxis. It’s a severe allergic reaction to something your body doesn’t agree with. In medical terms, a “shock” is when your blood pressure drops so low that your body finds it hard to get oxygen to key organs. If not treated quickly, it can be fatal. Let’s look at what can cause it, what symptoms to look out for, and how doctors often treat it.

Types of anaphylaxis

Plenty of substances can cause an anaphylactic shock, but they can broadly be put into three categories:

• Food-induced anaphylaxis – This might be the one you hear of most. In children, peanuts, wheat, and cow’s milk are some of the most common causes. In adults, it’s slightly different, with seafood being more of a contributor. For some people, just being close to the food can cause a reaction.

• Drug-induced anaphylaxis – This is actually the most common cause of anaphylaxis. Antibiotics are a huge factor in this type of anaphylaxis.
• Insect-induced anaphylaxis – This is caused by the venom from an insect, such as a bee or wasp.

There can be other causes, such as general anaesthetic, latex, and even vaccines (in very rare cases).

Symptoms of anaphylaxis

Anaphylactic shock can go bad quickly. It’s why immediate action is needed. Some of the telltale symptoms to look out for include:

• Breathing difficulties (shallow breathing particularly)
• Lightheadedness
• Clammy skin
• Loss of consciousness

Do note that this is far from exhaustive, but are some immediate signs you could notice. In severe, potentially fatal cases, you’ll see extreme breathing problems and complete loss of consciousness. And it’ll happen fast – a couple of minutes is all it can take.

Treatment for anaphylaxis

The most common way you’ll see people treat it is with epinephrine – or more commonly known as an “EpiPen”. Many people who know they are at risk of anaphylaxis will carry one with them.

Even if it’s administered, it’s still vital that you call the emergency services. It needs proper medical oversight and isn’t something you can just treat at home. This is best left to the professionals.

If you want to try to avoid an anaphylactic shock, make sure the person with the allergy stays away from any triggers. In the case you aren’t sure what those are, talk to an allergy specialist about a test. The more you know about the condition, the better.

Whatever you do – and whether it’s you at risk, a family member, or a friend – always stay safe. Talk to your doctor about their recommendations for managing your allergy, and always contact them if you have any concerns.

Worried about your allergies? Talk to our allergy experts today to discuss your needs, how to stay safe, and put your mind at ease. You can register as a new patient here or call us on 02031 433 449.

What you need to know about contact dermatitis

29th July 2020

What you need to know about contact dermatitis

Fun fact: your skin is the largest organ of your body. You should love the skin you’re in and treat it right. Keep it well moisturised, don’t damage it with too much sun, and enjoy what life gave you. But, for some people, it isn’t that easy.

Their skin might be more sensitive than other people’s and they might be prone to breaking out in a condition. For some, it may be bouts of acne. For others, it could be eczema. Or it might be contact dermatitis, a reaction to certain materials or substances coming into contact with your skin. 

It affects 15 to 20% of people during their lifetime and can be caused by an irritant on the skin or something they are directly allergic to. So how do people cope with contact dermatitis and how can you minimise its impact on you?

Symptoms

First, let’s look at what contact dermatitis can do to your skin. Signs of the condition include dry, itchy skin, potentially with painful blisters and cracks. There might be a noticeable red rash and it could happen within a few hours of coming into contact with an irritant or maybe even a few days.

While it can affect any part of your body, it tends to happen mostly around your hands and face. These are the areas most likely to come into contact with the irritant, so that makes sense.

Can you prevent contact dermatitis?

While you can’t 100% guarantee never having a reaction again, there are ways you could potentially decrease the chances. What’s helpful at this point is knowing what causes your reactions. Some people, for example, react to metals, such as those in jewellery. Or it could be because of a certain perfume or detergent you use.

If you know what causes your reaction, it’s easier to avoid it. If you aren’t sure, then it’s best to talk to a doctor or allergy specialist about it. They can take you through the process to discover what causes your reactions. It’s best to seek professional help rather than trying to figure it out yourself.

Other than that, you should always treat your skin right. Wash your hands in warm water, not hot water, and use soap gently. Do the same when drying them. Talk with your doctor about what soaps to use and any moisturisers they recommend.

Living with contact dermatitis isn’t nice, but it is manageable. If you ever need help, your doctor will always be happy to help.

For more advice, talk to one of our allergy specialists. We have the expertise to deal with a range of allergies and give you the advice you need. To find out more, get in touch on 02031 433 449.

Can you have an allergic reaction to a vaccine?

13th May 2020

Can you have an allergic reaction to a vaccine?

With everything that is currently going on with the coronavirus, a potential vaccine is on everyone’s lips. It would be the next big step in stopping the virus that is ravaging the world. When it comes, we can finally breathe a sigh of relief.

It’s a long way away, but it’s still at the forefront of our minds. But for some, they might be worried about an allergic reaction. It begs the question: can you have an allergic reaction to a vaccine?

Why vaccines are safe

The short answer is yes, you can have an allergic reaction to a vaccine. But the chances of having an anaphylactic shock in response to a vaccine is about 1 in 760,000. You’re more likely to be struck by lightning this year (1 in 700,000). A doctor would never recommend you forgo a vaccine just on this random chance.

To add to that, were you to have an extremely unlikely reaction, they tend to happen within minutes of the injection. This means your doctor can respond immediately and keep you safe. The chances of having a reaction hours after the injection are even slimmer. Basically, you’ve never been in safer hands.

Am I having a reaction?

Sometimes, people can interpret symptoms after the injection as an allergic reaction. A fever, pain, chills, swelling, and headaches are just some of the ailments people report having. And they can happen days after the immunisation. But these aren’t allergic reactions.

This is your body responding to the vaccine. They work by giving you a little bit of the virus, allowing you to build up an immunity to it. By activating your immune system, it will create the white blood cells you need to fight off the actual virus.

If you do have a reaction to something, the likelihood is it’s from something else in the injection process. The latex in the rubber stoppers used in vials might end up on your skin, causing a reaction. While actual latex isn’t used so much today for these stoppers, it might still be an answer worth exploring. Talk to your doctor about it.

There’s a lot of false information about vaccines on the internet. What’s important is you trust your doctors and take their advice on the issue. If we want to beat coronavirus – or any virus, period – we need to use vaccines to make us a healthier society. If you have any allergy concerns, talk them through with an allergist who can give you the best advice.

We are allergy experts who can answer any burning questions you may have. It’s a scary time and we want you to feel comfortable about your allergies. Feel free to get in touch with us on 02031 433 449 or visit our website.

Strange signs you might be having an allergic reaction

12th February 2020

Strange signs you might be having an allergic reaction

It’s crazy what the human body is capable of. There are people who have mastered the art of echolocation – using sound to figure out where things are around them. Some people have synesthesia, meaning they can taste words and colours, or literally see music. 

But the same complexity that makes these superhuman abilities possible is the same one that sometimes makes it hard to understand. With allergies, there are certain things to look out for to help you make sense of the madness. Here are some symptoms to be aware of.

Skin tumours

Some people who get permanent tattoos develop strange growths on their skin. However, they may not realise these result from an allergic reaction to the tattoo ink. Red tattoo ink is the most common ink responsible for these reactions. 

Itchy rash

Allergic rashes can come in many forms, even bumpy, itchy ones. Some people who are allergic to certain metals like nickel get these skin rashes and don’t really know why. The metal is in mobile phones, jewellery, and even braces, so it makes knowing the cause of your symptoms difficult. 

A red butt

People who have allergies to certain metals, plants, or medications can develop Baboon syndrome. It’s a real condition, caused by dermatitis because of an allergic reaction. It is usually a reaction to certain antibiotics, such as penicillin.

A swollen tongue

A swollen tongue during an allergic reaction isn’t uncommon. However, when you don’t expect it, it can lead to panic. This can be especially true for people with hay fever. They may not realise they’re at risk of oral allergy syndrome as fruits and vegetables contain similar proteins to those in pollen. Therefore, when you eat them, the body reacts to the food and may cause a swollen tongue. 

Black spots on the skin

One study showed some people develop black spots on their skin as a reaction to poison ivy or poison oak. An itchy rash in response to these plants is common, but the black spots are less so. What’s strange about these spots is that they peel off over time. 

An allergic reaction can take on many forms. If you’re experiencing strange symptoms, you shouldn’t rule out an allergy just yet as you never know what the cause could be. 

If your symptoms are getting in the way of your life, it’s time to get tested to see if they’re because of an allergy. All you need to do is to book an appointment with one of the consultants at the London Allergy and Immunology Centre today.

Preventing allergic reactions in the kitchen

15th January 2020

Preventing allergic reactions in the kitchen

Food allergies are becoming increasingly common, especially in children. There are around 2 million people who have been diagnosed with a food allergy in the UK, including 5-8% of children. It’s becoming increasingly likely that someone in your family will have an allergic reaction and more of us must take extra precautions in the home. 

Food allergies can produce anything from mild, irritating symptoms to anaphylaxis which can lead to death. For those with more severe allergies, it’s important to avoid allergen contamination. This is especially true in the kitchen where most food handling occurs. 

Safety strategies

Some people try to eliminate allergens from their home completely. This could be a great strategy for some, but for others, it might not be effective. For example, some people have multiple allergies to a wide range of foods like dairy, eggs, nuts, celery, and gluten. If all other members of the family are allergy-free, it would be difficult and impractical to enforce the elimination of all foods containing these ingredients. So there needs to be an alternative solution.

Making your kitchen safe

There are many things you can do to minimise the risk of allergens causing an allergic reaction in a family member. You should:

• Label foods as safe or not safe – This is useful for children who may not understand their allergies yet. Using green and red stickers to label food as safe or not safe can make knowing what they can touch and eat easy. 
• Avoid mix-ups – You might have both safe and unsafe versions of the same food. Just don’t store similar items near each other. 
• Avoid contaminating the food supply – If you have both safe and unsafe foods in your home, you need to prevent cross-contamination. Teaching everyone in the house to wash their hands before touching safe foods. Have separate sets of utensils for safe and unsafe foods. And teach everyone to clean all countertops before preparing food. 
• Confine food consumption to your kitchen – So people don’t take allergens to other areas of the house.

These are just a few simple tips to help you make sure your kitchen doesn’t become a dangerous place for people with allergies. Some families come up with their own unique systems which work to prevent allergic reactions in their home. As long as you’re taking effective steps to minimise the risks, it doesn’t matter how you do it. 

The London Allergy and Immunology Centre works to help people and children with allergies live their life free from anxiety and stress. We provide the right treatments and the information you need to stay safe and give you peace of mind. All you need to do is book an appointment today. 

Three steps to improving an unknown allergy

7th August 2019

Three steps to improving an unknown allergy

So you’re sneezing uncontrollably, can’t breathe properly, and you don’t have any tissues to hand. Your first thought is hay fever, but then again you’re not sure. There’s a rash on your arm and you have no idea what’s going on. You’re reacting to some unknown allergy, but what? 

Identifying the allergen is important and will help prevent any further reactions. But it’s not always easy to pinpoint. Here are four things you can do to improve an unknown allergy. 

Identify any recent changes to your lifestyle

It’s safe to assume you’re reacting to something new. Think of everything you’ve done and used in the few days before showing symptoms. This can help identify the specific allergen and prevent your symptoms from getting worse. 

Strip back on any new products you’re using until you’re positive they’re not the cause. Reduce the products you use to those that you’ve used for long periods of time with no issue. 

You might have been spending more time outside on high pollen days, worn a new item of jewellery, or used a new beauty product. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so cut back on the potential culprits.

Watch what you eat

Regardless of what you’re reacting to, a good diet can help reduce the effects of allergies. It’s best to make your immune system’s life as easy as possible. By maintaining a healthier lifestyle, you’ll keep your symptoms from completely taking over your life.

Identify suitable treatments

Depending on what symptoms you’re showing, you’ll be able to find over-the-counter treatments to ease your symptoms. 

If you’re congested, you can take oral or nasal decongestants to get some relief. You can also perform a saline sinus rinse to clear your airways. If you’ve got an itchy rash, you may want to get a topical corticosteroid cream to reduce itching and inflammation. 

It’s important you know when it’s time to get help. If your symptoms get more severe or show no sign of slowing down, it’s time to get some guidance from a doctor. It doesn’t take long for a reaction to turn worse, so it’s best to keep track of your symptoms and how you’re feeling.

Over 20% of the UK’s population suffers from an allergy, but it’s not always easy to identify what you’re reacting to. There are some easy steps to take to reduce your symptoms while you’re still trying to identify a cause. If you need any more guidance or want to book an allergy test, get in touch on 02031 433 499.

How to take care of heat rash on holiday

19th June 2019

How to take care of heat rash on holiday

In some ways, we in the UK are lucky. While the climate is mild and bland, forcing us to pack our bags in search of sunnier skies, we don’t have to deal with the various, sometimes insect-related, dramas that come with it. One of the most common issues people face in hot climates is heat rash, which many often mistake for an allergic reaction. Here is how to deal with it so you can relax this summer.

What is heat rash?

Heat rash, also known as prickly heat, appears as tiny red bumps and itching on the skin, or sometimes, blisters. It may appear to be an allergic reaction, but it’s actually caused by trapped sweat and constant sweating, particularly in hot, humid climates. The humidity stops sweat from evaporating easily and causes excess moisture on your body for prolonged periods.

Heat rash is common in people who are used to cooler climates and travel to hotter ones as they sweat more than usual. It’s rare that you’ll see locals suffering from the same condition. Beware that some medications can increase your risk of heat rash on holiday, including medications for Parkinson’s disease, tranquillisers, and diuretics.  

How to treat heat rash

If you get heat rash, try not to scratch it. If you do, and it becomes infected, you might need further medical help beyond the at-home and over-the-counter solutions.

Heat rash often goes away on its own, but if it’s persistent, there are over-the-counter solutions which work for many people. These include:

• Calamine lotion
• Topical steroid creams to treat redness, irritation, and swelling
• Camphor and menthol to cool the skin and reduce itching

If you haven’t got your hands on medication just yet, know that washing with mild soap after sweating can reduce the amount of moisture on the skin and ease symptoms. It’s also a good idea to do your best to stay cool and avoid excessive sweating. Take cold showers and dry off quickly.

There are a range of conditions that can cause allergy-like symptoms, but some can’t be explained so easily. If you think you may have an allergy, book an appointment with one of our consultants today to get tested. It’s the best way to ease your mind and get the right treatment.

Why everyone should be tested for allergies

14th November 2018

Why everyone should be tested for allergies

There are countless allergens in the environment and although the public has a general awareness of allergies, they, unfortunately, don’t know enough. A lot of us don’t really have a deeper understanding of how exactly allergies work. Allergens go beyond the common pollen allergies or a sneeze when around a pet dog. Often times allergens are hiding in plain sight, part of common products in everyday life such as plasters or medicine. It’s why allergy tests are so critical. We shouldn’t just expect hives, runny noses, or severe side effects like anaphylaxis as the norm. There’s a lot more to us underneath the surface.

Culture

Allergies can often go ignored and are not talked about enough. This has become evident in the way we live in the contemporary world. Many individuals opt to go gluten-free or avoid certain chemicals. While this is a personal choice and not to be judged, it has inadvertently created a culture in which allergens and intolerances are being undermined.

However, these trends could be seen to bring things like gluten allergies to the forefront of the public’s minds. Even 10 years ago not many people knew about the prevalence of gluten and gluten intolerances. It has no doubt led to more people realising they are living with a condition they didn’t realise they had. And that still may not be enough.

Risk

A factor that isn’t highlighted enough is that some allergens are often something we wouldn’t consider to be a risk. With events like Bonfire Night, Christmas, and New Year’s coming up, there’ll be a lot of fireworks. Although firework displays are fun they aren’t always fun for those with conditions like asthma, as well as those with respiratory allergies, especially if the air is damp as smoke can linger for longer.

Reactions

Another significant component of allergies to highlight is that a reaction doesn’t always occur immediately. This means that without knowing it you may experience a severe reaction later on in the day. Without knowledge about your allergies, you risk putting yourself in danger of an anaphylactic shock, which can be deadly.

Age

It’s also critical to highlight that individuals are vulnerable to developing up an allergy at any age. Even if you didn’t react at all to pollen as a child, you might be struck with a sudden case of a runny nose and watery eyes in your mid-thirties. And with more chemicals being used to grow our food and used in our cosmetics, allergy tests are essential.

Allergies need to be taken seriously and, with the right knowledge and tools, you lower the risk tenfold of danger if you are aware of your allergies. You’ll be aware of what to avoid and what to do in an emergency. We highly recommend allergy tests as soon as possible.

Request an allergy test today or contact us for more details. Find out once and for all if you really do have an allergy or not and start living a more comfortable future.