By: Richard Johnstonn

Allergies are at the least irritating, but at their worst they can really interfere with your daily life. Respiratory and digestive system allergies are widespread, but skin allergies too are common. In order to manage a skin allergy, 1) you must understand the condition, 2) you need to find out what is triggering the reaction and 3) you need to take good care of your skin.

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!

The second step is to identify the substances which cause the allergy and then to eliminate these allergens and irritants. This is harder than it sounds as there are more than 3,000 known triggers for skin allergies, some of them natural substances (skin allergies caused by certain fruits are quite common for example) and some of them artificial. A fairly common example of the latter is latex - this starts off as a natural product, the sap of the rubber tree, but fur

ther proteins are added during the manufacturing process. Latex gloves will of course cause a reaction if worn by someone allergic to the substance, but latex is more pervasive than many of us realize, being present in some dummies and underwear for example. Vinyl or plastic can be substituted for latex in most cases and this is the best way to deal with this particular allergy.

Nickel allergy is also quite common, and seems to be on the increase. Some sources say that the number of sufferers has risen around 40% in the last ten years - it is thought this could be down to the fashion for body-piercing. Nickel is present in coins and jewellery, but can also be found in certain cosmetic products as well as scissors, zips and cupboard and door handles. Certain goods also contain nickel. Anyone with a nickel allergy should try to avoid the metal - this can be quite difficult outside of one's own home as the substance is so ubiquitous.

The third step to managing a skin allergy properly is to take good care of your skin. One easy remedy is to keep fingernails short and smooth, to minimise any damage caused by scratching. Moisturising is important as this stops the skin drying out. Sometimes moisturiser alone is not enough and a corticosteroid cream (available on prescription only) will be needed to sooth any inflammation. Hot baths and showers should be avoided as they dry out the skin, it is better to have a long soak in a warm bath to which baking soda or oatmeal has been added (these are good soothing agents). Mild or pH neutral soap should be used and bubble baths are to be avoided. After bathing you should dry the skin gently and then apply moisturiser. Unfortunately those with skin allergies often need to avoid certain sports, and need to rinse the skin very carefully after swimming.

However, if the three steps are followed carefully it is possible for those afflicted with skin allergies to live a pretty normal life.

Richard has been writing about health and television for over 2 years. Richard also likes to write about weider 200 power tower and has a new site at weider fitness equipment.