Blog Post

Sneaky Allergies: Lesser-Known Triggers

  • By Admin
  • •
  • 23 Oct, 2018
  • •
Meat and Poultry

Allergies affect over 50 million people in the U.S. annually, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). While well-known allergens such as peanuts, shellfish, and penicillin get plenty of attention, these foods, medications, and environmental factors that you hear or read about almost daily aren't the only causes behind a host of reactions.

Take a look at some of the lesser-known, but equally as powerful, allergens that you need to know about.

Metal Reactions

Jewelry, coins, and anything else that contains metal can cause a skin flare-up. Allergic dermatitis, a skin reaction to an allergen such as metal, can result in redness, burning, bumps, or an itchy sensation.

Even though any metal could possibly be an allergen, one person would not likely be allergic to all metals. Nickel, chromates, and cobalt are the most common metallic allergy-inducers. Less common allergens include higher quality metals such as yellow gold, platinum, and sterling silver. Copper and stainless steel are less likely to cause reactions.

While avoiding the metal you're allergic to seems like the obvious answer to your reaction issues, some metals show up in sneaky places. Some types of tattoo ink have metals, such as cobalt, in them. Likewise, eyeglass frames can also contain allergy-causing cobalt or other metals.

The zippers, metal snaps, or other metal-containing accents on your clothing may also result in an allergic reaction - if they touch your skin. Along with these potential irritants, some cosmetics can also contain chromate metals.

Neomycin Sulphate

This topical antibiotic is available in over-the-counter as well as prescription creams, gels, drops, and lotions. If you're allergic to neomycin, you always need to read the ingredients in any antibiotic or antibiotic-containing product. Some anti-itch creams may also contain neomycin, making what seems like a solution to an allergic reaction a problem in itself.

Along with creams and gels, some ear drops, eye drops, and vaginal suppositories may contain this allergen. If you're unsure about potential neomycin content, talk to your doctor before using the topical, drop, or suppository product.

Eyelash Extensions

This popular beauty product is a semi-permanent way to extend the length of your lashes. A cosmetic professional glues each individual extension onto a lash, lengthening them for months at a time. While these have plenty of aesthetic benefits, they can also cause serious allergies. Typically, the adhesive used to attach the extensions to the lashes is at fault for an allergic reaction.

Some people have temporary irritations following eyelash extension application. These may be annoying but will clear up quickly. A true allergic reaction often results in swollen eyes, swollen eyelids, itchiness, or eye redness. It may worsen over time or get more intense with further applications.

It's also possible to have an allergic reaction to lash extensions after using them successfully before. A new or sudden swelling, itching, or redness indicates the need to see a medical professional right away.

Meat and Poultry

The top three food allergens are peanuts, milk, and shellfish. But that doesn't mean they're the only foods that can cause a reaction. Meat and poultry allergies are also possible. Even though these food allergies are uncommon, they can start at any point in time - whether the patient is a child or an adult who has eaten meat for years.

Meat and poultry allergies may cause nasal symptoms, nausea, and other digestive issues, headaches, asthma, or life-threatening anaphylaxis. Avoiding the food is the first step to stopping the reaction. If you do have a reaction, you need medical attention immediately. Depending on the symptoms that you have, the allergist may prescribe antihistamines, corticosteroids, or epinephrine.
Do you have an untreated allergy? Contact Allergy and Asthma Clinic of Fort Worth for more information.

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COVID-19

By James Haden • 12 Mar, 2020

We hope that you and your family are safe and healthy.

 

Given the following:

many of our patients have underlying conditions that could potentially make infection with COVID-19 more severe

 

in light of the fact that the ongoing novel Coronavirus pandemic is officially now local,

 

to ensure the clinic can remain open to best serve the needs for ALL of our allergy and asthma patients, we have implemented the following:

  • If you have a cough or fever, DO NOT  come to the office. Call ahead first . We may be able to schedule a Tele-Visit to accommodate you. This is to protect all of our patients  in the waiting room who are not ill.
  • We are unable to test for COVID-19. Currently this must be done at our local health department.
  • We have enhanced our already robust office cleaning protocols, cleaning all contact surfaces frequently with powerful antiseptic products.
  • Patients with cough (it is asthma season) are provided mask Before  entering the clinic and will be directly taken to an exam room to isolate from the general waiting room population

We encourage all of our patients to follow the recommendations of the CDC and WHO to limit exposure:

 

CDC:     https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

 

 WHO:   Coronavirus


Remember also that the flu is still circulating and if you haven’t had your flu shot, it’s time to get it now. As of today a fever is still likely to NOT be COVID-19, but that may change rapidly.

If you’ve been taking your asthma medication less than regularly, it is now time  to religiously take them daily as prescribed. If you have questions about how to use them please contact us.

If you need refills please let your pharmacy know, they will contact us.

Working together, we can slow the spread of this virus and minimize its impact.

It is spring and allergy season is here. COVID-19 doesn’t change that. My office is here to continue to manage all of the usual symptoms you may experience.

We don’t want anyone to fall behind on allergy shots if at all possible. Hopefully this pandemic will pass in a few months, but another allergy season is always just around the corner.

 

Let us know if we can help and take care of yourselves and your families!

 

All of our best,

Dr Haden and all of the staff at Haden Allergy

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