How To Prevent Skin Asthma
Most people assume the term asthma relates only to the chronic bronchial tubes, however skin cancer can be easily associated alongside the bronchial asthma because of the similar causes - an oversensitive immune system that easily reacts to a particular intrinsic and extrinsic element. In the former the skin is affected; in the latter, it is the respiratory system.
Like bronchial asthma, skin asthma also known as medically known as atopic dermatitis and eczema, has strong genetic and allergic components. Although this itchy, non-contagious, chronic inflammatory skin condition typically begins and ends in childhood, it sometimes also develops at the adult stage. |
|
Although some studies suggest that genetics play an important role in the cause of skin asthma, the exact reason still remains unknown. This means that there still remains the likelihood of the person developing skin asthma even if no other member of the family has ever had the condition.
Although the symptoms may not appear at first, being exposed to certain "triggers" over a period can cause the symptoms to appear. To reduce the possibility of flare-ups, it's very important to learn about the condition-how to manage it if symptoms occur, what to avoid, and |
Photos used under Creative Commons from NIAID, Care_SMC, Mazpho, Urijamjari and Kthrn.
how to avoid it. Once you have acquired the correct knowledge as to the things that prevent and alleviate the symptoms of skin asthma, implement these practices in you daily routine and you will be able to live a healthier life.
When to See a Doctor
In the event the that one of the following occurs, a visit to a skin asthma specialist (also known as allergist or dermatologists)is a must:
|
|
What to Avoid and How to Avoid it
1 ) Avoid scratching
There is very little understanding as to why the skin feels itchy although it one of the most common complains from persons with skin asthma. The scratching leads to even itchier skin and this is known as the itch-scratch cycle. What happens is that scratching irritates the already irritated skin and worsens the rash and overtime causes the skin to thicken.
1 ) Avoid scratching
There is very little understanding as to why the skin feels itchy although it one of the most common complains from persons with skin asthma. The scratching leads to even itchier skin and this is known as the itch-scratch cycle. What happens is that scratching irritates the already irritated skin and worsens the rash and overtime causes the skin to thicken.
To help control the condition, keep your fingernails short, moisturize the itchy area when the skin feels itchy, keep your hands busy as much as possible and take prescribed medication (if necessary).
2 ) Avoid Irritants and Allergens
Irritants and allergens are things that bring about burning and itching sensation and redness. Stay away from them. Irritants and allergen may include liquid chemicals, aerosols, solvents, soaps, detergents, perfumes, cosmetics, some fabrics and smoke. Dust mites, molds, pet dander, and certain foods may also need to be avoided. To determine the products and substances you are allergic to, your doctor may recommend patch testing, skin testing or blood testing.
Here are some tips to help you avoid irritants: irritating chemicals are usually present in new clothes, so it is absolutely important that you wash new clothes before wearing. Cotton-made clothes are less irritating compared to clothes made of other fabric, therefore must be your first preference when selecting garment. Take a shower immediately after swimming. Also use gentle detergent when cleaning.
2 ) Avoid Irritants and Allergens
Irritants and allergens are things that bring about burning and itching sensation and redness. Stay away from them. Irritants and allergen may include liquid chemicals, aerosols, solvents, soaps, detergents, perfumes, cosmetics, some fabrics and smoke. Dust mites, molds, pet dander, and certain foods may also need to be avoided. To determine the products and substances you are allergic to, your doctor may recommend patch testing, skin testing or blood testing.
Here are some tips to help you avoid irritants: irritating chemicals are usually present in new clothes, so it is absolutely important that you wash new clothes before wearing. Cotton-made clothes are less irritating compared to clothes made of other fabric, therefore must be your first preference when selecting garment. Take a shower immediately after swimming. Also use gentle detergent when cleaning.
3 ) Extreme of temperature and humidity
Weather conditions can be a major issue for people with skin asthma. Sweating due to overheating and high humidity can irritate the skin. Low humidity, on the other hand, causes water to be lost from the skin. This too can lead to skin irritation, although this time it’s because of skin dryness.
Try to keep your place within comfortable temperature and humidity levels to prevent the weather from irritating your skin. It is also good to wear loose fitting and breathable clothes during weather to avoid sweating.
In closing:
If you have any questions about skin asthma, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor. Your physician knows the nitty-gritty of your condition and therefore is the most reliable person when it comes to managing your situation.
Weather conditions can be a major issue for people with skin asthma. Sweating due to overheating and high humidity can irritate the skin. Low humidity, on the other hand, causes water to be lost from the skin. This too can lead to skin irritation, although this time it’s because of skin dryness.
Try to keep your place within comfortable temperature and humidity levels to prevent the weather from irritating your skin. It is also good to wear loose fitting and breathable clothes during weather to avoid sweating.
In closing:
If you have any questions about skin asthma, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor. Your physician knows the nitty-gritty of your condition and therefore is the most reliable person when it comes to managing your situation.