According to the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Allergy is a condition that happens when one’s immune system reacts to certain substances, known as the allergen, that are generally not harmful to other people. This could be a certain fragrance, a type of food, or dust among many others.
The allergy happens when antibodies or substances produced by the immune system, identify allergen as harmful. Once it comes in contact with your body, your immune system neutralizes the “attack” of infection. This triggers your body to react differently, which could range from minor irritation to a life-threatening emergency.
The question now is this: what triggers the allergy? If you notice irritation or sensitivity down there, could Candida have caused your allergies? Let’s find out.
Airborne Allergens
This is the most common cause of allergic reactions in Australia and New Zealand. Airborne allergens like dust mites, pollen, molds, and animal dander could affect one’s eyes, nose, sinuses, and throat when inhaled and cause antibodies to react differently. This will trigger wheezing, runny nose, and coughing.
Be careful with this one because airborne allergens are everywhere. You can find them on plush toys, carpet, old books, storage places, upholstered furniture, un-cleaned humidifier, and non-washable fabrics among others.
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcohol itself does not cause allergy. On the other hand, there are certain ingredients in an alcoholic drink that make one’s immune system go ballistic. The most common allergen found in alcoholic beverages is sulfites, which can cause runny or stuffy nose and itchy eyes.
Apart from sulfites, hops, gluten, and mixers made with nuts and fruits could also cause an allergic reaction to someone.
Condoms
Condoms are highly recommended to prevent transmittal of certain diseases. Surprisingly, some people are allergic to it, particularly those made of latex or plant-based rubber, and experience an irritating rash. Some could even have a life-threatening reaction that leads to difficulty in breathing and swallowing – a condition called anaphylaxis.
Cosmetics and Skincare Products
Have you tried using a particular skincare product and found yourself feeling itchy and looking red the whole day? It could be contact dermatitis, a type of allergy caused by chemicals used in making lotion, makeup, and other skincare products.
If you are unsure of the product, then test it first on your hand or small portion on your skin. This way, you can minimize possible adverse reactions.
Existing Medical Condition
It’s not just any other condition. Conditions that mimic allergic reactions such as eczema, hay fever, hives, or allergic rhinitis increase the chance of developing an allergy.
Having asthma also makes you more prone to allergy because asthma itself already affects your airway, triggers lungs to swell, and makes breathing difficult. Exposure to certain allergens triggers asthma, a condition known as allergy-induced asthma.
History in the Family
Experts have yet to uncover the beauty of human genes, but one thing is for sure: it plays an important role in a person’s biological makeup. If someone close in the family is allergic to a particular allergen, then you have a higher possibility, but it’s not a guarantee, of being allergic to it as well.
Jewelry
Surprising as it sounds, but jewelry can cause allergy, especially when you use inexpensive, silver-colored ones. This type of jewelry is usually made of nickel, a substance that could cause allergic contact dermatitis. In fact, a 2010 study published in Chemical Research in Toxicology revealed that approximately three and 17 percent of men and women, respectively, are allergic to nickel.
That’s not all. Allergic reactions could also be triggered further when nickel-made jewelry comes in contact with makeup. This is because the chemicals used in producing makeup breaks down the substances found in jewelry; hence unwanted reactions on the skin.
Laundry Detergent
The dyes and scents from laundry detergent and fabric softener could cause allergic reactions on one’s skin. Some scents and dyes may be too much for your skin to handle; hence the itchiness, redness, and irritation. These components are easy to transfer as well since you don’t need to touch the detergent itself to notice a reaction. Therefore, pay attention to how your skin will react when using a certain detergent. If all is well, then stick to it.
Take note that the same goes for household cleaners. Skin reactions may be the result and not life-threatening, but it could cause discomfort.
Raw Produce and Nuts
Natural foods are healthy. Unfortunately, there are instances when particular foods like apples, bananas, tomatoes, and melon could cause an allergic reaction. Vegetables and nuts may also cause inflammation, irritation, and itchy mouth.
Don’t blame it on pesticides or chemicals used in the growing process. Natural foods have their own components that you might be allergic to; hence the adverse reactions.
Tattoo
Did you know that red ink used in the tattoo is among the top causes allergy? No dye is 100 percent allergen-free, but red ink is more problematic, which could lead to swelling, redness, and itching. These symptoms are common during the first few days, but if the problem is persistent, then you might be allergic to it.
Take note that this includes black henna as well.
Have you found which one is causing your allergy?
