The holiday and winter season can be a tough time for individuals with allergies or asthma. From the cold weather to the holiday meals, it’s important for individuals with these conditions to be aware of potential risks they might face. Here are some tips to help you avoid seasonal triggers and holiday challenges.

Asthma

• Avoid holiday air fresheners. Gingerbread, pumpkin, and pine scents can be inviting for some, yet hazardous for others. One-third of people with asthma report health problems from air fresheners which contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOC exposure can increase the risk of asthma in children. Holiday candles and other items that provide seasonal scents can also trigger allergic symptoms in some people.
• A fire in the hearth is wonderful this time of the year, but smoke is a common trigger for those with asthma. You might have to mingle in another room — and as always — stay away from cigarette smoke.
• Asthma can also be triggered by exposure to the cold/dry air of winter. Our increased exposure to viral infections during these winter months is an additional concern for asthmatics.

Seasonal and Environmental Allergies

• Although some areas of the country experience a reprieve from seasonal pollen triggers in the winter months, here in Texas, we get to deal with Mountain  Cedar tree pollen. Symptoms which include runny nose, congestion, itchy eyes, and cough, can impact those allergic to this tree’s pollen from late November through February. The male tree produces ‘puffs’ that look like pollen clouds and sometimes resemble smoke. Those with ‘Cedar Fever’ may also experience sore throat, headache, and fatigue, making this a miserable time of the year.
• Christmas trees are often cited as the source of an allergy attack during the holidays. The mold that is associated with watering live trees and the chemicals sprayed on these trees are most likely culprits.
• Tree sap contains terpene and other substances that can irritate skin and mucous membranes. Trees may also be harboring pollen from their time on the tree farm. If you choose a live tree, try blasting it with a leaf blower or rinse it and allow it to dry before bringing it inside. Wear long sleeves and gloves when handling the tree. Running an air purifier in the same room as the tree may also reduce your allergic symptoms.
• Artificial trees and other decorations can still trigger symptoms due to the dust and mold they often collect. Remember to store artificial trees and other decorations in dry/airtight containers and wipe them down before storing them.
• Poinsettias, a member of the rubber tree family, are everywhere this time of year. Although the risk of a severe reaction is low, it’s best to avoid direct contact with this plant if you have a latex allergy.
• Fido and The Thanksgiving Effect. You may have become tolerant to your dog or cat, but if you go away for the holidays or are a college student returning home for the break, you may find yourself sneezing and wheezing. This is known as The Thanksgiving Effect. Speak with your allergist for ways to control these symptoms.

Food Allergies

The holiday season means dining away from home, parties, and special foods. The key to managing food allergies is to be certain what you are allergic to and communicating this information to others. Allergy skin prick testing and, when appropriate, an oral food challenge is the most accurate test for diagnosing a food allergy.

• Always inquire about ingredients in foods, and never leave home without your injectable epinephrine (at any time of the year!)
• Be careful at the holiday feast. Food allergens can show up in the strangest places — so be cautious when making your plate. You may be surprised to learn that even turkey can be tricky! Allergens in stuffing can be absorbed into the meat, so cook the bird unstuffed.
• Consider a natural turkey that has no additives. Some self-basting brands can contain soy, wheat, and dairy.
• If your child has a food allergy, volunteer to provide allergen-free snacks for school parties or holiday events to ensure there will be safe food available your child can enjoy. Remind your child to always ask if this food is “safe” for them as there is an abundance of new items around during this season.

Take Care of Yourself!

• Get enough sleep, manage stress, and stay hydrated.
• Always carry your allergy and asthma medications like antihistamines, inhalers, and epinephrine.
• If traveling by plane, pack medications in your carry-on bag in the event your luggage does not arrive with you.
• Wash your hands frequently to avoid illness, and make sure you are up to date on all vaccinations, including your annual flu shot. No one wants to be sick, especially this time of year!

Best wishes for a safe and symptom-free holiday season! Remember, we are here to help should you need us.  Call us at (210) 616-0882.

Researchers are continually learning more about the underlying causes and triggers of eczema. Even today, the root cause remains a bit of a mystery. Allergy experts believe that it’s related to one’s genetics (up to 70% of people with eczema report a family history of the condition), an immune system that is sensitive to irritants and allergens, and a defective skin barrier. The result is different in each patient but generally presents with patches of itchy, inflamed, or irritated skin. Eczema is a chronic disease that can last throughout your life with periods of ‘flares’ where symptoms are at their worst, but also long periods with no symptoms at all.

According to the National Eczema Association, 1 in 10 people will experience eczema at some point in their lives. Although often thought of as childhood disease, over 16 million adults in the U.S have atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Eczema:

• Dry or scaly skin
• Exaggerated redness
• Flaking and cracking skin
• Hyperpigmentation
• Intense itching

Beyond the physical manifestations of eczema, this skin condition also impacts one’s lifestyle. According to The Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America, people with atopic dermatitis report lifestyle and activity limits, and avoidance of social interaction because of appearance. Sleep disturbance is also a commonly reported side effect of this condition.

The First Indicator May Come During Infancy

Particularly common in infants, symptoms of this often hereditary, non-contagious condition are frequently detected before a baby is one year old. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology states that 10-20% of children may have eczema with 60 percent of those experiencing symptoms by age 1, and another 30 percent will experience symptoms by age 5.

The condition can be more severe for Black or Hispanic individuals and appears differently than in Caucasian skin. In general, children with a family history of allergic diseases such as asthma or other allergies (including hay fever) are most often at an increased risk for developing eczema.

Marching Forward with Other Allergic Conditions

Many children with eczema will see improvement in their skin by the time they are five or six years old. However, youngsters diagnosed with this condition are more likely to develop other allergic conditions later on. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology explains this correlation further. Eczema is part of the ‘Allergic March’, also called the ‘Atopic March’.  This begins with the diagnosis of eczema during infancy, later followed by food allergy, allergic rhinitis (also known as hay fever) and asthma, typically in that order. Studies show up to 80 percent of children with eczema develop asthma and/or allergic rhinitis later in childhood.

Diagnosing and Treating Eczema

If your skin condition is the result of an allergy, your allergist can diagnose and treat your condition, greatly improving your quality of life.

It is first important to identify the triggers and then control the symptoms. Triggers that can make eczema worse range from rough clothing to exposure to allergens such as foods, pollens, dust mites, and pet dander. Sweat, irritating products and even getting emotionally upset can also aggravate the symptoms. Your doctor will discuss ways to avoid your triggers and determine the best plan of treatment.

Treatment may include antihistamines and moisturizing ointments to relieve the itch and irritation. In recent years allergists have added several new tools for treating skin allergies including an ointment for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis and a biologic for moderate to severe AD. Your allergist will advise as to the best plan for you or your child.

Parents of infants diagnosed with eczema may need to be prepared for other allergies that will develop over their child’s lifetime. “Though teens and even adults can develop eczema,” says AllergySA allergist, Raul Villareal, M.D., “we can generally advise that if your baby is diagnosed with eczema, it’s a good idea to connect with an allergist to help monitor for other allergic developments later.”

If you’re noticing early signs of eczema and want to know more about its relationship to other allergies that may develop in the future, our allergy experts are here to help. Call (210) 616-0882 to schedule an evaluation.