With the eagerly awaited arrival of spring, the annual stress begins for pollen allergy sufferers. Allergies are triggered by a variety of factors, including food, pet dander, dust, and pollen, among the most common. Some members of the KAMI skincare team also suffer greatly from their pollen allergies in the spring. We'd like to share some background information and tips:
Allergies are the body's immune responses to normally harmless substances. The immune system produces antibodies called immunoglobulins, which in turn trigger the release of histamines. These cause the following symptoms:
- Cold symptoms such as a runny or blocked nose
- Itchy, red or watery eyes
- Itchy and red rashes on the skin
- Swelling of various skin areas such as the tongue and throat
- Breathing difficulties, asthma
- Nausea, dizziness and vomiting
- Anaphylactic shock, a serious reaction that is life-threatening
Latest findings on the development of allergies:
In addition to hereditary predisposition, there are several factors that are repeatedly blamed for the development of allergies. We would like to inform you about the current state of scientific research.
- Breastfeeding, for example, is recommended as a way to prevent allergies. However, the data is not yet conclusive enough to support this.
- Avoiding certain foods that often trigger allergies during pregnancy has absolutely no effect on the unborn child's susceptibility to allergies.
- Feeding hypoallergenic (low-allergenic) infant formula or soy and cereal milk instead of cow's milk also has no effect on the tendency to allergies.
- Late feeding of potentially allergenic foods may even be contraindicated and should only be done in children with severe eczema.
- The fact that urban children suffer from allergies and asthma more frequently than rural children has led to the emergence of the so-called "cowshed theory." The reason for this lower allergy predisposition appears to be the microbiome, which can develop better under "stress": Contact with many different bacterial species and microbes in the respiratory tract and intestines enriches and strengthens the immune system. Treatment methods that replicate this effect through the administration of bacterial lysates are being developed.
- Furthermore, a study shows that the administration of antibiotics in infancy promotes the development of allergies and asthma. Further information is available here: http://redirect.doccheck.com/Antibiotika-im-Kindesalter-114
How do you deal with allergies if you are already allergic?
- Avoid allergens: There are well-known tips such as avoiding fresh air and keeping windows closed during pollen season.
- Medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays containing cortisone reduce inflammation and block the effects of histamines. Modern antihistamines are no longer as drowsy as they once were. However, there are natural alternatives to cortisone for rashes, such as our KAMI SOS Skin Care Oil, which strengthens the skin barrier and cares for inflamed skin.
- Alternative therapies such as acupuncture and homeopathy can provide relief.
- Stress weakens the immune system and worsens allergy symptoms. Yoga, meditation, and calming breathing techniques can reduce allergy flare-ups.
- So-called immunotherapy, a long-term treatment in which patients are repeatedly exposed to small amounts of the allergen, is also intended to build tolerance.
Allergic skin reactions – what to do?
Atopic dermatitis flare-ups and other itchy skin rashes are conventionally treated with cortisone creams. These have long-term effects on the skin barrier, weakening it and causing thinning or dry skin. KAMI skincare can provide a soothing and strengthening effect: The marmot oil it contains acts like a natural steroid, yet has no side effects. The synergistic blend of organic plant oils in KAMI skincare ensures that the active ingredients can penetrate deeply and strengthen the skin at a deep level.
People with skin problems should also use pH-neutral cleansers. These save the skin the stress of balancing its pH level. KAMI Wash Fluid also has a strong moisturizing effect, thus nourishing sensitive skin while washing.
We hope that you can still enjoy spring and wish you a trouble-free time.
Your KAMI skincare team
