5 Everyday Items That Could Cause Allergies

Data indicates that about 54.6% of the American population has at least one form of allergy. There are different types of allergens, but the more common ones are dust, mold spores, dander, and pollen. However, there are other everyday things that some people react to. In many cases, these individuals may not even know about the exact cause of their recurring allergies. The list below throws light on a few worth knowing.

  • Nickel-based buttons

If your clothing style is always anything denim or corduroy, you are most likely to have come into contact with nickel buttons. According to statistics, nickel buttons are common in blue jeans pants. Therefore, anyone allergic to this metal will likely have a circular, reddish-looking itchy rash in the area the skin was exposed to. If you have no idea about your nickel allergy, the appearance of the rash and the shape it takes can provide a fair idea of the cause.

On the other hand, if you already know about your allergy, it would be advisable to wear a layered fabric between your skin and the button. It is worth noting that apart from buttons, nickel can be found in wristwatches, sunglasses, and zippers. By taking these necessary precautions, you can avoid the discomfort of nickel allergy breakouts on your body.

  • Paraffin

Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum. It has several uses but is commonly found in scented and unscented candles. An exposure to paraffin-based candles can result in skin irritation, watery eyes, or respiratory difficulties. Therefore, to be on the safer side, you may want to consider a Bees wax candle as a healthier option.

  • Wool and lanolin

If you have sensitive skin, wool can make you itch, even when you don’t have an allergy to it. With that stated, there are groups of people with extreme sensitivity to lanolin. This is a waxy substance sheep produce in their wool. Even after processing the wool and creating blankets or apparel from it, lanolin is still present in this naturally-occurring material. It is why people with this specific allergy react severely to any wool-based material. Lanolin can also be found in some cosmetics. Therefore, when you know about your sensitivity to it, you will do yourself a great favor by staying away from them.

  • Chamomile products

According to scientific research, people with flower or pollen allergies are more likely to react to chamomile-based products. Whether it is tea or topical treatment, chamomile can trigger severe anaphylaxis. Depending on how the chamomile was used, reactions can include skin rash, swollen tongue, itchy throat, watery eyes, etc. These bodily responses are immune system reactions indicating that chamomile contains a compound an individual’s body does not contain. Like lanolin indicated in the previous point, you may want to stay away from chamomile products.

  • Latex

Gloves, balloons, shoe soles, toys, rubber bands are a few examples of things that contain latex. Latex is found in countless consumer products and can be quite difficult to deal with when you react to it. To date, it is difficult to understand why groups with this allergy are those with occupational exposure to latex. Perhaps, a reason which comes close is the assumption that continuous exposure causes the body to reach a limit. 

Allergies can arise from anything you are exposed to. Therefore, it is helpful to be in tune with your body at all times. That way, you can immediately pick up on any bodily changes from the ordinary.

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