Category: Allergies

While allergies and sensitivities can feel similar, their causes and treatment approaches are quite different. Understanding these differences, especially concerning environmental triggers like pollen, dust or mold, can help you manage symptoms more effectively and avoid unnecessary discomfort. Let’s explore the differences between allergies and sensitivities. What Are Allergies? Allergies are the result of your…

More than 100 million people experience allergies in the U.S. and allergies can lead to congestion, sneezing and itchy eyes that disrupt rest. Since the bedroom is where you spend a significant portion of your time, reducing allergens in this space can help improve sleep quality and overall well-being. Here’s how to allergy-proof your bedroom…

Skin allergies can appear as redness, itching or swelling and have the potential to cause discomfort. It may be difficult to determine the difference between a skin allergy and other causes. Here’s what you need to know about spotting the signs and determining the triggers of a skin allergy. Common Symptoms of Skin Allergies Skin…

Allergies are the sixth-leading cause of long-term illness in the United States. Although they’re common, each person’s experience with them is unique. For some, it may be just an occasional itchy nose during pollen season, while others may face more severe reactions, like difficulty breathing or swelling. Knowing how to react following an allergic reaction…

Rashes are a common skin issue, and when one pops up on your wrist, it’s natural to want to get to the bottom of what’s causing it. If you’ve recently noticed redness, bumps, dryness or itching on your wrist, don’t panic. Take a look at our list of likely causes and their treatment options. 1….

As temperatures drop, many look forward to a cozy season of spending time indoors. But for the 100 million people who experience allergies in the U.S., the winter season can bring an increase in allergy symptoms. Unlike spring and fall, winter allergies are often triggered by indoor allergens that become more concentrated when we close up…

Halloween is a fun-filled time for children and adults alike, but for the 100 million who experience allergy symptoms, it can come with unexpected triggers. Popular Halloween activities may expose you to allergens like pollen, mold and dust, potentially causing unexpected allergic symptoms. Fortunately, with a few precautions, you can enjoy the Halloween festivities while…

We often associate allergies with the budding flowers and trees of springtime, but did you know that autumn brings its own supply of environmental allergies? If the changing of leaves brings you more than pretty colors, take a look at our list of tips to reduce allergy symptoms this fall. Beware of Ragweed Pollen Ragweed…

More than one in four children in the United States have a seasonal allergy, eczema or food allergy. As a parent, it can be easy to worry about how your child’s seasonal allergies will affect their summer fun. Let’s look at a few tips to help minimize their symptoms without interrupting their summer activities. 1….

Approximately 25.7% of adults in the United States live with seasonal allergies (hay fever). We tend to think of allergies as a condition that sticks around forever once it develops. While this is the case for many people, some may notice that their symptoms lessen or disappear over time. Let’s take a look at why…

With the spring flowers beginning to bloom, you might find yourself strolling through Wells Japanese Garden, going on weekend hikes or driving out to see the ocean. However you like to enjoy spring, you probably don’t want allergies getting in the way. Approximately 20% of the population in the United States has hay fever (allergic…

Getting stung by a bee during a walk in Margaret Hunter Park can be a little alarming, especially if you’re uncertain how you will react. An allergy to insect stings accounts for 5% of the U.S. population. Let’s look at a few symptoms and treatments of an allergic bee sting to help you navigate future…

It’s common to experience allergy symptoms after a walk through Marion Davis Park or even during certain times of the year while at home. You may even be experiencing allergy symptoms after a day at the office, and if you have, there are steps you can take to minimize the symptoms. An allergic reaction is…

Approximately 25.7% of adults have a seasonal allergy. Whether grass pollen in the spring and summer or ragweed in the fall, South Carolina is full of seasonal allergens that can cause congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes and more. With a couple of prevention and treatment tips, your itchy eyes don’t need to get in the way…

Though eczema symptoms most commonly worsen in the winter, hot summer temperatures and too much sun exposure can also cause flare-ups. What Is Eczema? Eczema, also referred to as atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin condition that is not contagious. It’s quite common, affecting an estimated 30% of the United States population, and is most…

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes symptoms such as itchiness, dry skin, rashes, scaly patches, blisters and infections. According to the National Eczema Association, more than 31 million Americans experience the condition. There are many factors that can contribute to eczema, including diet. Below we review some of the worst and best foods…

Contact dermatitis is a type of skin allergy that occurs when you come into contact with a particular allergen. It can cause symptoms such as: These symptoms can be very unpleasant and interfere with your daily life. If you suffer from skin allergies, let’s take a look at some steps you can take to manage…

Allergies are an incredibly common condition. In fact, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), “more than 100 million people in the U.S. experience various types of allergies each year.” Allergies can make various aspects of life more difficult, including travel. Let’s look at a few ways you can prepare for a…

According to an article published in the journal Advances in Dermatology and Allergology, “Allergic rhinitis has a profound negative impact on the quality of life of patients and their families. It is also a major cause of school and work absenteeism. Consequently, it is vital to ensure timely and correct diagnosis, and implement appropriate management…

There are a million good reasons to love dogs! One that you may not know is that growing up with a dog in the home may reduce a baby’s risk of developing eczema. Lower Rates of Eczema in Young Children Exposed to Dogs A 2022 study examined the association between prenatal and first year dog…

Do you wake up with nasal congestion and watery eyes every morning? Are you sick of experiencing sneezing fits whenever you take a hike through the Palmetto Trail or one of the many other scenic nature spots in South Carolina? If so, make it a plan this year to seek treatment for your allergies. How…

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, “Many people with allergies often have more than one type of allergy. The most common indoor/outdoor allergy triggers are: tree pollen, grass pollen, and weed pollen, mold spores, dust mites, cockroaches, cat and dog dander, and rodent urine.” Unfortunately, many of these and other allergens can…

Allergies are incredibly common, with millions of Americans suffering from the condition every year. Whether you or a loved one have allergies, it can be helpful to understand what’s happening inside the body when an allergic reaction occurs, as well as what you can do to treat or prevent allergy symptoms. Mechanisms of an Allergic…

Skin allergies are common, especially in children. In fact, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, in 2018, 9.2 million children had skin allergies. Below we review the symptoms of skin allergies, the causes of skin allergies and the most common allergic skin conditions. Symptoms of Skin Allergies The symptoms of skin allergies…

Contact dermatitis is an itchy rash that is caused by coming into direct contact with a particular substance, like poison ivy when walking through the Enoree Passage. While it is rarely serious and often clears up on its own within a few days, it can be painful and unpleasant. Thankfully, there are several ways to…

For people who have both allergies and asthma, the two conditions are often closely linked. In this post, we review the nature of this connection as well as the benefits of undergoing allergy testing. What Are Allergies? Allergies describe the body’s response to allergens, which are normally-harmless substances that the immune system overreacts to. During…

If your child suffers from severe allergies or asthma, sublingual immunotherapy, also known as allergy drops, might be the key to easing their symptoms. Allergy Drops vs Allergy Shots Immunotherapy is a form of allergy treatment that builds tolerance to an allergen by introducing it to the body in small doses over a period of…

When you think of hay fever you probably think of sneezing, nasal congestion and watery eyes. However, some people can also develop a rash as one of their symptoms. Let’s examine why this happens and what you can do to prevent or treat it. How to Know if Your Rash is Caused by Hay Fever…

Are your itchy eyes, runny nose and sneezing getting worse or lasting longer with each passing year? If the answer is yes, you’re not alone. According to a recent study, pollen concentrations are increasing, and so is the length of pollen season. We review this study below. About the Study Researchers from across the nation…

Hives (urticaria) are itchy, raised bumps and patches that appear on the skin. They are usually red or skin-colored. About 20% of people experience hives at some point in their lives. Children are particularly susceptible. Characteristics of Hives Vary in size and shape and appear anywhere on the body Can move around or go away…

Though allergic rhinitis is commonly referred to as “hay fever,” a fever is not actually a symptom of allergies. However, in some cases, allergies can trigger a sinus infection, which can cause fever. We review the relationship below. Symptoms of Allergies The best way to determine what condition is causing your symptoms is to look…

Allergies are the immune system’s response to allergens. When you come into contact with an allergen, the immune system releases an antibody known as Immunoglobulin E, which tells the cells to produce the chemical histamine. Histamine triggers inflammation, swelling, itching and all the other allergy symptoms you’re familiar with. Below we review the different options…

When you think of allergy symptoms you probably imagine sneezing, congestion and itchy eyes. One symptom you might be less aware of is fatigue. Allergies can contribute to fatigue in several different ways. Let’s examine why some people experience tiredness, as well as ways to combat allergy-related fatigue. Inflammatory Response and Fatigue When you come…

Research has indicated that the skin condition eczema is connected to food allergies. In some patients, food allergies can worsen their eczema however, there is also evidence suggesting that eczema is responsible for the development of food allergies as well. What is Eczema? Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis is the most common chronic inflammatory…

Does your child start coughing and wheezing after running around at Gully Water Splash park? If so, you may be wondering whether they’re exhibiting symptoms of allergies or asthma. Below we review the difference between the two conditions, discuss how they’re related and describe how to tell the difference. Allergies in Children Allergies are the…

This year, the beautiful July whether has many people ditching the gym and opting to exercise in the great outdoors, like at Memorial Park. But for those with allergies, they may not think this is an option for them. Below we outline how to avoid allergy symptoms while exercising outdoors. Identify Your Triggers Allergy tests…

If you experience itchy, watery eyes, scratchy throat and sneezing while walking around Memorial Park, it most likely means there’s an allergen nearby. Allergens are substances that are normally harmless but that the immune system sees as a threat and attacks. In order to determine what substances you’re allergic to, you must undergo an allergy…

Spring is finally here! And with that comes walks around Memorial Park in Newberry, family photos in front of flowering trees and driving with the windows open. Unfortunately, spring also means it is allergy season. With pollen counts increasing day by day, more than just your eyes, nose and throat may feel it; your ears…

Over the last year, many of us have learned what happens when food supplies dwindle, and that you may have to get by with what little is available. For those with a food allergy, there are a number of foods that are off limits, even in a well-stocked grocery store. Scientists from the Crop Science…