Hives, also known as urticaria, are itchy, raised welts that are found on the skin. They are usually red, pink, or flesh-coloured, and sometimes they sting or hurt. In most cases, hives are caused by an allergic reaction to a medication or food or a reaction to an irritant in the environment. 1 They [...]

The sneezing, the watery eyes, the back and forth between your nose running uncontrollably and being so stuffed up you can't breathe, it's probably not a cold that's lasted for weeks or months on end. It may be nasal allergies that have you feeling clogged up.1 Seasonal allergic rhinitis (rhinitis means inflammation of the nose) and [...]

Hives are a common skin reaction in children, characterized by a raised, flat pink rash called wheals and are most often caused by allergies1. Certain foods can trigger them, as can insect bites or some medication. In winter some children can even develop hives when they are exposed to cold air1. We asked Dr [...]

There are many different allergy medications to treat many different allergies. This can certainly be a predicament when you have to decide which option is best to treat your allergies. 1 Allergy medications come in different forms, including tablets, capsules, liquids, nasal sprays, topical creams and even eyedrops. Some are only available by prescription/scripts, [...]

You are constantly being bombarded by allergens and will not always be able to outrun them. Below is a list of the most common allergens that could be responsible for your allergies/allergy symptoms. Try to identify which ones could potentially be causing your allergies. Being able to avoid the trigger of your allergies would [...]

Allergies can either be seasonal, during certain seasons of the year, or perennial that occurs throughout the year.1 Seasonal allergies come and go. 1,2 Pollen and grass (especially ragweed) is one of the most common triggers of seasonal allergies and are mostly released during summer and spring. Some other sources include sagebrush, pigweed, lamb’s [...]

What is hay fever? Hay fever, also called acute allergic rhinitis, causes cold-like signs and symptoms, such as a runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing and sinus pressure.1 Unlike a cold that is caused by a virus, hay fever is caused by an allergic response to outdoor or indoor allergens, such as pollen, dust [...]

Remember that the most effective treatment for any allergy is simply to avoid the allergen – it is sometimes difficult to avoid the allergen completely however precautions can be put in place to alleviate some of the daily ‘pressures’.1 Your home is in your hands – some handy tips to [...]

Allergic diseases are increasing in both first world as well as lower and middle-income countries. A third of South Africans will suffer from some allergic disease during their life1. The most common allergies result in eczema, asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), urticaria (hives), food allergy and anaphylaxis1. Some allergies are seasonal, particularly widespread in [...]