Side Effects From Allergy Medications
Over-the-counter allergy medications may cause mild or, in some cases, severe side effects. Tell your doctor about any side effects you experience while taking allergy medications. Be sure to read the drug label so you understand all potential risks and drug interactions. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as these can interact with many common allergy medications.
Intestinal Permeability And Inflammatory Triggers
Read Time: 5 Minutes
Optimal gastrointestinal health plays a vital role for robust immunity and overall wellness. Increasingly, research studies associate imbalances in the gut to diseases that may not at first seem connected to gut function. Work by several researchers has linked intestinal permeability to chronic respiratory allergies/rhinitis,1 asthma,2 and eczema.3 Furthermore, intestinal dysbiosis is known to play a role in many autoimmune conditions and other chronic diseases,4 and reactions to foods often have symptoms that manifest far from the intestines.
One of the common consequences of food reactions can be headaches and migraines. Headache specialist Robert Sheeler, MD, IFMCP, describes the many types of symptoms that can manifest in the presence of food reactions:
Eczema and the Gut
As Dr. Sheeler states, food reactions can sometimes take the form of rashes or skin problems. On first glance, the connection between intestinal mucosal disruption and eczema may seem the most straightforward skin microbiome5 and barrier integrity6 are known to be affected in patients with eczema, and the connection between the skin microbiome and the gut microbiome seems intuitive.
Headaches, Migraines, and Food Reactions
Individuals with chronic gastrointestinal symptoms are more likely to have headaches or migraines.12 The pro-inflammatory immune response associated with intestinal permeability likely plays a role in increasing headache and migraine frequency.
Celiac Disease
Why It Is Important To Do This Review
As part of a comprehensive health technology assessment of treatments available for eczema, randomised controlled trials investigating the effects of antihistamines in eczema were summarised in a HTA report . Authors of this report identified 21 RCTs of any oral antihistamines for treatment of eczema. Of these, studies investigating sedating antihistamines and studies investigating H2 antihistamines were unable to demonstrate clear benefit of the intervention. Studies investigating lesssedating antihistamines show conflicting results. For instance, one RCT investigated the effects of various doses of cetirizine, demonstrating a possible effect of a very high dose . Generally, authors of the HTA report stated that study reporting was poor, rendering it difficult to draw firm conclusions. We believe it is important to update the evidence base.
We conducted a systematic search of the literature to inform the guideline of care for management of eczema put forth by the American Academy of Dermatology . This guideline concluded that shortterm, intermittent use of sedating antihistamines may bring some benefit for sleeping problems that arise as a consequence of itch. No recommendation was made for nonsedating antihistamines as routine treatment for eczema. Another review concluded that a nonsedating H1 AH was effective in reducing itch when given at a high sedating dose . Again itch reduction was linked to induction of drowsiness.
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When Do Dermatologists Recommend An Antihistamine For A Child With Eczema
Your childs dermatologist may recommend that you give your child an antihistamine when: An intense itch keeps your child awake on most nights.
When your childs dermatologist recommends an antihistamine, it will be one labeled sedating. This will help your child sleep through the night.
A sedating antihistamine will help your child sleep. It will not treat the eczema or stop the itch.
Youll still need to treat your childs eczema. Once the eczema is under control, it wont itch so much and keep the child awake at night.
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Description Of The Intervention
The standard approach to treating eczema revolves around the restoration of epidermal barrier function with the use of emollients and moisturisers . Topical corticosteroids are still the favoured therapy for acute flares, but they are also used proactively along with topical calcineurin inhibitors to maintain remission. Nonspecific immunosuppressive drugs, such as cyclosporine or azathioprine, are used in severe refractory cases . Use of emollients, moisturisers, and topical corticosteroids is often supplemented by addon therapies such as ultraviolet therapy or antihistamines, but immunomodulatory systemic drugs such as cyclosporine may be prescribed in severe cases . Addon therapy in general is an approach that is used to enhance a therapeutic effect through use of an additional drug.
Oral H1 antihistamines are widely used as a systemic ‘addon’ therapy to topical treatments, which include glucocorticosteroids, immunomodulators such as pimecrolimus or tacrolimus, tar preparations, antiinfective topicals, and doxepin . Although four distinct types of histamine receptors are recognised , in human skin, only H1 and H2 receptors have been demonstrated . H1 antihistamines are prescribed especially with the intention of alleviating the itch that accompanies eczema .
What Is The Treatment For Eczema
Treating eczema involves a combination of daily proper skin care techniques and self care, including bathing with warm water instead of hot water, swapping soaps and body washes for non-soap based skin cleansers, and using those sparingly on the armpits, groin and obviously soiled areas but not over the entire skin surface. Plus, applying hydrating unscented skin moisturizers one to three times a day helps control eczema. If these strategies dont work, your provider usually will prescribe a topical medication.
Taking a daytime antihistamine such as Cetirizine , Loratadine , Fexofenadine , or Diphenhydramine at night can help reduce the itching and scratching of the eczema outbreak and give your skin a chance to heal.
In Your Guide to Managing Eczema, learn about the top healthy habits to keep your skin smooth and reduce the chances of an eczema outbreak.
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Food Allergy And Atopic Dermatitis Points To Remember:
- Patients with atopic dermatitis frequently have food allergy.
- Food allergy testing is recommended for patients who have had allergic symptoms with ingestion of the food.
- Food allergy testing can be considered for children with severe atopic dermatitis who dont respond to aggressive skin care.
- False positive tests may result. If a test has a positive result, a food challenge may be needed to establish whether the patient is truly allergic to the food.
- Food challenges can also be used to determine whether patients are outgrowing their food allergy . Approximately 20 percent of patients will lose sensitivity to peanut and 10 percent to tree nuts, so food challenges can be used for these foods as well.
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Understanding The Different Medicated Treatments For Eczema
When it comes to more targeted treatments for eczema, the use of over the counter medications, prescription topical medications, and biologics are often identified as the go-to eczema remedies for moderate to severe cases. When used in conjunction with a proper skincare routine, as well as wet-wrap therapy, these medicated treatments have been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms.
Over the Counter Medications
There are various OTC medications that can help with relieving eczema symptoms including topical OTC hydrocortisone, OTC antihistamines, medicated OTC shampoos, and other OTC moisturizers.
Hydrocortisone
Topical OTC hydrocortisone is a milder form of steroid that helps reduce redness, itching, and inflammation of the skin. It comes in different forms including ointments, creams, lotions, gels, and tape, and is often used as a temporary fix for itching and rashes associated with eczema. The general recommendation for OTC hydrocortisone use is application one to four times a day for up to seven days. OTC hydrocortisone should not be used for longer durations of time or in higher doses, and prior to use, it is recommended that you speak with your healthcare provider to ensure that there are no foreseen complications with use.
OTC Antihistamines
Medicated OTC Shampoos
OTC Moisturizers
Prescription Topical Treatments
Topical Steroids
Topical Immunomodulators/Calcineurin Inhibitors
Topical PDE4 Inhibitor
Biologics
Important Precautions
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Side Effects Of Antihistamines As Treatment For Eczema
Because first-generation drugs are sedating, here are some side effects you need to watch out for, according to the National Health Service in the United Kingdom, especially if you’re taking them at times besides before bed:
- Your ability to drive or operate machinery may be impaired.
- You might not be able to think clearly, so work or school may be difficult.
- Mixing antihistamines with other sedatives, muscle relaxers, or sleeping pills can increase the sedation.
Common side effects also include dry mouth, dizziness, and decreased appetite, according to MedlinePlus. First-generation antihistamines may not be right for you. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these medical conditions:
Many first-generation antihistamines are available without a prescription at your local drugstore, says Wattenberg. Prices vary, but at one nationwide drugstore chain, a box of 24 Benadryl Allergy Liqui-Gels cost less than $9. Store brands with the same active ingredients are generally less expensive. Ask your doctor about what would be best for you, suggests Wattenberg.
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Best Antihistamine For Eczema
Antihistamines are commonly used to alleviate the itch from eczema. Many parents want to know what the best antihistamines are to give their children. This article will discuss the best antihistamine for eczema. As always, discuss with your childs doctor before giving your child antihistamines. Also remember, antihistamines can help relieve your childs itch, but it doesnt address the cause of your childs eczema.
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When Are Antihistamines Used For Eczema
Antihistamines aren’t the main treatment for eczema, but they work together with steroids, moisturizers, and other medicines to control symptoms like itching and sleeplessness.
You may take antihistamines for eczema caused by allergies. Eczema, allergies, and asthma often go together. Doctors call these three conditions the “atopic triad.” If you have eczema you’re likely to have allergies, too.
Some antihistamines help you sleep if the eczema itch keeps you awake. Your doctor might prescribe what’s called a sedating antihistamine for eczema relief at night.
Before Taking This Medicine
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if Claritin is safe to use if you have ever had:
-
kidney disease or
The chewable Claritin tablet may contain phenylalanine and could be harmful if you have phenylketonuria .
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old without medical advice.
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Key Points About Contact Dermatitis In Children
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Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction from contact with certain substances.
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It can be caused by irritants or allergens.
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It causes many symptoms including skin redness, blistering, and itching.
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Its important to not have any contact with irritants or allergens that have caused dermatitis.
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Treatment may include cool cloths, dressings, skin creams or lotions, or prescription medicines.
To Decrease Inflammation And Itching From Eczema
Try: Rexall Hydrocortisone Cream USP 0.5% With Aloe Life Brand Hydrocortisone Cream 0.5% Spectro EczemaCare Medicated Cream
How they work: Available in a 0.5 percent concentration over the counter , hydrocortisone, found in the Rexall and Life Brand creams, is a mild steroid that reduces swelling, itchiness, pain and redness. Clobetasone butyrate, another topical steroid, is found in Spectro EczemaCare Medicated Cream some research suggestsit is more effective than one percent hydrocortisone in treating eczema, says Bhimji.
Need to know: Apply a thin layer of cream once or twice daily to affected areas only . Dont put it on broken skin or anywhere that might be infected instead, see a doctor. Because overuse can thin the skinin some cases, permanentlyLui doesnt recommend trying steroid-based creams for more than a week without the supervision of a physician youll also need to stop using them once the condition clears up.
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Newly Identified Pathway Explains Why Antihistamine Drugs Often Dont Work In Eczema Patients
During the spring and summer, allergy sufferers take antihistamine drugs to keep allergies under control.
Antihistamines are the standard treatment for allergies and itching, but often in the case of eczema patients with acute itch flares, the drugs dont help.
Dermatologist and associate professor of medicine Dr. Brian Kim, MD, is co-director of the Center for the Study of itch and Sensory Disorders at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. His goal is to understand itch, which can lead to treatments and relief. Current research is focused on helping eczema patients who suffer from debilitating itch.
Patients in the clinic show up and they say hey, I had a terrible weekend, I went to my grandmothers house and she has this cat and every time I go there, it just itches like crazy. And the itching is just unbearable!, said Kim. We have patients say when springtime comes my eczema flares terribly and I cant really get outside, its so itchy. So we thought maybe this is the missing link. Not the rash, but its the itching.
His research shows allergens in the environment are often to blame for episodes of acute itch in eczema patients. Determined to get answers about why this happens and why antihistamines to treat allergies dont always help, Kim became principal investigator for groundbreaking research.
Kim said if they can block this pathway with drugs, it may become a strategy for a possible new drug target.
To Relieve Itching Due To Eczema
Try: Claritin Allergy Aerius Allergy Benadryl Allergy Liqui-Gels Reactine Allergy
How they work:Oral antihistamine medications can help combat the effect of histamine, one of the inflammatory chemicals released in the skin of people with eczema, says Lui. But its important not to rely solely on them, as theyre only part of the solution. Loratadine , desloratadine , and cetirizine are antihistamine ingredients that will relieve itch without causing drowsiness. Diphenhydramine hydrochloride can be an effective ingredient for blocking histamine, says Bhimji, but does cause drowsiness.
Need to know: Claritin, Aerius and Reactine should only be taken once a day. Claritin is safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Anyone using other medications should check with a physician or pharmacist before taking an oral antihistamine. If you take Benadryl, follow package directions, but avoid it if you need to be alert or are driving or operating machinery.
This article was originally titled “Eczema relief” in the of Best Health. to get the full Best Health experienceand never miss an issue!
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Home Remedies: The Painful Irritation Of Eczema
Atopic dermatitis is a condition that makes your skin red and itchy. It’s common in children but can occur at any age. Atopic dermatitis is long lasting and tends to flare periodically and then subside. It may be accompanied by asthma or hay fever.
No cure has been found for atopic dermatitis. But treatments and self-care measures can relieve itching and prevent new outbreaks. For example, it helps to avoid harsh soaps and other irritants, apply medicated creams or ointments, and moisturize your skin.
To help reduce itching and soothe inflamed skin, try these self-care measures:
See your doctor if your atopic dermatitis symptoms distract you from your daily routines or prevent you from sleeping.
What Is Yale Medicines Approach To Treating Allergic Contact Dermatitis
According to Dr. Choate, one thing that sets Yale Medicine dermatologists apart is their willingness to aggressively pursue results.
Our physicians are really dedicated to getting answers, Dr. Choate says. “If a patient is having recurrent episodes and comes to us, we look at the rash and say, ‘Gosh, that has features of allergic contact dermatitis.’ Then we actually go and we find the answer to what is causing the reaction by using the patch-test approach.
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How Is Allergic Contact Dermatitis Diagnosed
Typically a diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis is made by a dermatologist. Often the shape of the rash will determine the diagnosis. Rashes caused by external factors such as allergens or irritants are usually asymmetrical, and those caused by internal factorssuch as atopic dermatitisare often symmetrical, meaning that they occur in both sides of the body, for example, on both arms or legs.
But a successful allergic contact dermatitis diagnosis doesnt always indicate what caused the reaction in the first place. If someone hasnt been exposed to a known allergen such as poison oak, its necessary to perform patch testing to determine the cause.
Patch testing involves the application of square patches that are impregnated with a variety of different allergenstypically 36 of the most common ones. The patches need to remain on the patients skin for about 48 hours to ensure that the skin has time to react to the allergens. Once the patches are removed, it will typically take another 24 to 36 hours for a rash to appear.
Common allergens used in patch testing might include: nickel, fragrances, potassium dichromate , neomycin and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives often found in shampoo and other personal-care products.
Are There Different Kinds Of Allergic Contact Dermatitis
There arent different kinds of allergic contact dermatitis, but there are many different allergens that can cause the condition. These allergens can be obvious, like poison ivy, or more subtle, like preservatives in personal care products, leather dyes or spandex.
Allergic contact dermatitis needs to be distinguished from irritant contact dermatitis, rashes that are usually caused by repeated exposure to soaps, detergents or industrial chemicals. People can have both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis. If you have atopic dermatitis , your skin is more sensitive and susceptible to irritant reactions from a variety of exposures.
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