Zyrtec Vs Claritin For Postnasal Drip
Post nasal drip may occur for various reasons – allergies , colds or flu, various drugs , cold temperatures, bright lights, hormonal changes and spicy foods.
Thin postnasal drip secretions caused by allergies may be treated with antihistamines. Second-generation antihistamines such as Zyrtec and Claritin may offer better relief than older-type antihistamines such as promethazine . Intranasal antihistamines, such as azelastine, have a faster onset of action and appear more effective than oral antihistamines although require more frequent administration. Other treatments include decongestants, cromolyn, and corticosteroid nasal sprays.
In the treatment of post nasal drip caused by nonallergic causes, oral second-generation antihistamines are not very effective. However, the intranasal antihistamine azelastine is effective. Azelastine improves all rhinitis symptoms including nasal congestion, postnasal drip, sneezing and sleeping difficulty. The most common side effect is a metallic after taste however, this is more likely at higher dosages and tends to dissipate with continued use.
If thin nasal mucus secretions become thick and turn yellow or green, bacterial infection is likely and a doctor should be seen to obtain antibiotics.
How To Treat Eczema On Scalp
Eczema symptoms can range from minor to severe. It can occur not only on your scalp, but on all parts of your body. There are several types of medication that claim to help with Eczema but it is important to note that there isn’t a cure for Eczema.
To work on your Eczema symptoms as soon as possible, you need to find a medication that will not only reduce the itch but eliminate the bacteria that’s aggravating the skin condition. You may also want to search for hair products that are gentler on the scalp as harsh ingredients can worsen the Eczema.
New Innovations In The Treatment Of Eczema In Children
Tacrolimus ointment this is an investigational ointment currently being tested in the U.S. for the treatment of eczema. It suppresses the part of the immune system that is responsible for the eczema rash and itching. This ointment is showing great promise, and will hopefully be available soon. It appears to be just as effective as steroid creams but does not have many of the side effects that the steroids have.
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What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Eczema
The signs of eczema :
- are mainly dry, itchy skin. Because it is so itchy, it is often called “the itch that rashes.”
- include redness, scales, and bumps that can leak fluid and then crust over
- tend to come and go. When they get worse, it is called a flare-up.
- may be more noticeable at night
Symptoms can vary:
- Infants younger than 1 year old usually have the eczema rash on their cheeks, forehead, or scalp. It may spread to the knees, elbows, and trunk .
- Older kids and teens usually get the rash in the bends of the elbows, behind the knees, on the neck, or on the inner wrists and ankles. Their skin is often scalier and drier than when the eczema first began. It also can be thicker, darker, or scarred from all the scratching .
Are There Natural Antihistamines For Eczema
There are fruits and vegetables you can include in your diet that contain a natural anti-allergic, antihistaminic and anti-inflammatory phytochemical called quercetin. Quercetin can be found including broccoli, grapes, berry crops, apples , tea, and wine.
If you are looking for alternatives to pharmaceutical anti-histaimnes, you may consider quercetin as a dietary supplement. It is available over-the-counter.
If you are interested in alternative treatment options for eczema, acupuncture is also another alternative medical therapy to try which can be effective in reducing the intensity of itch associated with eczema.
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Q : How Does Eczema Affect People Of Different Ages
Eczema is a chronic health problem that affects people of all ages, but is most common in babies :
- Infantile eczema occurs in around 20% of children under two years of age, and usually starts in the first six months of life. Infantile eczema usually improves significantly between the ages of two to five years.
- Childhood eczema may follow infantile eczema, or start from two to four years of age. Rashes and dryness are usually found in the creases of the elbows, behind the knees, across the ankles and may also involve the face, ears and neck. This form of eczema usually improves with age.
- Adult eczema is similar to that of older children with areas of very dry, itchy, reddened skin at the elbow creases, wrists, neck, ankles and behind the knees. It can cause rough, hard and thickened skin, which may also have weeping areas. Although eczema tends to improve in midlife, and is unusual in elderly people, it can occur at any age.
Show Those Allergens Whos Boss Eczema Warrior
Typically, the only way to lessen an allergic reaction is through desensitization, a process in which you gradually introduce small amounts of the allergen into your body, Wein said. That is how allergists can stop you from being allergic to pollen, mold, dust, cats or even venom.
You could also take on allergies the old-fashioned way: by cleaning thoroughly and often to reduce the levels of pollen, mold, dust and pet dander lurking in the nooks and crannies of your home. Just be sure to wear gloves while cleaning to protect your skin from irritating chemicals and detergents, and a mask to avoid breathing them in.
Most allergists recommend purchasing a HEPA filter, but it wont protect you from all airborne allergens, Wein warned. Dust mite allergen, which is carried on larger particles that fall rapidly to the ground after a disturbance is much less responsive to a HEPA filter, he said.
Wein also recommends investing in allergy pillow and mattress covers that act as a barrier against pet allergens. Animal dander can stay airborne for hours, he said. Levels in homes without animals are generally much lower but can still be detected. Interestingly, sometimes the pet fur can collect pollen or dust mite allergens and act as a vector for another allergen, but my experience is that this is much less common.
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How Do Antihistamines Work For Eczema
Histamine is a chemical that your immune system releases when you’re allergic to things like pet hair, pollen, or shellfish. When histamine is released, fluid leaks from your blood vessels into your skin, which leads to swelling, a rash, itching, and other symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Antihistamines block histamine to relieve the itch and bring down swelling in your skin.
The sedative in some antihistamines relaxes you and makes you sleepy. By helping you sleep, these medications keep you from scratching your skin during the night and irritating it even more.
Dyshidrotic eczema is a type of eczema that causes small, fluid-filled blisters on the palms of the hands, sides of the fingers, soles of the feet, and sides of the toes. The itch from these blisters can be intense. Taking an antihistamine for dyshidrotic eczema may help relieve the itch.
Can Emuaidmax Help To Relieve Other Skin Conditions
Although EMUAIDMAX® can effectively relieve the symptoms of eczema, it can also provide fast relief for a number of different resistant skin conditions such as hemorrhoids, cold sores, fungal infections, and acne. Although many customers find EMUAIDMAX® effective for acne, it is recommended to use a clarifying acne overnight treatment solution containing natural ingredients such as EMUAID® Overnight Acne Treatment for fast and effective relief of the symptoms of acne.
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Which Antihistamine Works Best For Eczema
There are a number of antihistamines available in the market, but which one works the best for eczema?
Hydroxyzine is an oral antihistamine that is recommended for those who have difficulty sleeping due to itching. It has sedative effects.
Cetirizine is another antihistamine that is taken orally. Drowsiness is also a side effect of cetirizine. This is commonly known as Zyrtec.
Diphenhydramine is a commonly used antihistamine medicine but it is not fully recommended for eczema because of its lack of studies and proven benefits for eczema patients. This is commonly known as Benadryl.
How Is Eczema Treated
There is no cure for eczema. But treatments can help with symptoms. The doctor will recommend different treatments based on how severe the symptoms are, the child’s age, and where the rash is. Some are “topical” and applied to the skin. Others are taken by mouth.
Topical moisturizers. Skin should be moisturized often . The best time to apply moisturizer is after a bath or shower, with the skin patted dry gently. Ointments and creams are best because they contain a lot of oil. Lotions have too much water to be helpful.
Topical corticosteroids, also called cortisone or steroid creams or ointments. These ease skin inflammation. It’s important not to use a topical steroid prescribed for someone else. These creams and ointments vary in strength, and using the wrong strength in sensitive areas can damage the skin, especially in infants.
Other topical anti-inflammatory medicines. These include medicines that change the way the skin’s immune system reacts.
Medicine taken by mouth. These can include antihistamines to help itchy kids sleep better at night, antibiotics if a rash gets infected by bacteria, and corticosteroid pills or other medicines that suppress the immune system.
Other types of treatment can include:
- wet wraps: damp cloths placed on irritated areas of skin
- bleach baths: bathing in very diluted bleach solution
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How To Get Rid Of Dyshidrotic Eczema
Dyshidrotic Eczema results in small blisters forming on hands and feet that are usually itchy and can be painful. Possible causes include high stress levels, seasonal allergies, staying in water for too long and excessive sweating of the hands or feet. It can also be due to an allergic reaction to certain metals, including nickel and cobalt.
To get rid of Dyshidrotic Eczema, you need to start by accessing your lifestyle to see what is the potential cause of your Dyshidrotic Eczema and try to avoid it. Next, you need to find a medication that is able to reach deep into the skin to eliminate the bacteria and reduce inflammation. Lastly, apply the medication regularly to ease the Eczema symptoms and heal the skin.
What Are The Side Effects Of Antihistamine Treatment For Eczema
There are antihistamines grouped as first-generation antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine. This is not recommended for the treatment of eczema because these have strong sedative effects. Chlorpheniramine stays longer in the body once taken by mouth and therefore, stays in the body even during the daytime.
Chlorpheniramine and hydroxyzine can impair the driving ability of adults as well as the learning ability of children because they stay longer in the body.
The second-generation antihistamines were developed to solve the issues associated with the first-generation antihistamines, so they do not have such an intense sedative effect. One of the many second-generation antihistamines is fexofenadine . It can help improve the itching symptoms in eczema.
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Antihistamines As A Treatment For Eczema
“Eczema is not really a histamine problem, but antihistamines do seem to have some effect. The sedating effect is helpful because scratching always makes eczema worse. So if the medications keep people from scratching, indirectly they can help the eczema,” Dr. Chen says, adding that antihistamines are still not as effective as we would like in treating the itch of eczema.
In general, there are two types of oral antihistamines on the market: first-generation antihistamines and second-generation antihistamines. First-generation drugs, such as Benadryl and Chlor-Trimeton , affect the brain and can cause side effects like drowsiness, according to the Cleveland Clinic. These sedating antihistamines are most beneficial as a treatment for eczema, especially if the eczema symptom of itchy skin is keeping you from sleeping, says Dr. Wattenberg. And getting a good night’s sleep promotes healing and is beneficial for the immune system, according to the nonprofit Allergy & Asthma Network. When taken as directed, first-generation antihistamines are safe, even for children, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, though its important to talk to your childs doctor first.
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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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Is It Better To Take Zyrtec In The Morning Or At Night
It depends on whether you experience any side effects, says Robert Eitches, MD, an allergist at Tower Allergy. If your problems are only during the day time and you aren’t really prone to side effects, then go ahead and take it during the day.
But if you experience side effects like drowsiness, Dr. Eitches recommends taking your dose at night before bed. “That way you wake up in the morning relatively clearer, too,” he says. If it makes you sleepy, the side effect will have likely worn off by the time you wake up, and since the medication can provide relief for 24 hours, you’ll still experience relief during the day.
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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Massage And Physical Therapy
One clinical study looking at essential oils for treating children with eczema found that massage with and without essential oils helped improve dry, scaly skin lesions. Children with this scaly, itchy skin problem seem to have less redness, scaling, and other symptoms if they had massage between flares. DO NOT use massage when skin is actively inflamed. The essential oils most often chosen by the mothers in the study included sweet marjoram, frankincense, German chamomile, myrrh, thyme, benzoin, spike lavender, and Litsea cubeba.
Exercise
In one clinical study, participating in regular group sporting activities for 3 weeks improved eczema symptoms. Exercise may improve symptoms because of the positive impact it has on emotions. Sports should be avoided during the worst stages of an outbreak.
Climatotherapy
Climatotherapy uses sunlight and water as therapy. The Dead Sea in Israel is known for its healing properties, and many people with eczema go there to sit in the sun and swim in the water. Scientific studies support the benefits. One clinical study looked at the experience of more than 1,500 people with eczema and found that 95% of skin was cleared in people who had stayed at the Dead Sea longer than 4 weeks.
Possible Risks Associated With Otc Medications
One MyEczemaTeam member shared their success with OTC medications, âFor many people, over-the-counter remedies are more beneficial than prescription meds. Iâm not discouraging prescription options for those that need them, but some of them pose side effects.â But OTC products are not without their risks, too.
It is always important to follow the labelâs instructions when taking any type of OTC medication. Using them off-label, underdosing, or overdosing can be both dangerous and lead to harmful side effects in some people.
Certain OTC medications can interact with other medications you may be taking. You should always consult your doctor before applying topical hydrocortisone or taking antihistamines, pain relievers, or other medicated treatments.
Another MyEczemaTeam member shared their caution about using OTC medications: âI have to watch what medications I take because so many over-the-counter medications work against the medications I take now for epilepsy.â
Potential drug interactions aside, possible side effects of OTC topical steroids include:
- Cracked skin
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Using Zyrtec For Treating Hives And Allergies
Zyrtec is an antihistamine in the class of drugs referred to as second-generation antihistamines. Antihistamines work by blocking histamines, chemical signals released by a type of cell in the immune system in order to alert other cells about a potential invader.
With allergies or hives, this is a case of mistaken identity in which the immune system is asked to respond to a harmless invader, such as tree pollen or dust mites. Zyrtec is recommended for children 2 years of age and older and adults. It is available as a tablet that can be swallowed, as a chewable tablet, and as a liquid.
First-generation antihistamines include medications such as Benadryl and Vistaril/Atarax . These medications can be very effective for the treatment of hives or allergies but usually cause significant drowsiness which limits their use.
In addition to Zyrtec, other second-generation antihistamines include Xyzal , Claritin , and Allegra .
Watch Out For These Common Eczema Triggers
- Dry skin can easily become brittle, scaly, rough and tight.
- Chemical irritants are everyday products or substances that can cause your skin to burn and itch.
- Stress can cause a persons atopic dermatitis to flare or worsen.
- Hot/cold temps and sweating can lead to itchy skin or prickly heat symptoms can develop during the cold winter months.
- Infection from bacteria and viruses that live in your environment can lead to a flare.
- Allergens wreak havoc on our lives and come from everyday materials in the environment like seasonal pollen, dust mites, pet dander and mold.
- Hormones: Flares may happen, especially in women, when certain hormones in the body increase or decrease.
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