How to Beat Summertime Eczema in New York?

                                        

Summertime eczema is one of the most common complaints coming into my office this time of the year.  Kids and adults alike are itchy and scratchy all over.  Rapid changes in temperature and humidity that are classic for NYC summers can trigger an eczema flare leaving families feeling helpless, sleepy  and ITCHY.

Classic areas that eczema appears are the areas of elbows and behind knees.


What can you do to help get skin back under control and possibly even prevent an eczema flare this NYC summer?

• MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE
• Keeping skin well hydrated will help prevent an eczema flare
• Stay hydrated with plenty of water (avoid juices and sugary beverages)
• Bath daily in warm water and avoid strong soaps
• Make sure skin is covered in a good moisturize when still wet
• Pat dry leaving a layer of water on the skin that you can trap into the skin with a moisturizer
  
• STOP THE ITCH SCRATCH CYCLE
• Have a plan to stop scratching.
• Talk about what to do to prevent the itch and stop it.  Early moisturization can often prevent a flare.
• Send a plan to school with the National Eczema's School Kit 
• Keep emollients like Vaseline, Crisco, Aquaphor of Vaniply in the refrigerator; the cool temperature applied directly to itchy inflamed skin will stop the itch.  Wrap inflamed areas in wet cool paper towels before applying emollients. 
• Use topical steroids and oral anti-histamines if needed.
• Your doctor may advise topical and/or oral antibiotics if skin becomes infected. 
• Get into an oatmeal-Epsom salt bath
• Place dry oatmeal and Epsom salts in a cheese clothe or other porous material, tie tightly, and place under running water.  Oatmeal has natural anti-inflammatory compounds that will help soothe irritated skin.
  
• TRY TO IDENTIFY TRIGGERS
• See an allergist to help you identify the cause and trigger of the eczema
• Potential causes may be foods (milk, eggs, and nuts are the most common), lotions, sunscreens and detergents, and skin allergy to dust mite, summertime weeds, and animals.
• Contact dermatitis (an allergy to chemicals in personal care products) is an often overlooked cause of eczema.  
• Identifying other triggers can help you prevent future attacks.  

Want more help for eczema in NYC?  Schedule an appointment with us.  Gramercy Allergy specializes in treatment of eczema in New York City.  

Want to read more about eczema- Check out the National Eczema Foundation 

How to Beat Summertime Allergies in NYC?

The phrase summertime allergies may make you scratch your head, but summer is a time when many experience unexpected allergies.  They feel they are "in the clear" after making it thru the springtime pollen and ready to put their allergy medications away.  But summertime allergies in New York City are real and can be just as bothersome.

Summer brings on a host of unexpected exposures that cause many to feel itchy and scratchy.  Feeling like you're loosing the battle to summertime allergies in New York City?  Read more to find out what might be the culprit of your symptoms.


Here are the top 5 summertime allergy triggers in New York City:

1) Air pollution- let's face it, New York City is known for many wonderful things, but clean air isn't one of them.  

                                                  

• Hot humid days bring poor air quality in to the city.  Ozone, pollution and air particulate matter all contribute to poor air quality.  Sadly, patients with asthma who live in poorer neighborhoods suffer disproportionately from health issues including asthma according to a 2011 report that looked at emergency room visits socioeconomic status and air quality.  
• Living near a road with lots of truck traffic, not having access to air conditioning, and living in a poorer neighborhood increase the likelihood that you'll be affected by air pollution in New York City.
• Don't just check the weather report- listen to what's happening with the air quality.   Use caution when exercising outside on days when their are alerts.  Find a cooling station if you don't have access to air conditioning.  

2) Sun and Sunscreen:  

                                              

• A necessity in the dog days of summer.  Almost all products now contain SPF from shampoo to lotion.  It's a necessity to help prevent skin aging and potential skin cancer.  
• However, the sunscreen you use every day can cause you to have an itchy rash.  For some this is triggered only by exposure to the sun (photodermatitis) or for others it's a chemical in the sunscreen itself (contact dermatitis). 
• Do you just get a reaction when you're in the sun?  Then you may have photodermatitis.  See your allergist to determine which sunscreens are safe for you to use.  

3) Summer Fruits and Vegetables:
   
                          

• Health summer snacks for some can cause discomfort in their mouth when they bite into fresh fruits and vegetables.  Itchy gums, tongue, and throat are common if you have tree grass or ragweed pollen allergy.
• The most notorious foods triggering reactions like this are raw apples, peaches, cherries, apples, celery and melons.
• Some put up with the nuisance, and others fear they are are having an anaphylactic reaction.
• Worried that you are allergic to fruits and vegetables?  Get tested to find out what pollen's you are allergic to.  An allergist will help definitively tell you if you have oral allergy syndrome or a dangerous reaction to food. 

4) Love to Swim in NYC?    Chlorine is next on the list.  
                         

• There's nothing more refreshing on a hot summer day then jumping into a cool pool.  Chlorine does not trigger an allergic response, the chemical scent/odor can trigger an asthma attack, rash, and irritant reactions in eyes, nose, and lungs that mimic allergic reactions.
  
• Need a plan for swimming, but feel the chlorine is triggering your asthma?  See an allergist to determine which medications are best to control your symptoms.
  

5) Ouch! At the top of the list are Stinging Insects in NYC.

              

• Life threatening reactions to the sting of yellow jackets, honey bees, wasps, hornets and fire ants can send you to the hospital.
  
• Make sure to use protective clothing when working outside, avoid brightly colored clothing, and use caution when drinking sweet beverages at the park.
  
• If you are allergic, see an allergist.  There is life saving treatment for insect allergy that works 99% of the time.
  
• Carry your epi-pen at all times when outside.
  
• While not deadly, mosquitoes in New York , can make many just as itchy.  Did you know there are about 51 different types of mosquitos in New York?  
• You can reduce your exposure by using protective clothing, insect sprays such as OFF, and DEET and removing standing water from fire escapes and alley ways.
• Citronella, Geraniums and believe it or not Victoria Secret Bombshell perfume are natural ways of fighting off mosquitoes

These are just a few tips on how to beat summertime allergies in New York City.  Looking for more specific question or treatment options?  Please see us for an appointment.  Gramercy Allergy is one of the top allergy offices in New York City.  We love to help and solve difficult cases.

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