What causes allergies?

Does your health suffer and your skin itch and do you start to feel constricted in your chest if you approach or breathe in or touch certain things? Then you may be chemically sensitive. A lot of people gave become sensitized these days, because there is a lot more chemical pollution in the air. Even simple things like spray cleaners or detergents can trigger sneezing or rashes. Perfumes or ingredients in soaps and shampoos and conditioners may make your skin break out. You can even sit in a chair or put a robe on, for instance (without washing it first) and break out instantly with a violent rash that will be there for half an hour, then go away. People have touched fresh bamboo and break out in a rash. It's hard to tell what might trigger an attack but you can definitely takes steps to reduce that risk.

First thing and this is easy -- always buy washable clothing and wash before wearing. This includes socks (which can cause the soles of your feet to be extremely itchy). Women may want to buy fabric handbags so they can be washed. Also, be careful when purchasing used items. If you don't know what's in it, there are always possibilities that you could react to a chemical. Shop for natural or organic products that you use in the bath. Stay away from perfumes. Use an unscented and natural body lotion. If you do get an itchy rash, you should keep this soothing product in hand. Always use it before going to bed. Oh, and make sure that your sheets and pillowcase shave been washed in a natural detergent. Now you know why, when walking up the soap and detergent aisle in the market, that you always used to sneeze.

Regarding your house, and especially if you are painting or laying down floors, use low or no VOC paint (volatile organic compounds i.e. things that smell of chemicals), and flooring that emits as little of these compounds as possible. Hard surfaces are usually good, such as tiles or hardwood flooring or bamboo (check the label on the box to make sure on the latter). Laminates are not usually a good idea, although if you let them air out for a while, the odors can go away. Watch out for furniture that is sealed with varnish or lacquer. If you lean your wrist on it and the skin starts to itch, there's a reaction there. On the whole, and for most things, it's just a matter of testing, realizing and then reducing or eliminating substances and things that are not for the chemically sensitive. This is a fairly simple matter and there is no need for concern. If you do have an extremely violent reaction to something, then see your doctor right away.