As warmer days are approaching, I know many of you, myself included, will be dreading the high pollen counts and will be arming yourself with hayfever products and tissues. Since having children, on top of being a hayfever sufferer, I have developed a number of allergies, including particular chemicals such as Methacrylate which can be found in some gel nails and beauty products. I have always suffered from sensitive skin, including eczema and as I get older I appear to be finding more ingredients that cause allergic reactions. For me, it presents itself through swelling, blistering and an itch that just drives you bonkers! However, I'm acutely aware that this is mild in comparison to other allergies which can be life-threatening - but that does not mean it doesn't impact my life and nor should you have to just simply"put up with".
For this blog post, I'm working with Klarify.Me on home testing kits. I'm so pleased to be working with them because, as an educator, I truly believe that knowledge is power and arming yourself with knowledge is the best way to live a life with allergies.
I remember my very first allergic reaction to an insect bite, the swelling and blistering caused my mouth and lips to quadruple in size and was incredibly painful. It has happened several times since and always causes anxiety through the warmer months. Obviously, it's quite difficult to avoid things like insect bites, but when my allergies began with some beauty products, I was able to identify the particular ingredients and avoid those products. Methacrylate is my main allergen, which is found in a number of products such as some gel nails, nail glues, laqures, latex paints (as an art teacher this is something I have to be aware of as well!) etc. Knowing this active allergen, I'm able to avoid but for others who have far more complex allergens, this can be incredibly difficult. With 1 in 4 adults, 1 in 6 teenagers and 1 in 10 children being affected by allergies many of which do not know the full extent of their allergens which is incredibly scary given the risk associated with anaphylaxis. Thankfully, in 2021, technology has moved on so we don't have to even wait for a GP appointment and can take a home allergy test, safely, right in the comforts of our own home.The important thing when it comes to testing, of any kind, is to go with a trustworthy, professional and reputable company. Klarify.me home allergy test offers exactly this. The test can check for over 280 different allergens from pollen to pets and food. Using sophisticated technology, the test will give you an insight into what to avoid and how to move forward in your own allergy journey.
The test is incredibly simple and uses a small blood sample which you then send off to test for allergies. Within three weeks, you are provided with comprehensive and reliable results which you can take to your GP to discuss further. Klarify.Me offers plenty of useful information to help support the testing process as well to help you feel fully informed along the way.
Knowing some of the symptoms of an allergy is very important, especially in young children who perhaps can't articulate how they are feeling. Some of the common signs of an allergy include;
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Stomach pain
- Hives
- Itchy mouth or ears
- Swelling of lips, tongue, or throat
- A sudden drop in blood pressure
- Abdominal pain
- Hives
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling around the eyes and the mouth
- Tingling and itching around the mouth
- Weak and rapid pulse
Do you suffer with allergies? What advice would you give to someone who is starting their own allergy journey?
K Elizabeth xoxox
*This is a paid collaborative post with Klarify.Me
