Testing for allergens typically found in a Mediterranean environment, which may trigger a range of reactions from hay fever to anaphylaxis.
Overview
Do allergens cause eczema?
Allergens are not the cause of most types of eczema, but they can cause flare-ups.
What allergens can cause eczema?
Dust mites, pollen, pet dander (dried flakes of skin) and some foods.
What are the symptoms?
Red, cracked, inflamed or blistered skin. Symptoms typically appear within hours or days of contact with an allergen and can affect any part of the body (although most commonly the hands and face).
How do I know if my eczema is allergy-related?
A simple blood test is all you need. Book yours now.
Did You Know?
Recent studies show that a Mediterranean diet may help to prevent some allergies that trigger wheezing and asthma.
The Mediterranean allergy profile
Allergies develop when your body becomes sensitive (or oversensitive) to certain allergens in your environment. Allergies can change depending on your location, because your exposure to allergens varies from place to place.
If you are planning to visit or live in the Mediterranean, therefore, you will encounter a slightly different range of allergens than you would in the UK. If you are from a Mediterranean country and are moving elsewhere, you may also notice a shift in your typical allergy pattern. Testing can help you understand the nature of your allergies, so you can take precautions and stay healthy.
Start your allergy search
Allergy sufferers are frequently susceptible to more than one allergen. That means it can be difficult to know for sure what the precise causes of your allergies are, and to separate the genuine and potentially dangerous allergies from bothersome but less serious intolerances.
This test covers three main allergen areas: pollens, foods and dust/dander, and a wide range of allergens typical in the Mediterranean, so you do not need multiple tests.
What are the symptoms of an allergy?
Pollen allergies can result in typical hay fever-like symptoms including:
- Sneezing, and a runny or blocked nose
- Itchy throat, nose and ears
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Coughing
- Less typically, you may also feel tired or fatigued, lose your sense of smell or feel facial pain, usually a consequence of blocked sinuses
Dust mite and pet dander (dry skin flakes) allergies may result in symptoms similar to hay fever. A food allergy may result in a wide range of symptoms, including:
- Itching
- Flushed skin
- A raised, red, itchy rash anywhere on the body (hives)
- Increased heart rate
- Swollen tongue or throat
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea
Anaphylaxis: In severe cases, a food allergy can trigger anaphylaxis. This combination of breathing difficulties and feeling faint can lead to collapse, and can be fatal if left untreated. If you suspect anaphylaxis, dial 999.
How do I get tested?
Better2Know offers a simple blood test designed to check for a range of allergies commonly found in the Mediterranean, including:
- A. alternata
- Cat epithelium and dander
- Cows’ milk
- Egg white
- House dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae)
- Olive
- Peanut
- Rye-grass
- Timothy grass
Once you know what substances you are allergic to, you can avoid or treat the allergies with confidence.
To book your test, contact Better2Know now on the number above.