Allergies & Sensitivities

For those with asthma and allergies, comfortable laminate flooring has been a non-existent home feature until recently. The reason is that no matter how clean a floor, the floor pad under the laminate…

In the real world, poison ivy doesn't have many uses, but in "RuneScape," the toxic plant is very helpful to farmers. Berries from the poison ivy bush are a vital component in high-level…

Poison ivy is a skin rash that can develop after you come in contact with the weedlike poison ivy plant. Most people are allergic to the oily resin produced by this plant. Brushing against the plant…

Exposure to the oily sap of poison oak from its leaves, stem roots, fruit and flowers can lead to skin irritation. According to DrWeil.com, 50 to 85 percent of the population is allergic to poison oak…

When you think about allergy triggers, you probably think of pollen and being outdoors. Some of the worst triggers for allergies can be found inside a house, though. If you have allergies, making…

Dust mites and dander are present in all homes. You can, though, minimize how much. Many people with allergies concentrate reducing the dust mite population and amount of dander in the bedroom because…

Poison ivy grows as a noxious woody vine on the ground or up trees. When given full sunlight, poison ivy grows into a shrub. If poison ivy's plant tissues are crushed by shovels, pulling or weed…

Though it might look like another harmless, leafy green plant, poison ivy is worthy of its fearsome name. There are several varieties of poison ivy, which take the form of vines or woody shrubs. The…

You don’t have to suffer from allergies to want a dust-proof home. But unless you want to live in a hermetically sealed bubble, you'll never be able to completely eliminate dust from your home.…

Piercings smell due to bacteria. That does not always mean infection. Hygiene and body location can be culprits, too. You must learn the specific reasons why your piercings smell to correct the…

Bringing home a new kitten means welcoming a new furry member to your family. To make the transition as smooth as possible and to keep the curious creature safe, take the time to cat-proof your home…

Dust mites are found in 95 percent of homes in America. These tiny creatures pose problems for people with allergies and breathing troubles such as asthma and emphysema. Your home may appear clean,…

If you've ever been camping or hiking, you've likely heard warnings about the infamous poison ivy. Given the itchy, blistering rash that results from contact with this plant, it's wise to avoid it at…

Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is a poisonous plant native to the temperate regions of North America, Central America and east Asia, though it is not a true ivy. The clear sap of poison ivy is…

Latex is used for a wide variety of products such as gloves and condoms. Liquid latex is a common form of latex used for making costumes and makeup and even sculpting. Working with liquid latex can be…

Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is a vine that produces a liquid called urushiol, which is a contact irritant to most people. It causes blisters and intense itching on any skin that has come into…

Ivy plants, members of the family Araliaceae, are hardy perennials that can withstand cold temperatures with the proper care and preparation. Mulch provides the necessary cover and warmth for ivy to…

"Leaves of three, let it be." These may be the wisest words when venturing out on your first camping excursion. Poison ivy is a rash-causing vining plant or forest groundcover native to a huge expanse…

Poison ivy is a perennial woody weed that is native to North America. It is most frequently observed in disturbed sites along roads, railroads and canal rights-of-way. It is also quite common in…

English ivy is a common houseplant and garden vine that is toxic to pets. It may even be fatal if they eat a large amount of it. Inquisitive pets may try to taste a little bit of everything inside the…

Allergists-immunologists are microbiological scientists who research methods of preventing allergic reactions. Allergies are formed when the immune system develops a hypersensitivity to an…

"Baby Proofing" your home involves removing a lot of obstacles that could pose a threat to a newborn. Baby proof your home with help from a postpartum doula and infant specialist in this free video…

While unsightly, the more serious problem with dust is that it can cause allergies and other respiratory problems. Unfortunately, it is impossible to rid your home of all dust. That's because most…

Storms that produce winds can lift or tear asphalt shingles on a home's roof, allowing water to damage contents in your home. The age of the shingles, how the shingles are fastened and the number of…

Identifying nutrient deficiencies in corn requires a keen eye and attention to detail when inspecting the foliage. Although some signs are subtle and easy to overlook or mistakenly attribute to…

The most common North American bird mite is called the northern fowl mite or Ornithonyssus sylviarum. They commonly infest birds such as sparrows, pigeons and other wild birds that tend to nest and…

Rhodium is an element that has industrial uses and is also used for plating jewelry made of other metals. It is quite rare, with production being only about 3 tons a year. Although dangers are…

Dogs have a sensitivity to poison oak, although their reaction is not usually as drastic as that which a human experiences. Poison oak is a member of the toxicodendron group of plants, and is also…

IgE stands for immunoglobulin E, a type of antibody that acts on cells in the mucus membranes, lungs and often the skin to produce allergic reactions of varying severity. Symptoms of high IgE can be…

Jewelweed is an annual that grows best in shady and damp conditions. The plant also goes by the names touch-me-not, silverweed, lady's slipper, lady's eardrops, snappers and snapweed. Jewelweed's most…

Gypsophila paniculata is the scientific name for baby's breath, which is also known as bachelor's button, perennial or tall baby's breath and maiden's breath. The small bunches of flowers are often…

Ragweed is the bane of millions of people's existence during the late summer and early fall. According to Ragweed Allergy.com, ragweed is the most allergenic of all the pollens and is also very…

If you've ever gone for a hike in the woods or performed any extensive yard work or land clearing, you have likely encountered a poisonous plant. If you were fortunate, you escaped the encounter…

Over 40 percent of U.S. households own at least one dog. Unfortunately, a substantial number of people also have allergies to dogs -- possibly over one-quarter of the American population. Many people…

According to treeallergies.co.cc, nearly 75 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies, including those related to trees and tree pollen. Tree allergies can be difficult to combat since trees…

Nickel is a metal found in nature, but for commercial use it is usually mixed with other metals. Nickel can be found in jewelry, zippers, buttons, even on money. If you or someone you know has an…

Large welts result from an allergic reaction to an internal source like food or some external factor, such as an insect bite. They appear as large red itchy bumps on the skin. The natural response by…

The tropical state of Hawaii has relatively few spiders whose bites are serious enough to cause death. According to the University of Hawaii, notable exceptions include the brown violin and black…

Mesh patches, made of synthetic material, are used often for large hernias. Mesh patches can also be used for any type of skin grafting when an injured area needs to be covered, such as bladder…

Casein is a protein that makes up roughly 80 percent of the protein in cow's milk. It digests slowly and contains all of the essential amino acids people must obtain from their diet. Casein makers use…

Poison ivy rashes, also known as allergic contact dermatitis, cause pain and irritation wherever the plant has come in contact with the skin. A toxic oil resin in the plant, called urushiol, is the…

High altitudes have reduced amounts of oxygen and, consequently, the partial pressure of oxygen in tissues reduces in hypoxic environments. At sea level, the concentration of oxygen is approximately…

Emergency situations could limit your ability to communicate with medical personnel. If you have life-threatening medical conditions or regularly take medication, what the doctor does not know could…

Winter itch is a form of eczema that results in dry and itchy skin. It is frequently caused by a combination of artificial heat, dry winter air and frequent showering. The winter air can also…

Flonase, or fluticasone nasal spray, is used to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies such as sneezing and stuffy, runny or itchy nose and eyes. It prevents and decreases inflammation in the nose…

Doctors often prescribe sulfur cream, ointments, bar soaps and lotion to treat various types of skin orders, such as acne, rosacea, scabies and seborrheic dermatitis. The reason sulfur is used to…

An allergen is described as a foreign protein substance that is eaten, breathed into the lungs, injected or touched. The job of the immune system is to find the allergens and get rid of them, but…

Clogged milk ducts, also referred to as plugged or blocked milk ducts, occur when the ducts in a woman's breast become blocked. Each breast contain mammary, or milk, ducts designed to transfer milk…

Making concrete involves mixing dry cement, which is known by the generic term portland cement, with water. Pouring dry cement out of bags generates dust. That dust contains hexavalent chromium, a…

The symptoms of latex sensitivity can vary from one person to another. Latex can cause a number of different reactions and the degree of severity of these reactions can range from a mild itch to…