Colouring the hair is a common practice whether it is to hide the greys, change your natural hair colour or highlight and streak certain portions for cosmetic purposes. At times, hair dyes can causes a severe allergy which is usually localised – only affecting the skin of the head. This is known as allergic contact dermatitis. In other instances, the use of a hair dye can have systemic effects – affecting the entire body. A systemic reaction to hair dye is not common but can be quite severe if it occurs.
A pet allergy occurs in sensitive people who are exposed to the hair, fur or saliva of a household pet like a cat or dog. The reaction occurs as a result of coming in contact with the proteins that are within the saliva, fur or hair. These foreign proteins, known as allergens, trigger an immune reaction which cause a range of symptoms.
An allergy is an immune reaction to some substance. In a person with allergies, the body’s immune system overreacts when it comes into contact with certain substances. These stimuli are known as allergens and trigger a range of signs and symptoms that we refer to as an allergic reaction. Allergies are not caused by the allergen – it is only triggered by the allergen.
Continue reading
The growing popularity of nasal irrigation for preventing and treating conditions like sinusitis has recently hit South African shores with commercial neti pots (not netty pot) now available. A neti pot is a jug like vesicle, with a long spout, that delivers water into the nose and cavities, in order to wash or drain the sinuses. It has been used for thousands of years as an Ayurvedic practice for maintaining a a healthy nasal lining, clearing both the sinuses and nose cavity. Until recently, it was believed to be another gimmick alternative health practice but recent research has shown that it may be beneficial or at the very least, not harmful.
Continue reading
