Be Aware of Epinephrine Autoinjector Substitution

An epinephrine autoinjector is used to treat a severe allergic reaction or to prevent anaphylactic shock caused by stinging insects, foods, latex, medications or other allergens. If you have a severe allergy and carry epinephrine, it is important to know that each brand functions a little differently. The stress of an anaphylactic reaction is not the time to realize you have a different autoinjector than what was demonstrated to you by your allergist. . read more.

Can I be allergic to my sunscreen?

With depletion of our ozone layer comes an increase in the amount of ultraviolet light that reaches us, and specifically our skin (the body’s largest organ). We need to be careful and practice careful and a limited exposure to sunlight to prevent aging of the skin as well as skin damage and skin cancers. Allergic contact dermatitis is responsible for a variety of skin reactions to sunscreens as well as a variety of other products such as cosmetics. In general, females are slightly more commonly affected than males, and adolescents and mid age adult appear to be more commonly affected. . read more.

In the Works: Immunotherapy for Food Allergies

From the time she was 11 months old until this past spring, Caroline Cooper was severely allergic to milk — a bit of cheese or yogurt could have killed her. But early last year, the teenager began a type of immunotherapy, eating minute but gradually increasing amounts of milk protein. But many allergists say immunotherapy for food allergies outside of a research setting is irresponsible. About 20 such trials are now underway, according to the National Institute of Health database and that's where such treatment should currently stay, these allergists say. . read more.