Unusual Allergies Allergies are at times difficult to understand. There is sometimes no explanation as to why some people have extreme allergies or very unusual allergies. Some allergies may be hard to determine, simply due to them being unusual. It's important to speak with your patients extensively regarding their allergies so that a determination can be made regarding the source of any allergen. Allergies Shoes Most people would never think of shoes; however an allergy to leather is something that can occur. It generally comes from the chemicals used in the leather tanning process. The result is usually what is referred to as contact dermatitis. Patients can avoid a shoe leather allergic reaction by wearing socks, however, if severe, it may be necessary to give up the leather shoes. Semen- this allergy can be devastating for couples that are trying to get pregnant. In most cases a shot by a physician can eliminate symptoms of the allergy. Exercise It may sound like an excuse, but it's real. Often it occurs after the patient eats followed by exercise; however, it can occur without exercise involved. The allergy creates hives and extreme itching; in some cases it can be so bad it can create anaphylaxis shock. Related: Male Nurses Facts and History Sun Allergies to the sun are a more common allergy. A person with this allergy can break out with as little as 3 minutes of exposure to the sun. This allergy causes hives, itching, and in extreme cases anaphylaxis. Electricity Some experts say this allergy exists, and others say no way. Sufferers say that when they are near a running microwave or other appliance they get severe ringing in the ears and a migraine type headache. Some say it can occur from turning on a light switch, however many experts say this is not a real allergy. It is currently recognized as an allergy that should be treated.
Money Patients may develop a dermatitis type allergy on their hands after handling change. This allergy is from nickel, a common metal used in coins. Touch Dermographism is another type of physical urticaria. The word means "skin writing," and the condition is so named because if you have this type of allergy you can write your name on your skin with pressure from your fingernail. Pressure on the skin causes an itchy hive reaction. You can also develop this urticaria rash from tight clothing or even just toweling off after a hot shower. Dermographism affects about 4 percent of the population. The rash goes away on its own in about 15 to 30 minutes. Patients can use antihistamines to control the itching it causes. Cold- another of the physical urticarias, is very rare, but potentially dangerous. "Cold urticaria can be life-threatening if a person is suddenly exposed to extreme cold, such as diving into very cold water. This can cause a massive release of histamine, which can severely drop the blood pressure," Managing this type of allergy centers on prevention — avoiding exposure of large areas of skin to the cold and never swimming alone. Fruit Some fruits contain pollen, and if a patient has a severe allergy to pollen, it could manifest from the small amount of pollen in some fruits. Related: What does a Nurse Practitioner do? Food Allergies One in four people say they have a food allergy, but many mistake food intolerance for a food allergy. Actual food allergies can be very serious, and food intolerance tends to cause an upset stomach, and all over feeling of lethargy. The patient may realize each time they eat a certain food they get sick, which makes them assume it's an allergy. In most of these cases, it is food intolerance and not an actual allergy. A true food allergy will create hives, or dermatitis, and in extreme cases, swelling of the lips, mouth and throat. For allergies that are life threatening, patients should wear a medical alert bracelet or other identification. It could save their life. When recording patient information, it's very important to discuss all allergies, regardless of how unusual it may seem. The attending physician can make the determination. Allergies can be life-threatening, so it's vital that all allergies be noted in a patient's chart. In most cases, a quick response can save a
life just by being aware of the allergy. Related: List of nursing organizations Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Twitter