PUFF BE GONE!

Ease Seasonal Inflammation With These Expert Tips

 BY NORA HESTON TARTE

Tired of waking up looking puffy? While several lifestyle factors can lead to inflammation, seasonal allergies is one of the biggest culprits. Luckily, with these tips from Erin Jepson, NP-C at Golden State Dermatology Manteca, you can finally kiss that puff good-bye!

Many who suffer from seasonal allergies also end up with eczema, an inflammatory skin condition that presents with rough, inflamed, itchy patches of skin. “It can occur at any age, and commonly coincides with seasonal allergies and asthma,” Erin says.

To reduce eczema flare-ups, start with a home regimen. Steps including keeping the skin moisturized using an over-thecounter hypoallergenic product such as CeraVe or Cetaphil. For irritated patches, an OTC hydrocortisone cream can be spot applied. Lastly, keep showers short. Too much time under the water can devoid your skin of the natural oils needed to heal itself.

While following these at-home care instructions can ease flareups related to eczema, treating the root cause of the problem is also important. “Environmental allergens such as pollens and grasses increase during spring, especially in the Central Valley,” Erin warns. “Allergens are a common cause for rashes and allergic reactions manifesting in the skin.” To treat allergic conditions, antihistamines and steroids are often used and systemic steroids can be prescribed in more severe situations. Start treatment early in order to prevent prolonged or worsening symptoms. You can also take oral antihistamines and use eye drops containing antihistamines to treat seasonal allergies. But remember, eczema isn’t the only skin condition that causes inflammation, and it’s important to know what you’re treating. Psoriasis, acne, allergic reactions, and autoimmune skin diseases could also be to blame.

If you’re looking to de-puff quickly, there are a few safe, at-home steps you can take, including removing inflammatory foods from your diet. “The biggest offenders are added sugars, refined carbohydrates, fried foods, processed meats, saturated fats, and alcohol,” Erin says. On the contrary, an anti-inflammatory diet consists of foods like tomatoes, olive oil, green leafy vegetables, fatty fish, and fruits. “Participation in low impact activities such as walking, swimming, and yoga can also reduce stress on the body, therefore reducing systemic inflammation,” Erin says. If that doesn’t sound like enough, turn to a dermatologist that can prescribe medications. Erin says, “It is important to determine whether a skin condition is the sign of a greater problem, or just a benign condition that needs professional treatment.”

What To See And Do In San Joaquin County This Month

BY NORA HESTON TARTE

MARCH 4

Bob McMillen Memorial Fishing Tournament

Named for the late SJC Parks employee, this tournament challenges people of all ages to try their hand at hooking rainbow trout at Oak Grove Regional Park. The tournament includes a series of competitions, organized by age group.

4520 W. Eight Mile Rd., Stockton

MARCH 12

Lodi Bridal Show/ International Wedding Festival

If you got engaged this holiday season, then planning a wedding may be at the forefront of your mind. Get a jump start by attending a premier wedding festival right here in Lodi at Hutchins Street Square. The 16th Annual Wedding Expo invites local vendors to showcase their expertise so brides and their families can make their wildest wedding dreams come true.

125 S. Hutchins St., Ste. A, Lodi

MARCH 25

Brincos Dieras

This captivating and hilarious show is called Elite Comedy Fest for a reason. Welcoming Mexico’s premier clown, the stage will come alive with rambunctious comedy and plenty of jokes sure to have the crowd in stitches. And it’s all happening at Bob Hope Theatre.

242 E. Main St., Stockton

Stockton Kings Marvel Night

MARCH 4, 5-7:30 PM

The Stockton-based G League basketball team will take on the Texas Legends with a special superhero theme for the night. 248 W. Fremont St., Stockton

TWF STOCKTON SLUGFEST (LIVE PRO WRESTLING)

MARCH 4, 7-9:30 PM

Fraternal Order of Eagles will play host to the Total Wrestling Federation’s debut slugfest. 1492 Bourbon St., Stockton

30th Farm Safety Day

MARCH 7, 7 AM-2 PM

Those in the agricultural business won’t want to miss this professional event. The Lodi Chamber Agribusiness Committee partners with AgSafe to bring a pesticide safety training to management and workers, offered in both English and Spanish. 413 E. Lockeford St., Lodi

Spring Breaks Forth

MARCH 9, 7-8 PM

The Stockton Chorale takes the stage at Atherton Auditorium at San Joaquin Delta College for an evening of spring tunes. 5151 Pacific Ave., Stockton

RUN FOR A CAUSE Crush Colon Cancer 5K

MARCH 25, 7 AM-NOON

Show your support and do your part to help end colon cancer. You can choose to run or walk the route at Victory Park. Tickets start at $25. If you can’t join in person, run your own 5K and tag #CrushColonCancer on social media. 1001 N. Pershing Ave., Stockton

FRIENDS OF THE FOX: SOME LIKE IT HOT

MARCH 12, 2 PM

The Friends of the Fox series continues with a showing of Some Like it Hot (1959) at Bob Hope Theatre. 242 E. Main St., Stockton

Shamrock Rock

MARCH 17, 11 AM-2 PM

The Lolly Hansen Senior Center is busting out the green carpet! Come on down to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, Mardi Gras, and everything in between. 375 E. 9th St., Tracy

The Wildcards

MARCH 25, 8 PM

Enjoy the musical stylings of this power duo, vocalist Ashley Gearing and fiddler and singer Andrea Young as they come together at The Grand Theatre. 715 N. Central Ave., Tracy

DENIM & DIAMONDS DINNER, DANCE, AND AUCTION

MARCH 25, 5:30-10:30 PM

WRESTLING TWF Shamrock Showdown (Live Pro Wrestling)

MARCH 25, 7-9:30 PM

STOCKTON SYMPHONY: SERENADE AT HUTCHINS STREET

MARCH 18, 7-8 PM

The Stockton Symphony takes to Hutchins Street with Conductor Peter Jaffe at the helm. 125 S. Hutchins St., Lodi

Enjoy a night on the town, with dinner and dancing at the Tracy community Center. Plus, a silent auction. 950 East St., Tracy

Come for the action! A good old-fashioned showdown of live pro wrestling will be held at the VFW Veterans Center in Manteca. The family-friendly event invites kids and adults to see the action first hand. 2312

Rosemarie Ln., Stockton