Your Carpet And Allergies -- Do You Know What Your Carpet Harbors?

A carpet and allergies are like best friends. Your carpet soaks up anything that touches it and won't release it until it is thoroughly washed. You wouldn't wear a T-shirt for a year but carpet is fibrous material just like your clothes. the link between your carpet and allergies is indisputable -- but it is made better or worse depending on how old the carpet is, how thick it is and its quality (some poor carpets shed more easily). Of course, if you clean it more, it should contain less allergens also!

Clean the Carpet and Allergies Will Stay Away

The best way to keep allergies away is to regularly clean your carpets. Carpets harbor mold, dust mites and pollen. Make sure you vacuum your carpet regularly which will keep these allergens to a minimum. Clean up spills quickly because, apart from possible stains, mold can result from this. This is especially a problem in humid parts of the world lacking adequate ventilation. If you do the above you will have a more visually clean carpet and allergies will be reduced. You should also do a good shampoo once a year -- either by a product that you can use with a vacuum or hire a special carpet cleaning vacuum that runs moving water through the carpet as you move.

New Carpets and Allergies

Despite not holding the usual airborne allergens that latch onto carpets, a brand new carpet can also cause allergic reactions. During manufacture of the carpet, various chemicals are used that some people are allergic to. The best way to limit these outbreaks is to air the carpet well once it is installed by ventilating the room well. Unfortunately, this usually cannot be done before installation because carpets are rolled up for storage.

Most people are aware that there is a strong correlation between a carpet and allergies arising from it, but by following the above advice of keeping your carpet clean, you or your family need not suffer any more.

Candida Allergy Feeds By the Molds - Candida and the Weather

A friend has been tested for candida allergy and it came out negative. It started to swell after a couple of hours from the skin test rather than 10 minutes. But, this is a sign of saying that your body can fight Candida and that your immune system is working properly against it. So, now this friend of mine is starting to think that candida is just a cross reaction of mold allergy, because she comes from a very dry place (South Eastern Turkey) and whenever she goes home for vacation, her symptoms are lessened greatly.

But, when she comes back to the sticky weather of Miami, everything starts from the beginning all over again. So, it has to be an allergy. I bet if she moves to Arizona or something, her symptoms will get a lot better, too, over there. She has brain fog, which is a very common symptom of CRC. And yes, it gets worse in hot damp and humid areas. These places are known to have high mold.

This Candida/allergy business is nasty. One feeds the other and vice versa. The Candida weakens you for the allergies, and the allergy reactions weaken you more, so the Candida takes a stronger hold. They continue living in this evil cycle. Mold also feeds the candida, which is why you aren't supposed to eat leftovers and wash all of your veggies, so, this could be a cyclical improvement. Until you could begin to contain/kill the mold in your body, it continued to feed the candida.

Mold Detection - A Room-By-Room Guide

Mold is a very common problem in homes today because mold spores are everywhere. They travel through the air looking for a damp place to settle and grow. Once they find a place, they start colonizing and giving off toxins that can make you sick. That is why mold detection in so important in every room of your home.

Here is a room-by-room guide of the most common places mold will take up residence in your home. Look for cottony patches or discoloration on surfaces. It can be any color, white, black, brown, gray, green, pink or even blue.

Let's start in the kitchen, one of mold's favorite places! The kitchen is full of dark, damp places that are hospitable to mold because of all the water lines and the possibility of leaks. The first place to look is under the sink and on the inside walls of the sink cabinet. Small leaks can go undetected in this area making it a great breeding area for the mold.

Appliances can also harbor mold. Just think about what grows on food you forgot about on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator! Two places that are often overlooked for mold detection are the drain pan under the refrigerator and the icemaker. Mold inside ice cubes is a real turn off, so check the icemaker itself and the hoses behind the refrigerator. If you have a filter for the icemaker, check that also.

Finally, check the dishwasher, especially around the bottom drain and the inside of the door. Mold can grow on the gasket and along the top and bottom edges of the door. Any appliance that uses water is also a potential harbor for mold. This even applies to small items such as coffeemakers. Make sure to check inside the water reservoir.

The most common place for mold to grow is in the bathroom. Mold loves warm, humid places with lots of water! Begin looking in the bathtub or shower, as this is usually the first place mold will take up residence. Make sure to check from the floor to the ceiling. Next check under sinks and behind the toilet, any place water leaks or drips. If there is a window in the bathroom, be sure to check all around the window and the windowsill.

Next, move on to the laundry. This one is tough because you need to get behind the washing machine. Make sure there are no leaks, especially in the area where you turn the water on and off. These valves will often leak and encourage mold. Another place mold can grow is inside the washing machine. If there is a lint catcher, open it up and clean it out. Also check around the bleach and fabric softener dispensers. In a front-loading machine, check all around the gasket. Then make a final inspection of the room including the ceiling area, baseboards and corners.

Mold detection in the rest of the house will be easier. In the other rooms, start from the ceiling and work down. For some reason mold really loves to grow on and under ceiling tiles so make sure you check for any discoloration. Then check along the walls, baseboards and any place that may be dark and damp. Look at the carpet for any discoloration or water spots that may harbor mold. Make sure to check under beds and other furniture, especially in humid areas.

Windows are famous for encouraging mold growth because of condensation. Check all around the window area, the windowsill, and the window tracks. If you have a fireplace, check for any hidden leaks or damp areas.

Now that you have gone through the house it is time to check attics and basements, if you have them. These areas are notorious for mold growth. Remember to look for any sign of water damage, leaks, discolored areas, or cottony patches growing on surfaces. Check around all vents or other openings. Bring a flashlight with you to check all the nooks and crannies.

Although this may sound daunting, it really does not take that much time. The benefits of early mold detection certainly outweigh the consequences. Living in a mold-infested home may result in mold allergy symptoms such as wheezing, sinusitis, and even skin rashes.

Keep in mind that mold has a distinctive musty or earthy smell. This smell alerts you that mold is growing somewhere. If you cannot find it, you may have hidden mold. Mold can grow behind walls, wallpaper, and ceilings. If that is the case you may need to use a mold test kit or hire a professional mold inspector.

Developing a Mold Allergy Does Not Have to Be a Debilitating Experience

It is possible to lead a fruitful life even if you suffer from mold allergy symptoms. The key is identifying the trigger for your reactions and then keeping it at bay. This is easier said than done given the fact that you have to continue with your normal life.

The allergen in question stems from some tiny fungi species which free float in the atmosphere. Therefore an avoidance strategy may not be practical in the circumstances. The environments which are conducive for these vectors will be warm, dark and most. It is therefore important that you alter the atmosphere wherever possible in order to stop the spread of fungi within your living space. In fact people with weak immune systems should avoid them because they can develop into serious conditions.

• The reaction of the immune system: Some people have particular sensitivity to mold and will develop the typical symptoms which can be very uncomfortable. For example they may develop watery eyes, itching and nasal complications. The symptoms can spread to the lips and mouth. The most common allergens in this class include Aspergillus, Penicillium, Alternaria and Cladosporium. You will normally experience the typical symptoms when you are outdoors. However it is still possible to be affected when you are in the house.


• The diagnostic assessment: Sometimes the patient will be suffering from a number of complications which make it difficult to make a positive diagnosis without the assistance of a clinician. An immunologist and allergist can work in conjunction with one another in order to identify the cause of all the symptoms. They will also be of benefit when finding treatments for the mold allergies. The skin prick is a favorite test because it can give accurate readings within a matter of minutes. The allergist may order further tests if they feel that there is something more that needs to be explored in terms of preparing a treatment program for you.


• Mold counts: Your area will have a certain amount of pollen counts which you can use to make decisions of where you are going to be during the day. Try to stay indoors if you feel that there is too much pollen out there. It is advisable to keep away from uncut fields and you should not be involved in raking dead leaves because they are the perfect living space for the organism. If you are coming indoors after a long period outside it might make sense to take a shore in order to get rid of the spores.

Removing Toxic Mold In Walls: The Hidden Enemy

One of the toxic mold's favorite places to grow is behind the wall. Unfortunately, toxic mold in walls is hard to find. How do you know if you have toxic mold in the walls, and what can you do about it?

Mold grows everywhere. It is important in nature for breaking down dead material and recycling nutrients. It's not so useful when found in our homes, however, and can cause health trouble from minor allergic reactions to very serious medical conditions.

The best place for mold to grow is in a wet, warm and dark place. This is why the walls of your home are ideal. Mold can often be found growing in "hidden" places such as this, and it is difficult to find and deal with.

First, you must determine if you have a mold problem. Then, the problem must be fixed. You must remove the offending mold, and then take measures to prevent the mold from growing again. If you have mold in your walls, it may be an indication that there is a water problem in your house.

Finding The Mold

If there is mold growing somewhere that it cannot be seen, you will often smell it first. Mold has a musty, earthy smell. You may also notice that you have an allergic allergy when you enter your home, or certain parts of your home. This probably means you have mold hiding out somewhere.

Before you go poking around for mold, you must realize that disturbing the mold could cause spores to be released. These spores can get into the air and cause health problems, or contaminate other areas of the house.

If there is a water leak, or some part of your house where there has been water damage, you most certainly have mold. If you are unsure, you may wish to call a professional. Hidden mold is especially hard for homeowners to clean themselves.

Cleaning Up The Mold

Cleaning up toxic mold in walls may be a big construction job. For this reason, it is best to consult a professional. When you are dealing with toxic, or any kind of mold, you should always wear goggles and protective clothes. You do not want the mold to come into contact with anything else, including yourself.

Look for a mold specialist, who has experience in mold cleanup. Check to see if they are familiar with the EPA's mold guidelines, and those according to the ACGIH, the American Conference of Governmental Industry Hygienists.

It's very important to clean up the mold quickly. The presence of water causes damage to houses and lowers property value immediately. The longer you let the problem go on, the worse it will eventually be to clean up, and the more damage it will do to your home.

Deal With The Water Problem

When there is water or something wet in your home, dry it quickly. Make sure damp areas are dried completely. Water leaks in the house may come from the roof or gutters, so make sure to do regular maintenance in those areas.

Keep the humidity level of your house as low as possible. If necessary, buy a dehumidifier to run sometimes. This will reduce humidity.

Make sure your house gets plenty of outdoor air, circulation and sunshine. It's a good idea to run the bathroom fan often, since that is where mold often builds up.

Most importantly, deal with your mold problem immediately, before things get worse.

Canine Allergies - Stop the Constant Itching Caused by Dog Allergies

If your dog is licking his paw, chewing on his hind leg or scratching his stomach constantly he may have canine allergies. Allergies are frequent problems for canines and can cause itching so severe that a dog will literally mutilate his skin by chewing and scratching in an attempt to stop the constant itching.

Flea allergy dermatitis is a common cause of skin irritation for many dogs. It is the saliva deposited by the flea when it bites that causes the reaction and many dogs suffering from the dermatitis will have hair loss. This allergy is responsible for a condition known as heat spot that can be found just above the base of the tail of an affected animal. Skin irritations and frequent ear infections can be a sign of several forms of allergy in dogs. The ears may produce more wax as part of the allergic reaction. This provides a fertile environment for the growth of bacteria and yeast if the dog's ears are not frequently cleaned.In dogs, an allergy to grasses, to fleas or to certain foods may cause the same allergic response on the dog's skin.

Untreated allergies can leave dogs with crusty patches, dry skin, red spots, and bald spots or oily coats.Dogs respond to allergens much as people do and may have an allergy to grass or weeds, to fabrics or fabric finishes, to cleaning products, to some plastics and milk products. Dust mites in the house and flea bites are frequent causes of skin allergies in canines. Some dogs seem to run through life with no skin problems or allergies at all while terrier breeds and larger breeds such as Setters, Retrievers and Dalmatians seem prone to allergic reactions.

Allergies caused by inhalation of pollens will be seasonal and the reaction can worsen as the dog ages. Your veterinarian may prescribe pills or shots to treat seasonal allergies with prednisone or other steroidal medications prescribed for seasonal allergies. Usually one course of treatment is enough to protect the animal through the time span the pollen is present each year. Corticosteroids are highly effective at stopping the itch of an allergic canine but should be limited to avoid side effects of long term use.

Atopy is an allergy to inhaled substances. Atopica is a treatment containing cyclosporine to suppress the immune system and well tolerated by most dogs. Your veterinarian may recommend Atopica as an effective treatment for canine allergies. Some animals experience side effects of cyclosporine such as vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, or loss of appetite. These symptoms as well as any lethargy or jaundice visible as yellowing of the whites of the eyes, skin or guns should be promptly reported to your vet.

If grass or weeds are the trigger for an allergic reaction you can minimize the allergic response by keeping grass cut short, rinsing or wiping the dog's paws when it comes in the house. Keep your dog indoors when pollen counts are high. Dust mites can be controlled by frequently washing your pet's bedding in hot water and keeping your dog off stuffed furniture where the mites may reside. Uncarpeted rooms are best and an air conditioned home with frequent filter changes helps reduce the dust mite population.

Molds are a frequent offender in causing canine allergies. Molds can form in shaded portions of the yard after frequent rains or be spread by humidifiers if filters are not maintained. Dogs should never be confined to a basement or storage room where mold be might present.

Dogs suffering from allergic reactions can be miserable. The licking and scratching that is a normal canine response to itchy skin often leads to skin infections and hard to heal lesions. Your veterinarian can help determine whether canine food allergies or seasonal environmental pollens are the cause. He can then recommend a medication for canine allergies that will ease the itch for your best friend.

A Template for Understanding and Dealing With Milk Allergy Symptoms

Apart from the practical implications of having to deal with the deprivation in your diet, the milk allergy symptoms can be very uncomfortable. This article looks at some of the coping mechanisms that are used to deal with a condition that is becoming more common.

There is a slight difference between lactose intolerance and a full blown milk allergy although the symptoms can be very similar. Although dairy products have a high nutritional value, they can also be responsible for causing a number of dangerous conditions. Symptoms will normally arise when there is inflammation of skin or tissue. Further this condition can interfere with the rate and effectiveness of nutrient absorption processes. Thus you may find that the patient also suffers from osteoporosis, anemia and chronic fatigue symptom.

• Signs and symptoms: The sporadic nature of the milk allergy symptoms can complicate the diagnosis further. You will find that younger children develop unusual ear infections. This can be accompanied by constipation, heartburn and even sinusitis. In some cases the patient will develop the irritable bowel syndrome which is characterized by bouts of diarrhea. Abdominal pain may also combine with acne to create a very low quality of life. They may develop mental health problems such as ADHD and ADD. It is common for suffers to have arthritis and canker sores. Chronic fibromyalgia will be accompanied by headache and iron deficiencies. A poor immune system and stunted growth can also be effects of the condition.


• Lactose intolerance: In this situation the person will have an enzyme deficiency which affects the way in which they absorb milk nutrients into their bloodstream. Therefore the body will react adversely whenever they consume dairy products in order to prevent the problems that are associated with absorption. Genetics play an important role in the development of both milk allergies and lactose intolerance. The reaction can arise even when you consume the food once or twice a week. In other situations there will be a delayed reaction before the patient is able to make the right connection between their feeding habits and the onset of the symptoms.


• The diet: You will need to watch what you eat. That means that you keep away from cow mil as well as cheese. There will be no butter and yoghurt for you. Ice cream may help in fighting yeast infections but it can still increase your chances of a reaction if you already have an allergic condition. The active bacterium is known as lactalbumin. It has been found in processes foods even where they are not properly labeled. Do not assume that low fat milk will give you any form of protection.