Masks & Allergies

Why are masks good? 

Well, they filter out common allergens such as pollen & ragweed.   Masks also help to humidify and warm the air we breathe. 

• Dry and cold air can sometimes trigger symptoms that are similar to allergies such as a scratchy throat, an itchy nose, and a dry cough. 
• Cold air can cause bronchospasms.

• Masks may also help reduce symptoms of vasomotor rhinitis, that’s a runny nose from a change in temperature.

What kind of allergies can masks help you with?

Seasonal allergies—pollen, trees, ragweed, weeds, molds, etc.

• Masks do not help with food allergies or intolerances.

Can masks help with itchy eyes?

No, mainly masks help reduce allergies from things that travel through your nose and mouth.

Can you wear a mask indoors?

Yes.

Watch out for this...

Many people with allergies may also have sensitive skin, so pick a gentle cloth or medical grade mask. 

• Masks can also contribute to some acne.

The Latest:  How the United States Beat the Variants, for Now

Doctor's Take: Yup, so the main thing that’s saved us from these variants is that by the time the variants started to show up in America, we already had vaccines coming into the system.

So, if the variants had arrived earlier: We would have been in major trouble.

The Latest:  New type of coronavirus originating in dogs found - study

Doctor's Take: "Coronavirus type diseases are common in dogs and other animals.

Keep in mind, there are many different types of strains of the coronavirus. So, this does not mean that each type of strain is deadly or dangerous to us.  

Go hug Fido!

The Latest:  How an old diary is shedding light on smallpox outbreaks from the 1700s

Doctor's Take:   Smallpox is no longer a disease that humans worry about.  

• Science works. Vaccinations work.
  

Covid type diseases have been with us since the beginning of history. We can & should continue to learn about how these diseases were dealt with in the past.

The Latest:  ‘I Had Strange GI Symptoms For Years Until I Was Finally Diagnosed With Colon Cancer At 35’

Doctor's Take:   The number of young people getting colon cancer is rising rapidly.  Yeah, this is becoming a thing now:  Younger people are getting colon cancer. 

It could be for many reasons, including a bad diet, sugary drinks, and even environmental issues.

The key takeaway here is that you need to get screened earlier. 

• 40 if you’re a person of color
• 45 if you’re caucasian 

Go get it! Ask your Doctor!

The Latest:  7 sun protection essentials you need, according to Real Simple

Doctor's Take:   Lists like this can be made every day! The key takeaway here is that if you’re outside in the sun, use sunscreen. 

What you should have in your skincare routine?

• Ceramides 
• Moisturizers
• Sunscreen

Sunscreen is needed for all skin types, including people of color, & people who have acne. Go get it!