#Best over the counter allergy medicine skin#

Corticosteroids work by reducing inflammation. In addition to oral dosage forms, antihistamines come as creams, lotions, nasal sprays, and eye drops the latter to relieve symptoms associated with allergic conjunctivitis.Ĭorticosteroids: These come as nasal sprays, topical creams and ointments, tablets, injectables and eye preparations. Newer antihistamines are said to be non-sedating, although some users may experience drowsiness even from these.Īll antihistamines work in the same way: by competing with histamine to prevent or reduce the characteristic signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: swelling, tearing, itching, and increase in bronchial and other secretions. These allergy drugs relieve allergy symptoms but cause drowsiness and other side effects, including dry mouth. The first category includes the older antihistamines. QUESTION Allergies can best be described as: See AnswerĪntihistamines used to treat allergy symptoms fall into two broad categories: sedating and non-sedating. More severe, life-threatening allergy symptoms include swelling of the throat, wheezing and difficulty breathing. Mild allergy symptoms include itchy, watery eyes, a runny nose, scratchy throat and a rash. The mast cells rupture – and in the process, release biochemical substances including histamine. This causes white blood cells to release an antibody which then binds to what are known as mast cells.

#Best over the counter allergy medicine skin#

Allergens enter the body - either through ingestion, inhalation or contact with the skin or mucous membranes. The physiological mechanism of allergic reactions is the same, however, in everyone. What might trigger a life-threatening allergic response in one person might cause absolutely no harm in another. There is no such thing as a universal allergen.

Allergies occur when the body's immune system responds to a substance it considers an 'invader.' Substances that provoke the immune system into an allergic response are known as allergens.