Ask the Allergist
Recent Question: What are Allergic Shiners?
Q. My daughter, who suffers from nasal allergies, has large dark circles under both eyes and my mother-in-law is saying she looks like someone has given her “black eyes” or “shiners”. Why does she have these, and what causes them?
A: Nasal allergy symptoms (allergic rhinitis) can really beat up some patients. Dark circles under the eyes are due to swelling and discoloration from congestion of small blood vessels beneath the skin in this area. This can give the appearance of having "gone a few rounds" on the playground.The symptoms of allergic rhinitis often produce a combination of gestures and facial features, particularly in children and teens. The following are telltale characteristics that allergists look for to help diagnose nasal allergies:
- Allergic salute: This describes the way that most people use the palm of their hand to rub and raise the tip of their nose to relieve nasal itching and congestion (and possibly to wipe away some mucus)!
- Allergic shiner: As above
- Allergic (adenoidal) face: Nasal allergies may promote swelling of the adenoids (lymph tissue that lines the back of the throat and extends behind the nose), resulting in a sort of tired and droopy appearance.
- Nasal crease: This is a line across the bridge of the nose usually the result - particularly in children - of rubbing the nose (allergic salute) to relieve nasal congestion and itching.
- Mouth breathing: Cases of allergic rhinitis in which severe nasal congestion occurs can result in chronic mouth breathing, associated with the development of a high, arched palate, an elevated upper lip, and an overbite. (Teens with allergic rhinitis might end up needing braces.)Recent Question: Do Food Allergens Remain on Objects?
Recent Question: Do Food Allergens Remain on Food?
Q: I am a school nurse and have benn asked if cross contamination can occur from board games for children with food/skin allergens. The school's parent-teacher organization is questioning if they should provide new board games versus buying them used and/or taking donations. I am not sure how long allergens can remain on an item, hence my email to you. What would you recommend?
A: Yes, food allergens can certainly remain on objects. Skin contact by touching an object contaminated with the food may cause a reaction in the rare individual who is highly allergic. Washing the objects (in this case, games) with water & soap has been found to be sufficient. This would also apply to the hands of the players, particularly if they just ate that food. However, applying this precaution in the whole school might be unnecessary and may create phobia.
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The information presented here is not to be considered specific medical advice and it is supplied for information only. Always discuss your medical problems with your allergist and make decisions on your health after personal consultation.
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