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On the 22 and 23 June 2024 the Allergy & Free From Show will be back at London Olympia. SilverGuard will be exhibiting at the show and we thought we’d give you a quick run down and guide on skin allergies.
Skin Allergies 101: Understanding the Basics
Skin allergies occur when the immune system reacts to harmless substances, causing symptoms like rashes, itching, and swelling. These reactions are triggered by allergens found in foods, medications, cosmetics, and more. Managing skin allergies involves identifying and avoiding triggers, as well as using treatments like antihistamines and corticosteroids to alleviate symptoms. Understanding skin allergies is key to effective management and prevention of discomfort.
Types of Skin Allergies, Symptoms and Treatment
Skin allergies manifest in various forms, each with distinct symptoms and treatments.
Atopic Dermatitis, commonly known as Eczema - This condition causes skin to become easily irritated, itchy, and dry. It is one of the most common skin conditions affecting [add an eczema statistic here], with a higher prevalence among children than adults. Eczema's development is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors and is often associated with asthma, food allergies, and seasonal allergies.
Triggers of eczema include:
- Allergens: like dust mites, pet dander, latex and pollen
- Soaps, lotions, detergents and household cleaners
- Metals: such as nickel in jewellery, mobile phones etc
- Stress, emotions and illness
- Irritants: like fragrances, dyes and chemicals
- Temperature: heat, cold, dry weather
Eczema can be characterised by symptoms such as an itchy, scaly, red, and dry rash, often appearing on areas like the face, hands, elbows, and knees. Identifying and avoiding triggers is essential for managing eczema effectively.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis - This condition occurs when the skin comes into contact with a substance that triggers an allergic reaction. It manifests as a rash that can be itchy and painful, often with raised lumps and blisters. The reaction may occur immediately or up to 48 hours after exposure to the allergen.
Urticaria/Hives - Hives are raised, itchy red bumps that can be triggered by allergic reactions to various factors such as insect bites, medications, or certain foods. These bumps result from the release of histamine in response to the allergen and can indicate a potentially serious allergic reaction.
Angioedema - Angioedema involves swelling deep in the skin, often affecting areas like the eyelids, lips, and throat. It frequently occurs alongside hives and is caused by the same allergic reactions that trigger hives.
While these conditions share some symptoms, each has distinct characteristics and triggers. Consulting a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan is crucial for managing these skin issues effectively.
SilverGuard and Skin Allergies
Based on the choice of fabric used in our products, alongside the IONIC+ silver thread technology our SilverGuard products are eczema friendly, suitable for sensitive skin and carry the dermatological accreditation from the internationally recognised Skin Health Alliance.
Embracing Natural Fibers
At SilverGuard, we prioritise the use of natural fibres over synthetic ones in our product design and manufacturing processes. This emphasis is especially crucial for items that come into direct contact with your skin, such as bedding and towels. Why do we favour natural fibres? They possess several skin-friendly attributes: moisture-wicking, reusable, eco-friendly, plastic-free, biodegradable, breathable, and durable. Our SilverGuard bed linen, for instance, is crafted from a blend of Supima cotton and IONIC+ silver thread. The soft, breathable, lightweight, and comfortable qualities of Supima Cotton make it exceptionally gentle on your skin.
IONIC+ Silver Thread Technology
Silver is clinically proven to prevent inflammation and naturally soothe the skin, with its healing properties increasingly endorsed by dermatologists. All SilverGuard products incorporate Noble Biomaterials' proprietary IONIC+ silver thread technology. The silver thread in our garments boasts antimicrobial properties, aiding in alleviating the itchiness of eczema and other skin conditions while soothing broken and irritated skin. IONIC+ silver technology achieves this by preventing bacteria buildup on compromised skin, which can exacerbate soreness and infection. How does it work? IONIC+ silver disrupts the DNA of bacteria and other microbes, which are often the culprits behind inflammation, itchiness, and infection in skin conditions. Moreover, bacteria cannot develop resistance to the silver in our products, ensuring continuous treatment.
Skin Health Alliance Accreditation
Furthermore, as the sole textile brand to receive Dermatologically Accredited status from the Skin Health Alliance, you can rest assured that our products are gentle on your skin. The Skin Health Alliance's "dermatologically accredited" seal serves as an independent assurance, indicating that our products have met a standardised set of skin safety requirements endorsed by leading international dermatologists and skin scientists.
The Allergy & Free From Show, SilverGuard and Skin Warriors
We are excited to announce that for the Allergy & Free From Show in London Olympia on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd June 2024 we have invited a number of skin warriors who you will be able to meet on our stand (H24) and ask all your skin related questions, product recommendations and more!
For us, ‘skin warriors’ are individuals in the skin community who advocate, champion and raise awareness about skin conditions and treatments, including but not limited to eczema, dermatitis, rosacea and topical steroid withdrawal.
The following skin warriors guests will be supporting SilverGuard at the show:
Jenny - Eczema and TSW advocate and a mum of a child with skin allergies- Saturday 22 June 2024 at 10am
Chloe - Atopic eczema since birth and now in TSW documenting her skin journey - Saturday 22 June 2024 at 11:30pm
Bee the Brave - Eczema and TSW advocate and Insta Live project host of “Skin this together” - Saturday 22 June 2024 at 12:30pm
Amy Aston - Skin warrior with TSW, eczema, asthma, coeliac disease and other allergies - Saturday 22 June 2024 at 1:30pm
Katie Mackie - Itchy advocate aka the Flarey Godmother of Eczema - Saturday 22 June 2024 at 3pm
Ruth Holroyd - Author, blogger and patient expert, What Allergy - Sunday 23 June 2024
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