Allergic Skin Disease

     by Susan Wynn, DVM

The High Points

  • Allergies may be a result of allergens in the air (house molds, outdoor pollens, and many more) or in the food.
  • Attention to diet is critical to managing allergies—this may involve improving the quality of the food or even hypoallergenic diets.
  • Treatment with nutraceuticals and herbs can help reduce the need for drugs like antihistamines and steroids.
  • The most effective supplements are fish oil and chinese herbs.

Introduction

Allergies are the bane of many animal and human lives, and the symptoms, although variable depending on species, cause misery in a variety of ways. "Atopy" is a common allergy to pollens, grasses, house molds, and a host of other allergens, and it can affect both dogs and cats. These allergens can be inhaled, ingested, or sometimes absorbed through the skin; the resultant hypersensitivity causes a variety of symptoms that are attributable to itchiness (pruritis). These signs may appear in spring, fall, or even year round and, like human allergies, cannot be cured—only controlled .

Atopy is usually inherited, and pets begin to show signs between six months and eight years of age. The most commonly affected breeds are terriers, Golden and Labrador retrievers, Schnauzers, Poodles, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, and Shar Pei, but any breed can be affected. You may see your dog exhibiting foot licking, face rubbing, leg chewing, armpit scratching, head shaking, tail biting, discharges from the eyes or nose, and even post nasal drip (which is sometimes described as wheezing, snorting or trouble breathing). Related problems may include skin and ear infections, and anal gland problems. Cats usually have small crusty lesions over part or all of the body, usually around the neck or over the back.

The importance of diet

Your pet's treatment may vary according to the severity of the problem. The easiest, most inexpensive control measure is to switch your pet's diet to a good quality natural food. Grocery store and even some premium brands may be composed of poor quality ingredients and contain preservatives, dyes, antibiotics (Markus, 1989) and other chemicals that may contribute to overall ill-health, or even be a source of allergic sensitivity in some animals (Parke, 1992). If one can improve overall health of the animal (and therefore, of the skin), allergies and fleas will not usually cause such violent skin reactions. Animals that improve on a better diet have "nutrition-responsive disease," but animals with true food allergy will need special diets (see below).

Drugs and Supplements

Conventional veterinary recommendations for the treatment of atopy should include fatty acid supplements, hypoallergenic shampoos and topical treatments (preferably oatmeal based), antihistamines, skin testing and allergy shots, and as a last resort, steroids . Allergy shots (or hyposensitization treatment) are effective approximately 50-80% of the time (Scott, 1995). Different antihistamines are usually tried until the one that best controls the itching is found. Topical medications can be used to soothe hot spots and ear infections. Antibiotics and antifungals are used to control secondary bacterial and Malassezia (yeast) infections.

Holistic alternatives to these treatments will not only increase the health of the pet, but allow you to use fewer conventional drugs. In addition to a superior natural diet, some nutritional supplements may prove helpful. A basic veterinary vitamin-mineral supplement is helpful, to start with. High doses of Vitamin C may have an antihistamine-like effect (Johnston, 1992). Some veterinarians have found a combination of antioxidant elements to be helpful; these would include ß-carotene (or Vitamin A, in the case of a cat), Vitamin E, and selenium. Other antioxidants, such as quercetin, a bioflavonoid, are used in human allergies. An omega-3 fatty acid supplement is vital. Look for fish oil, since flax seed oil is not good for this problem in dogs.

Single herb treatments may be helpful as a tonification strategy, but rarely provide immediate relief from itching. Western herbs that are occasionally helpful might include yellow dock, nettles, licorice, and various tonics, as well as specific antimicrobial and immune-stimulant herbs, depending on the presence of concurrent infections. Calendula may help relieve irritated hot spots. Regular iced tea (like Lipton or Luzianne!) is very effective in cooling the itch of hot spots. Chinese herbs should be prescribed according to Traditional Chinese Medical principles, and are usually more effective than single Western herbs.

Food allergies are easily confused with atopic dermatitis. Dogs may have hot spots, ear problems, itching, anal gland problems, etc. Cats usually have scabs around the head, ears and neck, and also may have waxy ear inflammation. The treatment for food allergy is to use a special elimination diet under the guidance of a veterinarian (see Hypoallergenic diet paper).

Be quick about it

Managing allergies requires acute powers of observation. When people feel allergies coming on, they start treatment with antihistamines well before they become extremely uncomfortable, or have already developed a raging sinus infection. You must be your pet's "watchdog"—treatment should begin with the onset of the most subtle signs of itchiness; for example, when a dog just begins to lick the feet. Diligent preventive treatment at this point (good diet, fish oil, bioflavonoids) can help prevent the serious secondary problems like skin and ear infections. It is vital to work with a holistic veterinarian in administering alternative therapies to ensure that your pet is getting correct dosages and the treatment that is most appropriate for him or her.

References

Johnston CS, Martin LJ and Cai X, 1992. Antihistamine effect of supplemental ascorbic acid and neutrophil chemotaxis. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 11(2):172-176.

Markus CK, Chow LH, Wycoff DM and McManus BM, 1989. Pet food derived penicillin residue as a potential cause of hypersensitivity myocarditis and sudden death. American Journal of Cardiology, 63(15):1154-1156.

Parke DV and Lewis DF, 1992. Safety aspects of food preservatives. Food Additives and Contaminants, 9(5):561-577.