Eczema is a very common problem worldwide. If you are suffering from the condition you know that it is itchy, frustrating and it spreads faster than an Australian bushfire, but did you know that there was more than one type of the condition?

The Different Types of Eczema:

When talking about Eczema, we do it in general terms. We assume that there is only one form, and everyone who has it, has the same thing. However, whilst they all may look similar, there are many different types of Eczema and each one has its own unique cause and treatment.

Atopic Eczema
This is the most common form of Eczema and it is often closely linked to Asthma and Hay fever. It usually runs in the family and is common in both adults and children. The itchiness of this condition can sometimes be unbearable and it can be hard to ignore. However, if you do not ignore it, it will spread throughout your whole body.

Symptoms of this condition include redness and itchiness, and the skin is usually dry and inflamed. If you cannot control yourself from scratching the Eczema, it will often split the skin and in some cases it will become infected. This then causes the infected area to weep and crack.

Irritant Contact Dermatitis
If you have this kind of Eczema it is because you have spent a lot of time around everyday substances such as chemicals and detergents. Washing up liquid can sometimes cause this condition and so it is important to wear gloves to protect your hands, if you do suffer from this condition. Usually this occurs in adults as children do not go near many chemicals and as with all Eczema, it itches!

Allergic Contact Dermatitis
If you are allergic to a product or substance which comes into contact with the skin, it is possible that you will have this kind of Eczema. Usually the allergic reaction builds up over time due to repeated use of the substance which you are allergic to. Common allergic contact Dermatitis is linked to Nickel, Belt Buckles and even earrings.

If you do notice that you are getting an allergic reaction to something, it is always better to avoid that thing as much as possible and to protect yourself when needed.

Infantile Seborrhoeic Eczema
This type of Eczema affects babies under the age of one year old, and as of yet, the cause is still unknown. Usually starting on the scalp, or nappy area, this condition quickly spreads, and even though it does look really unpleasant, it does not itch or cause the baby to be uncomfortable in any way.
Usually this condition clears itself up within a couple of months.

Adult Seborrhoeic Eczema
This usually affects people aged between 20 to 40 years of age, and it often starts as mild dandruff on the scalp. It is not uncommon for the condition to spread onto the face and chest, and it often becomes inflamed and it starts to flake.
The cause is though to be down to a yeast growth in the affected area, and it can become infected.

Varicose Eczema
If you have Varicose Eczema you will notice that it affects the lower legs, and usually it affects people in their middle to later years. It is generally caused by poor circulation and usually the ankles are affected. The skin becomes itchy, inflamed and it has a speckled appearance.

Discoid Eczema
This type of Eczema usually is found in adults and it is usually coin shaped in appearance. It is usually found on the trunk or the lower legs and it usually becomes itchy and it weeps.

How Do You Treat The Various Types of Eczema?
With so many different varieties of Eczema around, will the same treatments work for all of them?

Well, most of them are treated with special moisturizing creams and emollients, and sometimes steroids are used to calm the inflammation down. With Adult Seborrhoeic Eczema, it is possible that you may need an anti-fungal cream if it becomes infected.

Overall, it is better to see your doctor who may refer you to a Dermatologist. Whichever type of Eczema you do have, there is a treatment available, you just have to find out first, what the cause is.

Louise Forrest
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/eczema-which-type-do-you-have-114170.html

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Katie Monroe
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/shocking-truth-on-allergy-natural-treatment-revealed-130709.html

Massage therapy in and of itself can by very therapeutic, as many people can attest to. In many cases massage is done with certain oils; sometimes to simply make the massage easier, in other cases they can add beneficial aroma therapy. One way to take the benefit of massage even further however, is to add herb compresses. There are probably as many combinations of herb compresses for massage as there are masseuses who use them. Many herb compresses, however, have become very popular and established due to their continuing success.

A compress of such elements as ginger, mint, and citrus given during or after a massage can promote a feeling of energy in a subject. Ginger is a very mild irritant to the skin, which is why in the right doses it can stimulate nerve endings and help bring blood to the skin, leaving that part of the body feeling energized and speeding the process of healing. Camphor can also work in this way, as well as citrus herbs. Especially when the massage is focused on promoting energy, this type of herb compress can be a great way to enhance the overall process.

When it comes to massage for relaxation, other types of herbs can be used. Lavender leaves or oil mixed with chamomile are often used as herb compresses to promote relaxation during or after a massage. There are even herb compresses used in massage to help with the sex drive, relieve constipation, ease the symptoms of hay fever, and release feelings of anger. Though massage treatment with these types of herb compresses is often controversial, what really matters most is what each person gets from them. Herb compresses in massage are rarely dangerous, but are both stimulating and detoxifying and you would expect an experienced massage therapist to be educated well enough to know how to use herb compresses and in what quantities.

When using herb compresses for massage, the usual first step is to steep the herbs in water or some type of oil before using them. Though herbs can be applied directly to the skin, combinations of herbs are often combined in a tied cloth bag after being prepared, and then the bag is steamed to warm it and gently rubbed, held or patted over the skin, or the parts of the body where it will be most useful. The key to doing this properly is to study how each herb must be prepared. Sometimes the herbs are prepared separately; sometimes they are steeped together in the water or the oil. The herbs can be applied to the skin separately as well, depending on the effect that the masseuse is going for. There are several good books on using herbal compresses for massage, as well as classes that you can take from licensed masseuses. If you are already a licensed masseuse and would like to venture into the realm of using herbal compresses to enhance the massage experience, it can often be beneficial to simply find a fellow masseuse who has used this method for a while, find out where they trained and then if possible, help him or her with preparation of the herbal compresses. Experiencing it first hand in this manner can be a great way to learn quickly, and in the correct way.

Annalisa Zisman
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/use-of-herb-compresses-in-massage-133290.html

Eczema skin symptoms are most often described to be itchy, red, dry and irritated skin. If you are having moderate to severe symptoms, your skin will also be raw and inflamed to the extent of being crusty, scaly and bleeding with all that scratching. With exceptionally dry skin, you are more prone to itching. Unfortunately the more you scratch, the more you will introduce bacteria through your broken skin. This results in patches of skin oozing with clear fluid, or even blood.

Eczema is a skin disorder that can affect a baby right up to someone elderly. It is non contagious. No one will get eczema just by being in close contact with you. Some say that it is a condition that is hereditary. So if your parents have eczema, you are more likely to have this disorder.

Atopic eczema is the most common type of eczema . It inflicts about one out of every eight or nine children. Although the figures look alarming, the good news is that about three quarters of the young kids who develop the eczema skin symptoms outgrow their condition before their teens.

Most of these children also develop other allergy related disorders such as food allergies, allergy to dust, asthma or hay fever. These children will also suffer from dry skins for the rest of their lives. Children usually develop the skin disorder on their faces and also on their hands and legs. In many of these cases, the first signs of improvement usually show on their faces before being seen in other parts of their body.

Another type of eczema is known as varicose eczema. Eczema skin symptoms in this category usually start when you are in your thirties. Varicose eczema is often attributed to the poor blood circulation on your legs. For this condition, symptoms are in your ankles with a speckled look that is also sore and itchy.

Moisturizing is key to keeping your eczema skin symptoms under control. You need to make sure that your skin is sufficiently hydrated. This can be achieved through drinking enough water and also applying oils or lotion to your skin a few times a day.

There is no known cure for eczema currently. To treat eczema skin symptoms, doctors will usually recommend steroid creams and special emollients and/or or antibiotics for bacteria infection (if you have one) as well as anti-histamines (drugs to prevent itching).
There are also several natural alternative treatments for eczema that you can use to alleviate your skin symptoms. These natural treatments are worthwhile exploring as they can help reduce your reliance on drug medications for your skin.

Evelyn Lim
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/eczema-skin-symptoms-an-overview-93499.html

The appearance of eczema varies from person to person and according to the type of eczema.The first symptom in most persons with eczema is an intense itching.Eczema result in dry and scaly skin but sometimes may lead to blisters and oozing lesions.In children and adults, eczema occurs on the face, neck and the insides of the elbows, knees and ankles. In infants, eczema occurs on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp and neck.

To describe specific forms of eczema, that may have very similar symptoms to atopic dermatitis some interesting facts are described below: atopic dermatitis which is thought to be the abnormal function of the body’s immune system.10% of infants and 3% of adults in the U.S. are affected by eczema.For infants the term of infantile eczema is used.People with a family history of allergic conditions presenting asthma or hay fever have atopic dermatitis.

Contact eczema (contact dermatitis) that includes redness, itching, and burning when the skin has come into contact with an allergen is a localized reaction. Eczema includes also reactions to laundry detergents, nickel (present in jewelry), cosmetics, fabrics, clothing and perfume.A form of skin inflammation of unknown cause is seborrheic eczema (seborrheic dermatitis) which include signs and symptoms like yellowish, oily, scaly patches of skin on the scalp, face, and occasionally other parts of the body.It is not necessary to associate the itching with seborrheic dermatitis.Emotional stress, oily skin, infrequent shampooing and weather conditions may increase a person’s risk of developing seborrheic eczema.

Coin-shaped patches of irritated skin, most commonly located on the arms, back, buttocks and lower legs, that may be crusted, scaling and extremely itchy represent the nummular eczema (nummular dermatitis).It occurs most frequently in elderly men.Often nummular eczema is a chronic condition.The risk of developing nummular eczema is increased by atopic dermatitis, asthma or allergies. A chronic skin inflammation caused by a scratch-itch cycle that begins with a localized itch that becomes intensely irritated when scratched is neurodermatitis.Women are more affected by neurodermatitis than men and people between aged 20-50 are most frequent affected.In scaly patches of skin on the head, lower legs, wrists or forearms this form of eczema appear.The stress can grow the symptoms of neurodermatitis.

A skin irritation on the lower legs related to the circulatory problem known as venous insufficiency is statis dermatitis.Approximately 6-7% of the population over age 50 being affected by statis dermatitis.An itching and/or reddish-brown discoloration of the skin on one or both legs are the symptoms of stasis dermatitis.Statis dermatitis leads to the blistering, oozing skin lesions and ulcers which can develop in affected areas.The chronic circulatory problems may provide an increase in fluid buildup (edema) in the legs. Stasis dermatitis is associated also with a varicose eczema.

An irritation of the skin on the palms of hands and soles of the feet characterized by clear, deep blisters that itch and burn is dyshidrotic eczema (dyshidrotic dermatitis).It is also known as vesicular palmoplantar dermatitis, dyshidrosis or pompholyx. This kind of eczema occur more in the spring and summer months and in warmer climates. Unfortunately eczemas may appear at any age and it may lead to dangeruos problems, but medications have been found in order to cure them.

For more resources about dyshidrotic eczema or even about eczema please review http://www.eczema-info-guide.com

Groshan Fabiola
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/a-short-classification-of-eczema-130853.html

There are two main forms of this condition which vary by the extent of hair loss and require different types of alopecia areata treatment. The mild form is where less than 50% of the hair is lost from thinning patches on the scalp and the more severe condition where more than 50% up to 100% of the hair is lost.

When diagnosing alopecia areata it is useful to have some background information about the disease. Alopecia areata is known as an autoimmune condition that can be highly unpredictable and which affects about 1.7 % of the population. The body’s white blood cells attack the hair follicles resulting in a stop in growth. It usually starts with one or two small round bald patches on the scalp, but can develop into a complete loss of hair, both on the scalp (alopecia totalis) and body (alopecia universalis). It is not known what triggers such attacks, whether the trigger comes from within, or from outside such as in the form of a virus.

Recent research seems to show that some people have genetic markers that increase both their susceptibility to the condition and to its severity. One in five people with the condition will have a relative who is also affected. This is especially true in those who develop the condition before the age of 30. It is more common in families whose members also have conditions such as asthma, hay fever, eczema, thyroid disease, Addison’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, vitiligo, Addison’s disease or pernicious anaemia.

The condition occurs in people of all ages and races and can have huge psychological effects which are exacerbated by the fact that the public at large do no generally understand this condition. It is sudden in onset and can recur from time to time quite unpredictably.

There is no known cure for alopecia areata and hair loss is a side effect of the underlying disease. Current alopecia areata treatments therefore work by extensive stimulation of the hair follicles which needs to be continued for the duration of the disease.

The mild form of the disease is easier to treat and the most common form of treatment is to have monthly cortisone injections, injected directly into the bare scalp. These are usually quite painless giving a slight tingling sensation and have very few side effects such as minor skin depressions. This alopecia areata treatment is usually complimented with higher strength 5% topical minoxidil solution applied twice daily. Cortisone cream is sometimes used in combination with minoxidil for improved response and applied 30 minutes after the minoxidil application.

Another effective treatment is anthralin cream or ointment, a synthetic, tar-like substance widely used for psoriasis treatment. It is applied to the bare scalp once daily and as it can be a skin irritant is usually only left on for 30-60 minute periods then washed off. Successful treatments can stimulate new hair growth in eight to twelve weeks.

Extensive alopecia areata is much more difficult to treat and local injections of cortisone into the scalp are not that effective. In some cases cortisone pills are prescribed, these have a more powerful effect but there is a greater risk of side effects with extended use. In general they are not widely prescribed apart from to young healthy adults who may have higher tolerance levels for the drug. Topical minoxidil at 5% strength is still the most common alopecia areata treatment and effective even for extensive alopecia areata. Another method that is used frequently in Canada and Europe is known as topical immunotherapy. This uses the chemicals diphencyprone (DPCP) or squaric acid dibutyl ester (SADBE) to induce an allergic rash in the scalp. To date topical immunotherapy has been show to be the most effective treatment for alopecia areata with 40% of patients regrowing hair after six months of treatment.

Sufferers of alopecia areata should not give up hope of a cure as there are many ongoing research projects are currently being undertaken. Some of the most promising involve gene therapy, stem cells research and hair follicle development and new alopecia areata treatments will continue to be made available.

Please visit our web site for more information about the causes of alopecia.

John Tulley
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/alopecia-areata-treatment-135541.html

Each year more and more people are falling ill through pollutants in their homes or offices and it is becoming a very real problem. Indoor allergies are accountable for hundreds if not thousands of sick days each year as people are struggling to cope with the symptoms brought on by irritants. Indoor allergies tend to be focused on the eyes, noses, throats and skin of suffers with many people complaining of itchy, water eyes, running noses, sore throats and flaking skin. Obviously for sufferers of indoor allergies life can be difficult as it may feel as though there is no end to their illness. Help is at hand however.

In order to prevent indoor allergies, or at the very least reduce their symptoms it is important to understand what causes them. If you are one of the unlucky people who suffers from indoor allergies here are a few causes and preventative measures against this misery causing illness:

-Dust mites: Dust mites are very tiny creatures that live and feed on the dead skin cells from humans and animals. Their droppings are one of the main causes of indoor allergies and can bring about asthma attacks. In order to keep dust mites to a minimum you should make sure that you keep your house under 50% humidity and vacuum regularly. Many people find that using a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner works well as the filter traps the mites ready for disposal.

-Pollen: This will enter the house through doors and windows and is the cause of hay fever and other associated complaints. In order to keep your house as pollen free as possible you should keep doors and windows closed when the pollen count is high and use HAPE filters in your air conditioning system. This will help you rid the air of the pollen particles and enable you to breath easier, your indoor allergy symptoms will also lessen.

-Pet dander: This is basically animal dandruff, and it is the animal saliva on this dander that causes indoor allergies. If you have a pet you should vacuum every day (ideally with a HEPA filter vacuum) and make sure that pet bedding is changed frequently. Also you should keep pets out of your bedroom and off furniture as it will improve your condition.

-Cockroaches: these annoying creatures are capable of living almost anywhere and can be hard to get rid of. There faeces contains a protein that can trigger indoor allergies and induce asthma attacks. To make sure that your house is cockroach free keep it clean as this will minimise the cockroaches food sources. If you are still concerned it may be best to get in a professional to exterminate them.

-Indoor mold: This thrives in damp, humid conditions and creates spores which are breathed in and can cause breathing problems. To effectively get rid of molds you should wash down the effected area with a mixture of 5% bleach topped up with water. Using dehumidifiers may also help the problem.

As shown there are ways in which you can rid your home of the causes of indoor allergies, but they must be kept up with. One way of insuring clean, fresh air in your home is to fit your air conditioning system with HEPA filters as they rid the air of 99.995% of airborne particles which are the main cause of indoor allergies. If you are in the Chicago are and need help with purchasing and fitting HEPA filters you should contact a local HVAC technician, who is an expert in home ventilation systems. So if indoor allergies are ruling your life speak to an HVAC technician and soon you will be enjoying fresh air again.

Ray Toofan
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/how-can-i-prevent-indoor-allergies-473838.html

An allergy occurs when your body overreacts to an allergen that it sees as a problem which causes all kinds of symptoms from mild to severe. Wondering what is the most common allergy symptom and what are the most common causes? Read on.

Runny nose is the most common allergy symptom often mistaken for a cold, followed by hay fever which is a combination of runny nose, itchy watery eyes, which by the way can occur on their own. Sneezing, stuffy nose, and an itchy nose and mouth are also very common. Some people will feel pressure in the nose and cheeks while others will deal with ears that pop. Dark circles under the eyes is very common and yet often missed as an allergy symptom. Then there are more serious allergies suck as anaphylactic shock but for now lets just concentrate on the most common mild to moderate symptoms.

We already know that the allergy symptom occurs when our body misfires and overreacts to an allergen but what are those allergens? There are some common allergens that can be found in just about every house or backyard.

Pollen from trees, weeds, and grasses are all common allergens. Tree allergens produce symptoms during late spring, grasses during the summer, and ragweed during the fall months each producing an allergy symptom such as runny nose or itchy watery eyes.

Mold is another common allergen that can cause a common allergy symptom such as hives or cough. It is found in areas where water collects such as on window sills, on bathroom walls, and in basements that are not damp. It can also be found in damp leaves, compost piles, mulch, and even rotting logs. It is generally worse during rainy seasons and is much more common in humid climates.

Cat and dog dander is found in the skin of your family pets as well as other animals but most commonly see in house pets. It can be picked up handling the animal or from dust in which it becomes trapped. Which common allergy symptom you develop will vary and you may even develop more than one.

Dust includes dust mites which are minute living creatures that can be found in your bed, carpet, and furniture. They survive off of your dead skin. Uk! But worse yet they cause allergies and if you are lucky you'll get a single symptom like a rash or runny nose.

The allergy symptom will determine the treatment. There are several different treatments that you can try. Antihistamines are commonly used for sneezing, runny nose, and itchiness. Decongestants help relieve stuffy noses and cromolyn sodium helps if you use it before the exposure. Nasal steroid sprays reduce the inflammation in the nasal tissues. And eye drops can be used for itchy, watery eyes.

There are also natural remedies that can help detoxify the body and build the immune system. Allergies can occur as a result of the body being toxic and by detoxifying the body. Because the cause of allergies is a mixed up immune system by building and strengthening the immune system.

The most common allergy symptom is a runny nose but there are many other common symptoms.

Steve Johnson
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/what-is-the-most-common-allergy-symptom-118502.html

Hives are red welts of small or sometimes larger size that appear in the skin surface. Hives are a form of skin allergy and occurs when the skin is exposed or is subjected to chemicals or substances that trigger allergic reactions.

Hives are characterized by the feeling of itchiness. You know hot it feels when something is really itchy. There is a feeling of uneasiness and discomfort and sometimes wounds and scratches occur as products or results of scratching itchy skin surfaces.

Hives often manifest or appear in people who have already experienced or reported other allergic reactions that may include angioedema and hay fever.

The welts that often indicate or herald the onset of hives appear on the skin surface in clusters or batches.

The affected part feels itch because of releases of histamines and other body chemicals which are the body's immune system's reactions against allergens causing hives.

Causes that result to the onset or appearance of symptoms for hive vary. These sources or cause also are ver much broad and generalized, sometimes making the identification of the skin disease hard and inaccurate.

Hives often are body reflex reactions to harsh medications or drugs that are rejected by the body's immune system.

Hives is not a disease. You should be advised that the skin condition is merely a skin reaction to allergens or substances that are rejected by the body upon entrance.

Occurrence of hives indicate that the body is very active in throwing out impurities and foreign and unlikely substances, indicating that the immune system is really working.

There are also several foods that may induce the appearance of hives in the skin. Common examples of these food are milk, eggs, nuts, fish, shellfish and of course, berries.

On set of hives upon eating or taking in such foods can be avoided by totally eliminating these food in the diet. There are alternatives available in the market for such foods so cravings would be somehow satisfied and quenched.

Pollen, which normally are spread though the air during summer and spring seasons, also can contribute to the onset of hives.

Other causes include animal or insect bites and animal danders, especially those from cats.

Recent findings of hives studies also reveal and suggests that hives are sometimes hereditary. It must be noted, however, that hives can also develop or become full blown after illness or infections like leukemia and autoimmune diseases.

Other ailments that result in hives include hepatitis, angioedema, dog tapeworm, lupus erythematosus, mastocytosis and colds.

Symptoms of hives, treatments and prevention

The most prevalent and common symptoms of hives include appearance of red welts on certain skin portions and characterized itching.

It is very uncommon for the person with hives to develop a fever, but if that happens, immediate help and advice from the doctor is imperative.

Fevers indicate the attack of viral and bacterial elements and heralds the onset or looming danger of a more serious disease. In the case of hives, fever can pin point or indicate the presence or development of complications.

Antihistamines, epinephrine, coticosteroids and sedatives are the sure medications to curtail hives, but their administration and in take should be guided accordingly by physicians and doctors.

Prevention is achieved by avoiding exposure to allergens identified as causes for hives.

Charlene J. Nuble
http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/knowing-the-primaries-about-skin-allergy-called-hives-60306.html

Indoor air pollution is a serious problem. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), air pollution levels are two to five times higher indoors. In some buildings with a lack of proper ventilation, the indoor air may be 100 times more polluted than the air outside! This is because modern buildings are constructed with energy efficiency in mind. However, the tight seals that make a home energy-efficient also trap pollutants inside. On top of that, the average American takes nine out of ten breaths indoors, so it's imperative to make sure that your indoor air is free of allergens and other impurities.

Air purifiers eliminate allergens, toxic chemicals, and other dangerous pollutants. This article explains why people use air purifiers, how they work, which air purifiers you should avoid, and how to select the best air purifier for your needs.

Common Indoor Air Pollutants

What is the source of indoor air pollution? In terms of organic pollutants, mold and dust mites are everywhere - and they are the two most common causes of year-round allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Pollen is also a pervasive allergen that always finds its way into your home since it is so small and sticky. If you have pets, they will surely spread their dander to every nook and cranny of your home. Many viruses and bacteria are also airborne.

Even though they are not organic allergens, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) cause many people to experience allergic reactions and other health problems. VOCs include formaldehyde, fragrances, pesticides, solvents, and cleaning agents. VOCs can enter the air through chemical off-gassing from furniture, new carpets, adhesives, plastics, and various building materials. Furthermore, many VOCs are known carcinogens (cancer-causing agents).

Environmental contaminants like cigarette smoke, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide may also be present in your indoor air, as well as toxic heavy metals like airborne lead, mercury vapor, and radon.

How Air Purifiers Work

HEPA air purifiers use a HEPA air filter, which was developed by the Atomic Energy Commission in the 1940s as a way to filter radioactive contaminants. HEPA filters set the standard for air purifiers: to be classified as HEPA, a filter must capture a minimum of 99.97% of pollutants at 0.3 microns or larger. Top-selling HEPA air purifiers include the Austin Air purifier, available with a HEGA (High Efficiency Gas Adsoprtion) filter, along with air purifiers from IQAir, Allerair, Blueair, and Honeywell.

Activated carbon filters remove gases, odors, and chemical toxins. The carbon is "activated" when it is treated with oxygen, which opens up millions of tiny pores to attract and adsorb chemicals. Impregnated carbon filters have been treated with an additional chemical, normally either potassium iodide or potassium permanganate; these chemicals, known as chemisorbents, improve the carbon filter's ability to trap VOCs and other chemically reactive gases.

Electrostatic filters use an electrostatic charge to attract pollutants and trap them on collector plates. These filters are great for people who don't want to have to worry about changing HEPA filters, but if the collection plates are not cleaned frequently, they quickly lose efficiency. Also, beware that some electrostatic filters emit ozone, which is known to be a powerful lung irritant and can be very irritating to some people with asthma or allergies. The Friedrich air purifier is, by far, the best electrostatic air purifier, as well as the overall top-ranked air purifier in previous Consumer Reports rankings

Charged media filters give pollutants an electrostatic charge before collecting them in a traditional filter. Charged media filters are typically quite effective, but like electrostatic filters, they lose efficiency rapidly-and they may require frequent and expensive filter changes. Some charged media air filter units also emit ozone. The advantage of charged media filters is that they are quieter and more energy-efficient than HEPA air purifiers. The Blueair air purifier is the best charged media filter, and it does not emit ozone.

Where and How to Use an Air Purifier

If you suffer from allergies (especially if you're allergic to dust mite allergen), then the best place for an air purifier is your bedroom. It's essential to have clean air in your bedroom because you spend about a third of your life there. If you're allergic to animal dander and have pets, then you may want to place an air purifier in the room where your pets spend most of their time-and keep the pets out of your bedroom! Also, you should not place an air purifier in the corner of a room; it should be at least a couple of feet away from the walls for maximum air flow.

You should run your air purifier continuously for optimum performance. Most air purifiers have high and low settings. Even if you go on vacation, we recommend that you keep your air purifier running on low. Otherwise, you'll return to a house full of polluted air! If you are concerned about your electric bill, find out how much energy an air purifier uses before buying it. Typical HEPA air purifiers can use anywhere from 50 watts on low to 200 watts on high. For comparison, a typical lamp uses about 60 watts, while a typical computer uses about 365 watts.

Air Purifiers to Avoid

Avoid ozone generators and ionizing air cleaners. These air purifiers create ions that attract pollutants; however, many of the pollutants are released back into the air, often times leading to dirty spots on nearby walls. Besides the fact that they don't do a good job of cleaning the air, ozone generators and ionizing cleaners also emit ozone. Ozone, a main component of smog, could potentially lead to a serious asthma attack.

Moreover, David Peden, researcher at the Center of Environmental Medicine and Lung Biology at the University of North Carolina, has examined how ozone exposure might exacerbate the allergic response of people who are allergic to dust mites, and his results suggest that ozone worsens the asthmatic response. The EPA has warned consumers against using ozone generators, and Consumer Reports recommends against the newest Ionic Breeze Quadra, despite the addition of OzoneGuard, a device meant to eliminate some of the dangerous ozone emitted by the Ionic Breeze.

Consumer Reports points out: "Our air-cleaning tests show that the Ionic Breeze with OzoneGuard does a poor job of removing smoke, dust and pollen particles from the air when new and after 500 hours of continuous use" and "the Ionic Breeze with OzoneGuard still adds ozone to the air."

How to Buy the Best Air Purifier

The air purifier market is vast and riddled with confusing and often misleading advertising schemes. If you're shopping for an air purifier, then you should first consider what kind of pollutants you're trying to eliminate. For example, if you have problems with cigarette smoke, then you'll want to make sure your air purifier has the ability to eliminate fumes, VOCs, and other gases. You may also want to consider the following factors before buying an air purifier: the area coverage (make sure the square footage listed for the air purifier is about the same or slightly greater than the square footage of the room where you intend to use it); the ACH rating (Air Changes Per Hour-this number lets you know how frequently the air purifier can exchange all the air in a given room); the CADR (the Clean Air Delivery Rate tells you how much air is purified and how well it is purified); the price; how often you have to replace the filters and how much they cost; the noise level of the air purifier; energy usage; whether it emits ozone; extra features (like a filter change indicator light); the manufacturer's reputation; and the warranty.

Visit achooallergy.com to learn more and browse a large selection of top brand air purifiers.

M. Scott Smith
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/how-to-select-the-best-air-purifier-for-your-needs-464643.html