How to avoid allergic reactions from insect pets?

If you keep insect pets and want to avoid allergic reactions, consider the following:

I. Understanding your own allergies

Before keeping an insect pet, it is best to know if you are allergic to insects or their related substances. This can be determined in the following ways:

1. Allergy history enquiry: Review whether you have ever had an allergic reaction to insects, pollen, dust, etc.. If there is a family history of allergy, special attention is also needed.
2. Skin test: You can consult your doctor for skin prick test or intradermal test to determine whether you are allergic to specific insect allergens.
3. Blood test: Determine whether you are allergic to insects by testing the level of specific IgE antibodies in your blood.

II. Choosing a suitable insect pet

If you are known to be allergic to certain insects, you should avoid keeping these kinds of pets. Insects that are relatively less likely to cause allergies can be chosen, for example:

1. Ants: Generally speaking, ants are relatively less likely to cause allergies. However, be aware that some ants release irritating chemicals when threatened, which may cause allergic reactions.
2. Caddisflies: Caddisflies may cause allergies mainly through chirping sounds and physical contact. People who are allergic to the sound may need to carefully consider keeping caddisflies.
3. Some beetles: Some beetles such as unicorns and stag beetles have relatively hard shells and are not prone to releasing large amounts of allergens. However, care should still be taken to avoid contact with their secretions or excretions when handling them.

III. Keeping the rearing environment clean

1. Regular cleaning of rearing containers: Clean up insect faeces, food residues, etc. in a timely manner to avoid breeding bacteria and moulds. These microorganisms may combine with the allergens of insects and increase the risk of allergy.
2. Well-ventilated: Ensure the rearing environment is well-ventilated to reduce the concentration of allergens in the air. Ventilation can be carried out by using ventilation equipment or opening windows regularly.
3. Avoid humidity: A humid environment is prone to moulds and mites, which are common allergens. Keep the feeding environment dry. Desiccants or dehumidifiers can be used to control humidity.

IV. Personal protective measures

1. Wear gloves and masks: Wearing gloves and masks when handling insect pets or cleaning the keeping environment can reduce the chance of direct contact with allergens. Choose good quality gloves and masks with a strong seal to ensure protection.
2. Wash your hands frequently: After contact with insect pets, wash your hands promptly with soap and water to remove any allergens that may remain on your hands. Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth with your hands, which are prone to allergic reactions.
3. Change clothes: If after contact with insect-like pets, allergens may be on your clothes. Changing clothes in time and washing them well can reduce the risk of allergy.

V. Pay attention to your diet and living habits

1. Healthy diet: Maintain a balanced diet with adequate intake of vitamins and minerals to strengthen the body’s immunity. Avoid foods that may cause allergies, such as seafood, peanuts and milk.
2. Regular routine: Maintaining a good routine, getting enough sleep and reducing stress will help improve the body’s resistance and reduce the occurrence of allergic reactions.
3. Avoid contact with other allergens: In addition to insect pets, you should also be careful to avoid contact with other substances that may cause allergies, such as pollen, dust and pet hair. If you are allergic to multiple allergens, you should try to minimise your exposure to these substances.

Sixth, timely medical care

If an allergic reaction occurs in the course of keeping an insect pet, you should seek medical attention promptly. Doctors can make a diagnosis based on the symptoms and give appropriate treatment recommendations. Common allergy symptoms include:

1. skin symptoms: rash, itching, redness, etc.
2. respiratory symptoms: sneezing, runny nose, coughing, shortness of breath, etc.
3. eye symptoms: red, itchy, watery eyes, etc.

Doctors may suggest using anti-allergy medication, applying topical ointment or desensitisation treatment etc. In the course of treatment, strictly follow the doctor’s advice on medication and treatment, and avoid stopping the medication or changing the dosage on your own.

In conclusion, keeping insect pets requires caution in dealing with allergies. The occurrence of allergic reactions can be effectively minimised by understanding one’s own allergies, choosing suitable pets, keeping the breeding environment clean, taking personal protective measures, paying attention to diet and living habits, and seeking timely medical treatment. If the allergy to insects is more serious, it is recommended to keep or choose other suitable pets under the guidance of a doctor.

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