You’re likely an allergy sufferer just trying to find some relief. Perhaps you’ve tried other methods such as natural remedies and over-the-counter allergy medications. These might work for mild allergy symptoms, but seasonal, perennial, and pet allergies require a greater approach. Getting to the root cause of the problem rather than masking your symptoms is the best way to finally get relief from irritating allergy symptoms.
Let’s dive into the benefits of immunotherapy, the differences between allergy shots and creams, and which one will work best for you.
Immunotherapy for allergies is the process of desensitizing your immune system to your allergy triggers. Meaning, rather than throwing medications at your allergy symptoms, you’re slowly getting your body used to whatever it is that causes an allergic reaction. By gradually exposing your immune system to said allergens, you can eventually lessen the severity of your symptoms.
This form of therapy comes in several forms, the two most common being allergy shots and topical creams. Each has its own set of pros and cons, so do your research before deciding which solution is best for you.
Before beginning immunotherapy, your allergist will recommend allergy testing to pinpoint the exact allergens that are bothering you. Learn more about allergy testing and the different types of tests.
Allergy cream is a topical form of transdermal immunotherapy. It is applied to the forearm where the formula can be easily absorbed into the skin. Applying the cream once per day safely exposes your immune system so that you can eventually find relief against whatever allergies are bothering you.
Topical immunotherapy works well for seasonal allergies from pollen and other environmental factors, perennial allergies such as rodents, cockroaches, mold, and dust mites. Along with pet allergies caused by contact with their dander, saliva, and urine. Allergy creams can also target more than one of these allergens at a time, as the formula is customized to you and your needs.
The downside of the topical cream is the fact that it must be applied at a doctor’s office for the first three months. However, once your allergist determines there's no risk of a reaction, you are clear to apply the cream at home without supervision. In addition, this type of immunotherapy does not work for food allergies. Avoiding the foods you are allergic to is the safest route to take to ensure you don’t have an anaphylactic reaction.
Allergy shots are injected subcutaneously, meaning under the skin. These injections work similarly to the allergy cream, where they desensitize the immune system to lessen its reactivity against allergens.
Allergy shots are considered to be the “gold standard” of immunotherapy. This is mainly due to the fact that this method was the first type of treatment plan to be created. In general, the pros of the injections are the same as that of the cream. You can treat multiple allergies at once, it provides long-term allergy relief, and it treats the underlying causes of your allergies and not just the symptoms. The biggest difference, however, is the cons.
Unfortunately, allergy shots must be done several times per week at a doctor’s office for the entire course of treatment. Regular doctor’s office visits means you need to take ample time off of work or schedule, and pull your child out of school if they’re the ones receiving immunotherapy. What’s more, injections are more costly than a topical cream.
Depending on your situation, one allergy solution may be better than the other.
Children tend to do better at using allergy cream than allergy injections. It’s no secret that children don’t typically enjoy going to the doctor’s office, especially to get a shot. In order for allergy shots to work, they must be taken two to three times per week. Keep this in mind when determining which allergy solution might be best for your child.
Related: Read the five side effects allergies can have on your child.
Also, consider your schedule and if you’re able to leave work or carve time out of your day several times per week to go to the doctor’s office. If these scenarios seem like they aren’t doable, you may want to consider topical immunotherapy instead.
Transdermal allergy immunotherapy exposes you to small amounts of pure allergen extracts. By applying this custom-formulated cream to your forearm three times per week, you can finally find relief from the environment around you.
The process starts by working with one of our medical providers to discuss your symptoms, allergy testing results, and any questions or concerns you may have. Your provider will then write a prescription for your custom formulation and have it sent to one of the trusted pharmacies we work with. You will receive your allergy cream in the mail where you can begin your allergy immunotherapy immediately.
What makes our formulas different, is that we include pure allergen extracts that are local to your region. This way, you are being exposed to the pollen, trees, grass, animals, and other allergens in your area — rather than what’s across the country.
Once you’ve decided allergy creams are right for you, click the button below to schedule an appointment and start your journey to finding allergy relief!