What works for your pet allergy?

[humanoid]

I have a pretty wicked allergy to cats. Any contact with a cat, or with something a cat has been on/around causes extreme itching, hives, itchy/sore/watery eyes, congestion, and some trouble with breathing. Usually when I'm going to a place that cats live I will take a Claritin and this makes it SOMEWHAT bearable. Somewhat. This is generally just when I'm going for a visit, though.

My problem is now I'll be going to stay for a while with someone that has cats in their apartment, and while taking Claritin can make it tolerable, it's still pretty miserable and I still have many allergy symptoms. I've also tried Benadryl but it makes me very drowsy and I'm usually unable to function as well and still have problems with the allergy, so that's not really a good option.

I don't know if it's possible to, but is there anything I can take to completely eliminate the allergy symptoms? Or at least get rid of the majority of them? I'd like to avoid being drowsy or feeling drugged, though. Also preferably OTC medication just for convenience, but any ideas are welcome as I'd be willing to get a rx if needed.

What has worked for your cat (or pet) allergy?

And also, specific to the itching/hives, does anyone know of a really good OTC lotion to use? Eucerin, Aveeno, Goldbond etc. do not really work for me. I have eczema and chronic dry skin, so I am itchy 99.9% of the time anyway, and could use a good lotion to stop the itching and moisturize. I know a dermatologist is probably the best place to get something for that, but I'm just wondering if there is something cheaper and easier to get.

Thank you!

[Gussie]

I am not allergic to animals, but I have bad allergies. I got shots years ago, but right now we am going through the process again. It seems to be helping.

I use zytrec which is good for both indoor and outdoor allergies. You can buy it generic for really cheap if you shop. In the pharmacy, tell them you want to buy in bulk. If all else fails, I just got 365 tablets for half of what they sell 24 of the brand on Amazon.com

Try washing your hands after you pet the cat and don't let it sleep in your bed, right now.

I also take benadryl at bedtime.

[Wooster]

We've been using Cerave in the tub at our house. My Mr W has pretty sensitive skin that's prone to eczema and has found it to be helpful. I also have some dry patches on my hands from eczema a year and a half ago and the Cerave is the bomb for that.

ETA: Look also for ointments instead of lotions. Lotions have alcohol in them that can further dry your skin.

Make sure ALL the bedding, not just the sheets, gets washed, and if possible, vacuum down the mattress itself as well as the floors for the room you are sleeping in. And close the door to keep the cat out.

I'm not sure what to say about other things, except an N-95 respirator and good luck?

[Guest]

Are you going to have your own bedroom? If so, I'd make sure it was clean and off-limits to the cats. If you can afford one, get an air filter. A HEPA one would be preferable. I got one at Target a few weeks ago for less than $40. Make sure though that you check how big of a room the filter was created for, approximate square footage is usually how it's written.

As far as something OTC, I don't know of a thing. I have the same reaction as you do and it gets progressively worse, the longer I'm around cats. I tend to mix it up so that I don't get too used to any one type of medication. Sometimes Dimatap, Benadryl, Zyrtec, etc. Don't take them all at one time though! I've never found anything that helps consistently, that's why I change it around. I feel for you. It's miserable.

[bluelikejazz]

With over the counter meds, the highest dose of telfast is best for hives and itchy rashes. I'm allergic to cats too and it's really annoying.

[humanoid]

This is a bit late, but thanks for the suggestions everyone. Just got back from the cat infested place. I tried the zyrtec and also had some claritin as well, and I did okay. It took care of most symptoms except for mild/moderate itching, some hives, and slight snuffly nose. Didn't have my own bedroom, was on a futon/couch thing where the cats were roaming freely...they apparently slept on top of me a few times, but I had my own bedding and pillow that I brought from home. They stayed fairly clean but did attract some hair, of course.

Wooster definitely gonna check out what you mentioned. I just used Eucerin the whole time and it's okay but not nearly as effective as I'd like.

blue I have never heard of that one but gonna keep that in mind for the next time I'm around cats. Those are my most bothersome symptoms of the allergy, the itching and hives.

Thanks again everyone!

[Gearhead]

Try Alba Botanica natural Very Emollient Body Lotion. I use the unscented original version and I love it. My skin is so dry it cracks, but this really helps. You can find it in health food stores, co-ops and the like.