Allergies?

[tyler_mcdowell]

I think I've became allergic to my newts? Is anybody else allergic to their newts? I know that bloodworms can cause allergic reactions, but is there anything else? Could it be the newts' toxins?

 

[John]

Like you say, I've heard of cases of bloodworm allergies. However I've never heard of anyone becoming allergic to newts or salamanders. As far as I know, if it's what the problem is, then you're the first in 7 years of the site.

 

[Otterwoman]

Are you sneezing? or having a skin reaction?

 

[tyler_mcdowell]

Skin reaction, last time I changed the water I had hives up to my elbows and on my forehead. My eye also swelled half shut. I've had my newt for 9 months. In the past I never had these reactions. I'm going to do a larger than normal water change and try different diets. I'll also wear gloves and a mask while doing it. I'd hate to have to get rid of my newts do to allergies they take up 1/8 the space in my room.

 

[pete]

Is it possible that something in the tank has gotten moldy. I don't know your set up, perhaps underside of a log or patch of moss. I'd be surprised if you were allergic to your newts, but surely a moisture loving fungal bloom might kick up an allergic reaction. I had a friend that swore she'd suddenly become allergic to her bed, but we soon realized it was a flower pot (mold growing between the flower pot and some decorative cellophane) on her night stand that was causing all the problems.

 

[Otterwoman]

What kind of newts are they, by the way?

I have a hedgehog that recently irritates my skin badly. I sometimes use gloves when I pick him up or wash my hands right afterwards, soap and water, followed by that alcohol stuff. Then also skin lotion, to soothe the skin I just irritated. But your skin reaction and hives sounds worse. Do you take anything for the hives?

 

[coendeurloo]

Do you have blue-green algae? I've had that in my tank and it irritated my skin a little too.