Human Allergy

[MissK]

Hi.
I'm a fairly new piggie owner. since having them I've noticed allergy sores on my hands and fingers. I first noticed them on my left hand although I'm right handed but now I have them on my right hand. must be something from the cage when I clean it out. I'm going to start wearing gloves when i clean but I'd also like to figure out what's causing it.
Anyone else have allergies?

 

[Tangerine49]

My daughter is allergic to one of our piggies the smooth coat one the other 4 are rosette and long haired she seems fine with those ones I wonder if the bedding could irritate your skin?

 

[MerryPip]

It's often bedding, hay or something related to the guinea pigs that causes allergies although some people are allergic to the animals themselves. Rexoid hair types e.g. Rex, swiss, teddy etc. are thought to be more likely to cause allergy than smooth haired types but everyone is different.

Perhaps trying different type of bedding may help but in the mean time try long sleeves and gloves when you handle things or clean them out and avoid touching your face and neck at these times too. Some people also find anti-histamines can be helpful to manage their allergy. The only true way to know what it is is to be tested by your doctor or to eliminate the things that may be causing the problem one by one. Bear in mind a doctor may be quite likely to suggest you rehome your guinea pigs as an 'easy' solution to the problem! Unfortunately a large number of guinea pigs rehomed through rescues every year come from homes where an allergy has occurred but it doesn't have to mean getting rid of your pets. Many members on here successfully manage allergies related to their pets.....

 

[Tangerine49]

I would never rehome mine I think if your sensible when handling there's no need my little girl knows not to hold coco up on her chest under her neck otherwise her skin goes bright red hot and swells up, my son however likes coco the best and has no reaction what's so ever.

 

[MerryPip]

I would never rehome mine I think if your sensible when handling there's no need my little girl knows not to hold coco up on her chest under her neck otherwise her skin goes bright red hot and swells up, my son however likes coco the best and has no reaction what's so ever.

I agree but it's worth being aware that a doctor or other health professional will likely suggest that the piggies are kept outside or rehomed because it is one way (the simplest in their view) of eliminating the allergen problem. We of course know that piggies are so much more than that and rehoming them is not straight forward or indeed something many of us want to do

 

[Chief Guinea Pig]

I thought you were going to say you were allergic to humans
I hope you sort your allergy out. The others have given good advice

 

[Beans&Toast]

Many members on here successfully manage allergies related to their pets.....

I'm allergic to dogs, cat, my pigs, severe hay fever (I knew this before getting my pig) but it's well managed by antihistamines. It helped when I changed from woodshavings to fleece, and I really keep on top of the cleaning, I hoover quite often so there's no hay lying about the room (apart from in there cage) and I wash the fleece regularly

 

[MissK]

Thanks everyone.
definitely won't be rehoming!
I use fleece and wood cat litter type if stuff for their litter trays....I'll probably try out something different for that!

 

[Squidgypigs]

I would definitely look at the bedding and also any lotions/cleaning products you may use. Many people use coconut oil for grease glands but my daughter is deadly allergic.