Each person with allergies will react differently to different dogs, even different dogs in the same breed. Although, certain breeds are usually better tolerated by those with allergies to dogs, such as:

• Airedale terrier (The King of the Terriers)
• Basenji
• Bichon frise
• Havenese
• Irish water spaniel
• Keeshond
• Kerry blue terrier
• Maltese
• Mexican Hairless and other "hairless" dogs such as Xoloitzcuintli
• Most poodle mixes like the Labradoodle
• Poodle
• Portugese water dog
• Schnauzer (miniature, standard and giant)
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Though these are good breeds for some allergy sufferers, some people have different types of allergies. Common allergens from dogs that cause allergic responses in people are the proteins found in their dander (dandruff), saliva, and sometimes in their urine. Also, some dogs in some breeds are not as allergen free as others in the same breed, therefore, a trial with the allergic person and the dog closely together for a period of time is the best method to use to determine if the dog is one that the allergic person can live with.

Certain breeds are also known to be often problematic for those with allergies to dogs. These breeds include:

• Afghan Hounds
• Basset Hounds
• Cocker Spaniels
• Dachshunds
• Doberman Pinschers
• German Shepherds
• Irish Setters
• Springer Spaniels

President Obama chose a Portuguese Water Dog after much research looking for a dog that was good for his daughter who has allergies. The Portuguese Water Dogs are known to be a good dog breed for many people with allergies to dog dander and saliva.

You might also go to an allergist to determine if a series of allergy shots to help reduce the extent of the allergic response would be helpful in your case.

As already mentioned, one person's allergies may differ from another person's allergies and the breeds listed above are only a few "hypoallergenic" dogs for some people. Therefore, the best approach before getting a dog for a home with someone who is allergic, is to visit the dog or bring the dog to the home to visit for a trial. Reputable dog breeders will be agreeable to assist with this process as will Humane Societies and most Shelters for dogs.

Some claims of breeds that are hypoallergenic are disputed by medical allergists who say the variants may actually be the degree to which the person is sensitive, the size of the dog (smaller dogs spread less dander in the environment, therefore, may create fewer symptoms just due to a lower quantity of allergens), the ease of care of the dog breed's coat to brush to keep clean and dander-free, and other care and environmental factors. As stated above, some of the allergy problem can also be caused by saliva and urine, and not just dander (skin dandruff on the dogs), so bathing is also important in some cases.

For a longer list and additional information about "hypoallergenic dogs", see the related links.

See the related question below about dogs who are low shedding for more information about allergies and shedding. See also related links in the sources and related links section below.

For additional and personal anecdotal information from contributors and allergy sufferers, see the discussion page. And feel free to add to that discussion about your experiences.

An allergic reaction could cause this or a number of infections, which are not necessarily passed on by having sexual contact. Do not be ashamed to talk to your doctor. They can refer you to a nurse for advice if you are embarrassed. Vulval skin is sensitive. It may react to irritants such as soaps and a whole range of substances may cause allergy. To maintain good health in this area you need to treat it with respect. If infection is present it is most likely to be Candida or 'Thrush' which lives on all our bodies. It should respond to the following advice but again make sure you see your doctor.

• Clothing: Wear loose fitting cotton underwear. Sometimes, it is quite helpful to wear no knickers at all. Try to avoid tight outer garments such as cycling shorts or tights and leggings. Change your brand of sanitary pads in case they are causing the problem. Check out that your washing products are not too harsh.

• Hygiene: Bath or shower regularly and change your underwear. Avoid all contact with perfumed soaps. Try adding a a few drops of Tea Tree pure Essential Oil to your bath water and wash with baby shampoo. Avoid perfume and personal deodorants.

• Diet: Avoid sugary foods as they encourage the spread of some infections such as candida. Anti-biotics upset the natural body defenses and encourage the spread of troublesome micro-organisms. Try some bio-yoghurt or drinks daily, if you have recently had a course of antibiotics. Indeed tampons soaked in yoghurt and inserted into the vagina often cures vaginal candidal infections within a day or two. Coconut oil has proved to protect against candida infection and would be a good basis for a cream to cool the area. Aloe Vera Gel is also very good.

Here are more answers and opinions:

• Vaginal itching and swelling are symptoms of either a yeast infection or allergic reaction to clothing perfumes, soaps, etc. If this is your first yeast infection then you should see your healthcare provider....otherwise Monistat 1 works well and relieves you from the irritation and pain. A discharge that looks like cottage cheese is normal also as long as it doesnt have an odor. Make sure in the future you wear loose clothing and cotton underwear. Certain foods can also trigger a yeast infection, but what I have found to be very beneficial in preventing a yeast infection is drinking the 8 glasses of water recommended. Even when you may feel slight irritation, drinking water immediately has helped to flush my system and get rid of the irritation before it is out of control. If you drink plenty of water then it could have a lot to do with your clothes or what you eat.
• I started having this problem in my mid-teens and now I'm in my late 20s. Doctors didn't know what was wrong, but I finally figured out that CLOTHING is the number one culprit and number one solution. Anything that isn't breathable will cause vaginal soreness because the bacteria will build up in your vaginal wall. When at home, try to always wear loose and/or 100% natural material skirts (cotton is best). Try to go without underwear if you can, but if you can't, always wear 100% cotton. Try to avoid wearing pants, but if you do, get some that are loose in the crotch area (they can be tight everywhere else - low-rise is good for this). And ALWAYS buy 100% cotton pants - though this is very hard to do these days. For the winter, wear long skirts with 100% cotton tights. I have yet to find a bathing suit bottom that breathes well, so I rarely go swimming in public places, which is unfortunate. Hope this helps you out some. There are tons of women out there with this problem, but as yet there doesn't seem to be any institutional responses to it.

• I found I had the same problem... and the cause was ...cheaper brands of toilet tissue! I changed to a `better brand` and the symptoms disapeared...try it, it will take a few days. It could also be the material in your knickers which may cause the itching, too.
• There is something though that was told to me to do by a wise older woman. She told me when it gets bad and the itching is unbearable to get a cold wash cloth as cold as possible and just lay it on the vaginal area. Sometimes I may lay it inside of the lips. This causes the itching to cool down. You may have to wet it over about 4 times or less, but eventually the itching will cease. This really worked for me. Late at night when I am tired and can't go to sleep I may lay it on the vaginal area and go right on to sleep. I hope this works for other women.
• Wash and don't have unprotected sex with people that have poor hygiene.
• You can also use oatmeal in the bath to make the swelling and itching stop.
• I don't see this mentioned much, but it works amazingly well. Peel a garlic clove, cut it in half, and stick it up there. If you're afraid of losing it, loop some dental floss through it--but I think it'd be kind of hard to lose it really. You can put it in anytime, but overnight might be best if you don't want everybody thinking you smell like garlic (the smell comes out on your breath as if you'd eaten it). It might burn and sting a bit, but I've found the stinging to be nothing compared to the way a yeast infection stings. If one night doesn't fix things, then do it another night...I've never had to do this more than 2 nights. I've had problems with yeast for years, and nothing else works as well as this (or is as cheap and nontoxic).
• You can find various products online for vaginal itching and swelling. You should make a search on internet for the best possible solutions available there. There are some medical products like Rephresh Vaginal Gel 4, Lanacane Original Cream,Replens 6 Applicator Pack, Eurax Lotion, Anusol Cream and many more. All the products are specially designed for the treatment of vaginal related issues.

• To stop vaginal discharge you can choose some medicines which are mentioned below depends upon the causative micro organism:

  Imidazole Antifungals:They are broad spectrum antifungal covering dermatophytes,Candida, other fungi involves in deep mycosis, Nocordia, trichomonas vaginalis, some gram positive & negetive & anaerobic bacteria, Staph. aureus, Strept. faecalis, Bac. fragilis. They increase permeability of fungal cells & inhibit synthesis of ergosterol & damage cell membrane of fungi. Examples are:Clotrimazole,Econazole, Miconazole,Ketonazole.

• For this type of Vaginal infections, there is plant named as Soymida febrifuga of Meliaceae Family is using for relief. The stem-bark of the plant is useful. In my opionion, the best soloution is Use Margo Soap. It is manufactured in India using Neem Oil. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties cures and prevents all infections. It totally prevents odour. I sugested this to my girl friend and we are happy now.

Yes. When you notice it take your usual allergy medicine. Also, put an ice pack on the swollen area. Swelling should reduce.

You do not know that you suffer from allergies

swelling doesn't reduce within one hour of treatment