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When we say "mites," you probably think of dust mites. But there’s another microscopic critter living on your skin—specifically, in your eyelash follicles—that could be causing your chronic eye issues, styes, blepharitis, and even rosacea. Meet the Demodex mite.

In this eye-opening (and slightly gross!) episode of Allergy Actually, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – dive into the world of Demodex. They explain why these mites are a natural part of our flora, but can cause problems when there’s an overgrowth.

The good news? It's not a hygiene issue, and the solution is simple and inexpensive. Learn the low-hanging fruit treatments you can use tonight and discover the potential link between dust mite allergy and these face mites.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
00:27 What are Demodex Mites? (The Basics)
01:37 The "Overgrowth" Problem: When Natural Flora Causes Disease
03:58 The Link Between Demodex, Rosacea & Dust Mite Allergy
05:34 The Low-Hanging Fruit Fix: The Vaseline Method
06:49 The Importance of Diligent Lash-Line Cleansing
08:29 Why Dust Mite Immunotherapy Could Help Demodex

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ABOUT HOSTS
KARA WADA, MD
Dr. Kara Wada is a quadruple board-certified physician in allergy, immunology, and lifestyle medicine, and founder of the Immune Confident Institute. As a Sjogren’s patient and life coach, she combines modern medicine with lifestyle and mindset practices to help patients harness their body's ability to heal.
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AMBER PATTERSON, MD
Dr. Amber Patterson is a world-renowned allergy and immunology expert pioneering the future of immunotherapy. As the U.S. ambassador for ILIT™ Protocol (a 3-injection allergy shot protocol), she is redefining allergy care through her practice, Auni Allergy®, and the groundbreaking Auni® ILIT™ Learning Network.
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MEAGAN SHEPHERD, MD
Dr. Meagan Shepherd is a board-certified allergist and immunologist with nearly 15 years of experience specializing in advanced immunotherapy. She is known for her practical, evidence-based approach and her unique focus on "allergy-conscious living"—designing homes, habits, and lifestyles that improve her patients' quality of life.

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Does your family love skiing, but your kid (or you!) turns into a "snot fountain" on day one? You're not alone! That constant drip in the cold isn't always allergies—it's often a condition called non-allergic (vasomotor) rhinitis, and it's manageable.

In this essential "How-To" episode of Allergy Actually, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – share their ultimate survival guide for skiing and other outdoor winter sports.

From pre-slope preparation and the "secret weapon" prescription nasal spray that stops a drippy nose, to asthma pre-treatment and long-term solutions like immunotherapy, this episode is packed with practical tips. Learn what to pack in your ski jacket, why you need to wash your gear, and how to make your winter adventures enjoyable and snot-free.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
01:33 Understanding Cold-Induced Runny Nose (Vasomotor Rhinitis)
02:40 Pre-Slope Preparation: What to Pack in Your Pockets
04:39 The "Secret Weapon" for a Drippy Nose: Ipratropium Explained
05:22 Long-Term Solutions: How Immunotherapy (ILIT™ Protocol) Can Help
07:56 Gear Maintenance, Eye Protection & Aftercare Tips

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allergyactually@gmail.com

ABOUT HOSTS
KARA WADA, MD
Dr. Kara Wada is a quadruple board-certified physician in allergy, immunology, and lifestyle medicine, and founder of the Immune Confident Institute. As a Sjogren’s patient and life coach, she combines modern medicine with lifestyle and mindset practices to help patients harness their body's ability to heal.
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube
TikTok

AMBER PATTERSON, MD
Dr. Amber Patterson is a world-renowned allergy and immunology expert pioneering the future of immunotherapy. As the U.S. ambassador for ILIT™ Protocol (a 3-injection allergy shot protocol), she is redefining allergy care through her practice, Auni Allergy®, and the groundbreaking Auni® ILIT™ Learning Network.
Website
Instagram
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube

MEAGAN SHEPHERD, MD
Dr. Meagan Shepherd is a board-certified allergist and immunologist with nearly 15 years of experience specializing in advanced immunotherapy. She is known for her practical, evidence-based approach and her unique focus on "allergy-conscious living"—designing homes, habits, and lifestyles that improve her patients' quality of life.

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It's a brand new year, which means fresh calendars, fresh intentions... and the same old allergies waiting for their spring comeback. But not this year!

In this episode of Allergy Actually, your bestie allergist moms – Dr. Kara Wada, Dr. Amber Patterson, and Dr. Meagan Shepherd – talk about how to achieve an immune system reset that actually lasts. They blend powerful insights on habit formation with a crucial medical strategy: starting immunotherapy during the off-season (winter) to prepare for your easiest allergy season yet.

If you're looking to harness the power of prevention, this episode explains why January is the perfect time to commit to a treatment plan that will deliver measurable relief by spring. Stop playing catch-up and start living ahead of your allergies.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
01:17 Prevention vs. Cure: Why It Matters for Allergies
01:59 Why You Should Start Immunotherapy When You Feel Good
05:07 Beating the Odds: Micro-Habits for Treatment Adherence
07:11 Planning Your Allergy Year: Expectations and Medication Breaks
09:17 Letting Go of Limiting Beliefs: Visualizing a Better Allergy Season

WRITE A PODCAST REVIEW

SEND US A SUGGESTION
allergyactually@gmail.com

ABOUT HOSTS
KARA WADA, MD
Dr. Kara Wada is a quadruple board-certified physician in allergy, immunology, and lifestyle medicine, and founder of the Immune Confident Institute. As a Sjogren’s patient and life coach, she combines modern medicine with lifestyle and mindset practices to help patients harness their body's ability to heal.
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube
TikTok

AMBER PATTERSON, MD
Dr. Amber Patterson is a world-renowned allergy and immunology expert pioneering the future of immunotherapy. As the U.S. ambassador for ILIT™ Protocol (a 3-injection allergy shot protocol), she is redefining allergy care through her practice, Auni Allergy®, and the groundbreaking Auni® ILIT™ Learning Network.
Website
Instagram
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube

MEAGAN SHEPHERD, MD
Dr. Meagan Shepherd is a board-certified allergist and immunologist with nearly 15 years of experience specializing in advanced immunotherapy. She is known for her practical, evidence-based approach and her unique focus on "allergy-conscious living"—designing homes, habits, and lifestyles that improve her patients' quality of life.

Instagram
Facebook