thanks, Kate. years ago i was tested for allergies. (i come from a family of asthmatics and have been diagnosed as borderline asthmatic.) the allergy tests were through the roof - i was allergic to everything. the MD said there was nothing he could do. my brother who is the most severely asthmatic has had shots but i don't believe there was much improvement. interestingly, the thing he is most allergic to is . . . cats! while i am allergic to cats, my biggest problem is with ozone. hot days are the worst and i must stay indoors. cigarette smoke is also a big problem for me. most allergy medications treat the breathing part . . . i'm not so sure they treat the skin allergic reaction part. i will ask my MD next time i see him.