The sign for "opposite" uses
"index-finger"-handshapes.
In a message dated 9/19/2006 2:05:40 PM Pacific Daylight Time, MAWILSON@ writes:
Marci,
For "allergy" you use the sign "opposite."
"Hay fever" is often just spelled out: H-A-Y F-E-V-E-R. (The second
"E" in "fever" will certainly mutate into a two fingered version).
Or spell out H-A-Y and then sign OPPOSITE. Or if the other person
doesn't already know what "hay fever" means then you could sign: GROW GROW NOSE-OPPOSITE (include facial expression).
For "food allergy" you generally sign: "I CAN'T EAT (name of food), OPPOSITE ME."
For "skin allergy" you grab a pinch of skin on the back of your non-dominant hand then sign "OPPOSITE." Or you sign
"(name of substance) I ITCH!" For example, "PERFUME? I ITCH!" (Which
basically means "perfume makes me itch"). Or you can show the specific skin reaction: RED
"bumps", or SWELLING, or RED-"surface area"
- Dr. Bill