Can Spring Allergies Cause Itchy Skin

Narrowing Down The Cause

One key to finding the cause of your rash is to observe how long the rash persists. A rash that keeps coming back may be related to hay fever, rather than temporary exposure to something.

Also, what time of year does the rash normally appear? If you notice youre developing recurring rashes consistently during certain seasons , it may be related to the pollens of that season. This is known as seasonal allergies.

Note that allergic reactions arent limited to the pollens in the spring. Fall allergies are common and, in some areas, trees and certain plants grow in the winter and summer that can cause skin irritation. Ragweed and grass can cause hay fever during spring and summer, the two best-known seasons for allergy problems.

What About Herbal Remedies

Alfred Vogel, the well-known Swiss naturopath, was a great believer in treating the problem from the root. In this case, treating seasonal allergies can help the symptoms such as skin rash.

He devised a remedy for allergies consisting of seven different herbs to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies, now found in Pollinosan Allergy Relief Tablets. It is a non-drowsy remedy which can be used alongside other seasonal allergies remedies.

If you are looking for a remedy specifically to soothe an allergy induced rash, then a cream containing Neem leaf extract may be effective. This can be found in herbal creams such as Neem Cream.

Home Remedies For Skin Rash

Although avoiding contact with pollen will prevent you from developing a seasonal allergies skin rash, this is not always a viable option. However, there are several home remedies you can try and apply to irritated areas of skin to try to ease your symptoms.

Often keeping the affected area of skin cool helps to soothe irritation and heals the rash more quickly. Clay poultices, such as bentonite clay, can sometimes help skin problems, although you should be careful that these poultices are natural, as any chemical ingredient will only worsen your condition.

Oatmeal can also be effective in easing skin rashes as it has anti-inflammatory properties. It can be made into a paste by mixing a little water with some uncooked oatmeal, which can then be directly applied to the skin.

Lemon has also been used to treat itchy skin, as it has strong anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. However, it may sting a little when initially applied, particularly so if the skin is broken.

Aloe vera gel, peppermint or basil leaves applied directly to the skin are also traditionally used to ease skin problems, as they have a soothing effect on the skin by reducing itching and inflammation.

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Home Remedies For Allergies

Along with medications, the following natural remedies may be effective for relieving allergy symptoms:

• Saline nasal rinse. Using a saline solution to rinse your sinuses can help reduce congestion. Lin says saline rinses are helpful if you’ve been gardening or doing other outdoor activities. You can use a squeeze bottle or a neti pot, which is a small container with a spout. Be sure to use distilled water and to rinse the container with distilled water after each use.
• Butterbur. This herb may help relieve allergy symptoms without causing drowsiness. A study of 125 people with seasonal allergies found that taking a butterbur tablet daily for two weeks was as effective as taking an antihistamine like cetirizine .
• Acupuncture. There is some evidence that acupuncture may be beneficial in relieving seasonal allergy symptoms. Acupuncture may help calm your body’s response to allergens.
• Foods rich in quercetin. Onions, garlic, broccoli, grapes, and berries contain quercetin, a plant pigment that is known to have anti-allergic properties that prevent the release of histamines.

If you’re interested in purchasing any of these treatments, Insider Reviews has a useful buying guide for the best allergy medicine and home remedies.

Does Yale Medicine Offer Specialized Allergy Care

Yale Medicines Allergy & Clinical Immunology physicians have expertise in diagnosing and treating allergies and immunologic diseases. The department schedules weekly conferences to guide care of complex allergy cases, so patients benefit from multiple expert opinions.

In addition, we conduct research to determine the molecular basis of allergic disorders in order to develop new ways to treat people with allergies. Our goal is to help you better enjoy the seasons as they turn by keeping the achoos in check.

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Does Eczema Get Worse In Spring

In the Spring time, your skin is exposed to various airborne allergens/irritants such as pollens, spores and molds which in some individuals can lead to histamine release, thus leading to inflammation and dilates blood vessels. This is to be kept in mind that the higher levels of histamine can lead to more reactive skin and may be a cause of eczema triggers or other skin allergies.

There is no doubt that hot weather is a common triggers for eczema and your skin condition can even get worse so as to maintain the environmental changes, air conditioners are used and that can dry your skin. Dry, irritated and harsh skin leads to worsening of spring allergy symptoms and eczema flare ups.

So, its perfectly important to update and strictly follow your eczema management plan that can help you cope up with the skin condition and lead a healthy life.

Can Allergies Make You Sick

Thereâs another reason to get your allergies in check, other than not wanting to be sneezing for four months straight. When irritants make their way into your nasal passages, its basically open season for cold viruses. Dr. Elliott explains that with allergens afoot, âYou produce more mucous, your sinuses get filled and clogged with fluid, and it sets up the ideal environment for viruses and bacteria to settle in and cause infections.â

This is largely because allergies are putting your immune system on high alert, which is stressful for your body. âAny stress on or in the body that activates the immune system can make you more susceptible to actually getting sick,â Dr. Jain says. âUntreated allergy symptoms can create constant stress on the body, which causes the immune system to prioritize fighting off the foreign allergen instead of recognizing and fighting off viruses and bacteria that enter the body.â In other words, allergies distract your body from the âreal enemiesâ â viruses and bacteria that can make you sick â which can make you much more susceptible to developing an actual illness.

Experts:

Dr. Sanjeev Jain, M.D., doctor double-board certified in immunology and internal medicine, Columbia Asthma and Allergy Clinic

Dr. Tania Elliott, M.D., clinical instructor of medicine and immunology, NYU Langone

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What Is A Pollen Allergy

Pollen is one of the most common triggers of seasonal allergies. Many people know pollen allergy as hay fever. Experts usually refer to pollen allergy as seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Each spring, summer and fall, plants release tiny pollen grains to fertilize other plants of the same species. Most of the pollens that cause allergic reactions come from trees, weeds and grasses. These plants make small, light and dry pollen grains that travel by the wind.

Grasses are the most common cause of allergy. Ragweed is a main cause of weed allergies. Other common sources of weed pollen include sagebrush, pigweed, lambs quarters and tumbleweed. Certain species of trees, including birch, cedar and oak, also produce highly allergenic pollen.

Plants fertilized by insects, like roses and some flowering trees, like cherry and pear trees, usually do not cause allergic rhinitis.

What Is An Allergic Reaction

An allergic reaction is the way your body responds to the allergen. A chain of events occur that result in an allergic reaction.

If you are prone to allergies, the first time youre exposed to a specific allergen , your body responds by producing allergic antibodies. The job of these antibodies is to find the allergens and help remove them from your system. As a result, a chemical called histamine is released and causes symptoms of allergies.

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Treatment For Asthma From Pollen Allergies

If you have asthma caused by pollens, your doctor will prescribe the correct medication and help you to develop a plan to manage your asthma. Make sure you follow your asthma action plan.Asthma can be well controlled with the appropriate medication in almost all people. The main types of medication are:

• relievers that act quickly to relax the muscles around the airways this is the medication used during an asthma attack
• preventers that slowly make the airways less sensitive to allergy triggers and reduce inflammation inside the airways these are taken daily
• combination therapies with preventers containing two different medications.

If you have an asthma attack, follow your asthma action plan. In case of emergency, call triple zero and ask for an ambulance. Tell the operator that someone is having an asthma attack.The signs of an emergency include when the person:

• finds it very difficult to breathe
• is unable to speak comfortably or if their lips are turning blue
• has symptoms that get worse very quickly
• is getting little or no relief from their reliever inhaler.

While waiting for the ambulance, give four puffs of reliever medication every four minutes.

Increased Exposure To Uv Rays

With the warm breeze, glowing sunrays and fresh air, how can you not want to spend more time outdoors? After the long, harsh winter months, thats usually all Canadians can think about! But getting outdoors more often also means youll be increasing your exposure to the sun and harmful UV rays. So remember to always apply sunscreen any time of the year, but especially when heading out on those sunny days.

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Limit The Use Of Decongestants But Take Antihistamines

In the fight against other allergy symptoms, you may take decongestants. Decongestants bring relief to respiratory symptoms. But, they are dehydrating and can cause dry, itchy skin. Thats a terrible side effect when youre itchy to start. While taking decongestants, be sure to drink more than the recommended amount of water to keep your skin and the rest of your body hydrated.

Do take antihistamines to combat your itchy skin from seasonal allergies. Start taking your allergy medication at the first signs of symptoms and dont stop until allergy season ends. New generations of allergy medication dont cause drowsiness and are safe to take for an extended period of time.

A word of caution about discontinuing use of allergy medication: while the FDA doesnt officially recognize itching skin as a withdrawal symptom of cetirizine hydrochloride the internet is full of people that are faced with this side effect when they stop taking this allergy medication cold turkey.

Keeping A Record Of Your Symptoms

Keep a diary that describes your symptoms and when and where they occur. Your diary could include information about whether your symptoms occur:

• inside your home, outside or both
• for a short time or longer
• at night, during the day or when you wake up
• at a particular time of the year
• near animals
• after you have been stung or bitten by an insect
• after you have had a particular food or drink
• after you have taken a particular medication, either prescription or over the counter from a pharmacy or supermarket
• after you have taken a herbal medicine.

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Are There Natural Remedies For Allergies

Nasal irrigation uses a combination of warm water, about a quarter-teaspoon of salt, and a quarter-teaspoon of baking soda to clear out mucus and open sinus passages. You can use a squeeze bottle or a neti pot, which looks like a small teapot. Use distilled, sterile, or previously boiled water to make up the solution. Itâs also important to rinse the irrigation device after each use and leave it open to air dry.

Some others have mixed research on how much they help:

Butterbur. This herb, which comes from a European shrub, shows potential for relieving seasonal allergy symptoms. Some studies show butterbur — specifically an extract called Ze 339 — to work as well at easing allergy symptoms as some antihistamines.

Quercetin. This nutrient is found in onions, apples, and black tea. Itâs been shown in research to block the release of histamines.

Stinging nettle. Although some people use freeze-dried stinging nettle leaves to treat allergy symptoms, there isnât much research to show that it works.

Talk to your doctor before you start any herbal product. Some can cause side effects or can react with medications you take.

Your Seasonal Allergies Symptoms May Include Itchy Skin This Spring

Spring is here, and you may be ready for the warmer weather, time outside, and chance to let the fresh air back into your homes. But, every year 67 million individuals suffer from seasonal allergies, so for some, the spring season is dreaded thanks to the increase of pollen, dust, and mold that cause these allergies. Even if you expect or plan for seasonal allergies, they can often leave you feeling miserable with their adverse impact on your sinuses and skin.

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Unknown Signs Of Allergies

ust like symptoms can vary among individuals, there are many signs of allergies that you may not be aware of, including:

• Being overly tired
• Dark circles under your eyes
• Respiratory infections
• Lack of endurance
• Headaches

Since these signs are lesser known than the symptoms listed above, many individuals go without a diagnosis of their seasonal allergies for years.

How Can I Get Relief From Spring Allergies

One of the best ways to manage your spring allergy symptoms is to see a board-certified allergist. An allergist can help you come up with a plan to treat your allergies.

Your allergy treatment plan may involve:

• Taking allergy medicines, like antihistamines, before your allergy season begins
• Using a nasal corticosteroid sprays

• An immunotherapy option for your type of allergy

Check pollen counts at the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology so you can avoid outdoor activities on days when counts are high. You can also check pollen forecasts on Pollen.com.

Also, follow these tips to control pollen in your home and prevent bringing it into your home when after you spend time outside:

• Keep windows closed.
• Use central air conditioning with a CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® HVAC filter, if possible.
• Remove your shoes before entering your home.
• Take a shower and shampoo your hair before bed.
• Change and wash your clothes after being outdoor.
• Dry laundry in a clothes dryer or on an indoor rack, not on an outdoor line.
• Clean pollen off pets with a towel before they come in your home.
• Wash bedding in hot, soapy water once a week.
• Use a nasal rinse to flush out inhaled pollen out of your nose.

To reduce your exposure to pollen when you are outside:

You dont have to dread spring allergies. With the right treatment, you can manage your spring allergies and still enjoy the season.

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Symptoms Of Allergic Rhinitis

Your symptoms can vary, depending on the severity of your allergies. Symptoms can include:

• Sneezing.
• Itching .
• Runny nose.
• Pressure in the nose and cheeks.
• Ear fullness and popping.
• Watery, red, or swollen eyes.
• Dark circles under your eyes.
• Trouble smelling.
• Hives.

Allergic rhinitis can last several weeks, longer than a cold or the flu. It does not cause fever. The nasal discharge from hay fever is thin, watery, and clear. Nasal discharge from a cold or the flu tends to be thicker. Itching is common with hay fever but not with a cold or the flu. Sneezing occurs more with hay fever. You may even have severe sneeze attacks.

How To Prepare For Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal changes are often exciting with the promise of better weather unless youre one of the millions of people who have seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergy symptoms can range from runny noses and sneezing to congestion and itchy skin. The medical term for seasonal allergies, such as hayfever, is allergic rhinitis, which occurs when persons immune system reacts to an outdoor allergen, in this case, pollen. Read on for some tips on how to prevent pollen allergies, reduce allergy symptoms and treat an allergic rash!

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Cleaning Regularly And Using A Hepa Filter

A well-cleaned house has far fewer allergy triggers lurking inside. Vacuuming rugs, furniture, and washing linens in hot water will remove any dust, pollen and other hard-to-see allergens. A high-efficiency particulate air filter will reduce the amount of airborne allergens in your indoor environment. Keep in mind a HEPA filter doesnt do much for heavier allergens like dust mites. You can read more about how to remove them here. If you have a pet, make sure its cleaned often because pets dander can lead to allergy symptoms.

Spring Is Here 5 Things Allergy Sufferers Need To Know

Due to global climate changes, allergists warn that spring allergy season continues to worsen each year. Dr. Jigisha Morosky, an allergist/immunologist with Starling Physicians, addresses the most common questions about seasonal allergies.

How do you know if it is a cold, allergy or COVID?

Sometimes it is difficult for people to determine if sniffles, sneezes, sore throat and coughs are caused by allergies, a cold or even sinusitis. Dr. Morosky explains that nasal allergy symptoms and common cold symptoms are essentially identical. Variables we examine are exposure to an allergen, like pollen or a pet, the duration of symptoms months versus 1 to 2 weeks, and if there is improvement while taking allergy medications.

Spring allergies can cause itchy water eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat, sneezing, coughing and even hives. The symptoms of a cold are often characterized by runny nose, sore throat and cough. Patients with severe seasonal allergies can feel very fatigued and have low grade fever making the distinction even harder.

Acute sinusitis is characterized by a stuffy or runny nose accompanied by pain in the forehead and/or over the cheeks. Often both the common cold and allergies can cause swelling of the nasal passages, which prevent the sinuses from draining, then this can lead to sinusitis. Sinusitis can be treated with antibiotics, however it often recurs if due to uncontrolled allergies.

What are best over the counter methods to treat allergies?

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