As crisp autumn air begins to replace summer heat, many look forward to cozy sweaters, colorful leaves and fall activities. But those prone to seasonal allergies likely don’t look forward to the skin irritations autumn may bring.
Skin allergies include eczema, hives, chronic hives, contact allergies and skin inflammation. The more you know about autumn skin allergies, the more you can be prepared to prepare your skin for fall.
Common Autumn Skin Allergens
Several allergens ranging from mold to dust can irritate skin during the autumn months:
Ragweed
One of the primary culprits of autumn skin allergies is ragweed. Ragweed pollen levels peak during the fall months and can trigger eczema, hives or general skin irritation. Ragweed pollen can land on your skin, leading to redness, itchiness and rashes.
Mold
Mold is another common autumn allergen. As leaves fall and decay, mold spores can become airborne and attach to your skin, resulting in allergic reactions. Mold thrives in damp environments, so places like your yard, sidewalks or even your home can become breeding grounds during autumn rains.
Dust Mites
As the weather cools, we tend to spend more time indoors. Turning on the heat can stir up dust mites hiding in carpets, bedding and furniture, causing flare-ups for those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema.
How to Manage and Treat Autumn Skin Allergies
As with other allergic conditions, there are ways to manage skin allergies related to autumn weather and habits. The first step is to manage exposure to allergens. Since ragweed and mold are airborne, try to stay indoors on windy days or after rainfall, when pollen and mold spore counts are highest. Keep windows closed and use air purifiers with HEPA filters to remove particles from indoor air.
It can also be helpful to shower at night to wash away pollen and mold spores that accumulated on your hair and skin during the day. This reduces the chance of irritants getting trapped on your skin or bedding, which can trigger an allergic response overnight.
For dust mites, washing bedding, drapes and vacuuming regularly can significantly reduce their numbers. Using pillowcases and mattress covers can also provide a protective barrier between dust mites and your skin.
Over-the-counter antihistamines and hydrocortisone creams from places like Oak Tree Pharmacy can provide relief from itching and inflammation. Moisturizers are also key, as skin can dry out more easily during cooler weather, exacerbating irritation. Choose a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer to avoid further irritation.
If you regularly experience autumn skin allergies, it’s also important to consult a doctor. An ENT can help identify your allergic triggers and map out the best course of treatment to manage your symptoms.
To learn more about allergy management options, contact Willamette ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation today.
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