5 Tips to Reduce Skin Irritation from Fall Allergies

Apart from the occasional sore throat, itchy eyes, and sniffles, fall allergies could also impact your skin, leading to irritation. Save yourself from unwanted flare-ups this fall with these 5 helpful tips. 

According to Pacific Dermatology Specialists, cases of skin irritation during the fall might be brought on by environmental factors like ragweed and mold. These known allergens in the air can cause an immune response in your body, leading to inflammation, skin sensitivity, and rashes. 

Among the most common signs of a skin allergy are:

Hives: If you are allergic to a certain food or cosmetic, you are likely aware that hives are a common symptom. Additionally, hives may also be a sign of fall allergies. These welts, which are usually painful, itchy, and red, may go away on their own after a few minutes or hours, but some cases of hives will require treatment.

Rashes: When airborne allergens come into contact with your skin, they can result in a rash. Anywhere on the body can experience an allergic reaction. On the other hand, if you come into contact with a poisonous plant, you might get a rash in a particular area. Watch out for noxious plants like ivy and poison sumac.

Eczema flare-ups: Allergens can cause an immune reaction that can result in an outbreak of eczema. Therefore, if you have eczema, you might notice that the fall makes your skin feel drier and more sensitive.

Even though these skin reactions aren't usually a big deal, they can still keep you from taking part in fall activities. Fortunately, there are a number of helpful actions you can take this fall to lower your risk of skin irritation.

1. DETERMINE YOUR ALLERGIC TRIGGERS AND SYMPTOMS

According to Premier Dermatology Partners (PDP), everyone can prevent allergic reactions from occurring if they are more aware of the triggers. There are many allergies that can result in hives and rashes, but as was already mentioned, ragweed and mold are the two most frequent fall triggers.

“Additionally, you might be allergic to certain foods that you eat more often during autumn due to their seasonality. Various plants can also trigger an allergic response when touched against bare skin,” it added, emphasizing that people should “pay close attention to the things you do, eat, and touch to keep track of potential allergic triggers.” 

2. OBSERVE PROPER HYGIENE

Apart from preserving generally healthy skin, maintaining good hygiene is essential for preventing and reducing allergic skin reactions like allergic dermatitis. Different allergens can stick to your skin and eventually cause an allergic reaction. The more time these contaminants remain in your body, the more severe your reaction might be. 

“By thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water and bathing or showering at least once a day, you remove these harmful agents from your skin so they can’t cause more irritation. Cleaning your skin regularly also helps get rid of old, dead skin cells and oils that can cause irritation,” PDP said. 

3. DO YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE

The best way to take care of your skin and shield it from fall allergies is not just to keep it clean. It’s also a good idea to moisturize and exfoliate your skin frequently. After a long tiring day, always purify your skin from dirt, makeup, and other external factors before going to bed by using gentle products that are suitable for your skin type and the season. 

• Moisturize

While light moisturizers are enough for most skin types throughout the summer, heavier moisturizers should be considered when the weather changes. 

• Exfoliate 

To remove dull, dry, and discolored dead skin on the surface, do a gentle exfoliation. Aside from that, exfoliation also unclogs, minimizes pores, smoothens the skin, and prepares the skin for optimal absorption of skincare regimens. 

• Sunscreen

Sun protection is a year-round task that everyone must do regularly to prevent premature aging and staining of the skin. To protect your face, neck, and other exposed parts of your skin from the sun's harmful rays, apply sunscreens with high moisture content.

4. PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM EXPOSURE

The most effective way to prevent your skin from inflammatory reactions to allergens, regardless of which ones are in question, is to simply cover up when outdoors. Although it won't completely prevent fall allergies, doing so can lessen the likelihood of developing an allergy rash and other symptoms. 

The PDP suggested that the best way to protect oneself this fall is to dress in protective long sleeves while outside. Hats and hand gloves are also effective against chill temperatures. “Face masks are also in vogue these days, plus they’ll protect you from inhaling mold spores and pollen,” they added. 

Fall requires wardrobe modifications just as the new season brings a change in the weather. When it comes to clothes, comfort is the most important thing to look out for. And for us, nothing gives that maximum comfort other than 100% cotton clothing.

Ultimately, you can never go wrong with clothes that make you comfortable. Try wearing pieces from our allergy-free organic cotton collections to find out why 100% organic cotton clothing is the perfect clothing choice for people with skin allergies and sensitivities. Check out our collection here: Nothing-But-Cotton.

5. TALK TO YOUR DERMATOLOGIST ABOUT FALL ALLERGIES 

If the fall allergy prevention strategies listed above aren't helping your skin's allergic reactions to an adequate degree, your dermatologist can still be of assistance by advising you on various allergy and rash treatment options to bring about much-needed relief. 

A few common treatments include immunotherapy (allergy shots or oral tablets) and antihistamines, which reduce swelling, itching, sneezing, and other symptoms. If the respiratory symptoms of your fall allergies are more severe than the dermal ones, you might also want to consider steroid nasal sprays and/or decongestants.

To know more about fall allergies, you may visit this informative resource from WebMD. You may also read our related blog: 6 Essential Skincare Tips You Should Be Doing this Fall.