Types of winter allergies and how to deal with it

House dust, dampness, woolen and downy clothes can provoke a reaction.

TEMPERATURE DIFFERENCE

Dry and cold air, hard water have a negative effect on the skin, irritating it. In certain cases, cold urticaria may even develop, which is mostly chronic. The disease can be both hereditary and acquired. Standard antihistamine treatment may not provide the desired relief, so try to minimize exposure to cold to relieve symptoms. Reduce the time spent outdoors, protect the skin as much as possible, cover open areas of the body with clothes, wear a hat, keep your hands warm, cover your nose and mouth with a scarf before going outside. With cholinergic urticaria, the body also reacts to sweat. Avoid overheating, dress for the weather, and wear cotton underwear for strenuous physical activity.

Allergist-immunologist, pediatrician of the family clinic chain

STRESS

In the autumn-winter period, we often work more and rest less. High exposure to stress can also exacerbate urticaria, atopic dermatitis, or bronchial asthma. In the cold season, it is especially important to pay great attention to the daily routine, try to rest, get enough sleep at night, and get positive emotions. It is equally important to eat rationally, getting a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals, because the development of urticaria can be influenced by a deficiency of iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid. Lack of vitamins D, A and E can also worsen the condition of the skin and have an adverse effect on the course of allergic skin diseases.

WOOL

In winter, we wear down jackets, wool and fur clothes. Some people, especially those with animal allergies, may react to the materials from which the clothes are made. Sometimes the chemical compounds (formaldehyde, dyes) used by manufacturers also cause symptoms. In this case, it is necessary to change clothes from materials that cause an allergic reaction to a hypoallergenic one. 

DUST

Dust allergy is a year-round disease. It is manifested mainly by reactions from the respiratory tract (allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma). In winter, allergies can be easily confused with an acute respiratory illness, because an exacerbation often coincides with the beginning of winter. It is at this time that our homes are dry and warm, which creates excellent conditions for house dust mites. Their favorite places of settlement are carpets, bedspreads, curtains, soft toys, bed linen, mattresses, sofas and armchairs. To combat this type of allergy, there are not enough medicines prescribed by an allergist, it is necessary to maintain a hypoallergenic life at home on an ongoing basis. This is not only wet cleaning once a week, but also avoiding carpets, curtains and open bookshelves. Pillows and blankets should be synthetic. The apartment must have humidifiers and air purifiers.

MOLDEN MUSHROOMS

Mold on the street is rotten foliage in the spring and fall. At home, mold can live in pots of indoor plants. The overgrown mycelium of fungi is often present in the walls of damp rooms. A person may not notice mold at home, but constantly get sick. The principles of treating allergy to mushrooms are the same as in the case of other types of allergies: remove contact with the allergen and conduct antiallergic therapy. You should consult an allergist in a timely manner if you suspect that you have an allergy. The specialist will prescribe the necessary examinations, select the therapy, help you learn how to cope with the symptoms, or tell you how to get rid of them forever.

AND MORE …

Hives can occur due to infectious diseases, exposure to low temperatures, or overheating. The prognosis for urticaria caused by viral infections is generally good. Recovery occurs within a few weeks. Antihistamines work well.

BY THE WAY…

From frosty air and cold winds, cheilitis can occur – inflammation in the lip area, which is usually called seizures. Redness, cracks in the corners of the lips, dryness and flaking appear. In case of cheilitis, before leaving the house, it is imperative to apply lip balm or use hygienic lipstick.

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