When spring arrives, it’s wonderful to see the sunshine, smell the fresh air, and watch the flowers bloom! But along with these nice things come some not-so-nice things — like seasonal allergies.
Seasonal allergies can cause a wide range of symptoms, from sneezing to coughing, wheezing, and widespread external itchiness. If you are struggling with itchiness as the weather turns warmer, don’t despair.
Here are a few essential things to know about why allergies cause your skin to itch and how you can get quick relief.
What Are Seasonal Allergies?
Seasonal allergies are also sometimes called hay fever. This immune reaction occurs in response to minute particles in the air, such as pollen. They are very common in the spring as plants and trees begin to release these particles.
You may have an immune response to particles from trees, certain plants, grass, pollen, mold, and more. Your symptoms might get worse after heavy rainfall, when pollen levels jump, or on days that are very warm and windy, when allergens are spread.
Depending on where you live, "allergy season" may start as early as February and continue well into the summer. But it can be even longer during especially mild winters, when pollen continues to move -- and also cause allergic reactions.
What Symptoms Can Spring Allergies Cause?
Seasonal allergies can cause a wide variety of symptoms. They are often grouped under the category of allergic rhinitis, or runny nose, but that is far from the only symptom you’re likely to experience.
Other symptoms include:
- Nasal congestion or runny nose
- Watery, red, or itchy eyes
- Rash or hives causing itchy patches of skin (sometimes severe itching)
- Contact dermatitis, usually appearing quickly after exposure to allergens
- Cold symptoms like sneezing or coughing
- Postnasal drip
- Redness or bruiselike irritation around or under the eyes
- Fatigue
-
Itching in your nose, mouth, or throat
Most Common Seasonal Allergy Triggers Causing Itchy Skin
As we mentioned above, the arrival of warmer weather can cause a huge variety of allergy triggers. If you have one of the listed symptoms and suspect it is caused by allergies, the next step is to try to identify what is causing your discomfort. Pinpointing the cause will help you find the best course of treatment.
These triggers will vary depending on where you live and what the weather is like. Temperature, time of day, and rain are just a few things that affect when you’re more likely to encounter an irritant.
Tree Pollen
Tree pollen is one of the most common pollen allergies. When the weather begins to warm, tree pollinate by spreading their pollen through the air -- which also means it can enter our bodies, causing symptoms like itchiness.
Grass Pollen
Grasses usually begin pollinating in the late spring to early summer. There are many types of grasses, and any one -- or all of them -- are common causes of spring allergies.
Ragweed
At the end of the summer, "weed pollination" season kicks off. That includes plants like ragweed, a common allergen.
Mold
Mold isn't solely present at certain times of the year -- so why is it considered a seasonal allergy? Mold spores multiply when the weather is warm and wet, which means it's largely tied to the spring (and in some places, the fall). Mold counts drop when the weather is hot and dry or very cold, making spring and fall the worst time for people who have mold allergies.
Why Do Spring Allergies Cause Skin Reactions?
While we usually think of allergies as causing classic cold symptoms, skin reactions are a common symptoms caused by seasonal allergies. The immune system reacts to the presence of a trigger as soon as it makes contact with your skin. Skin reactions happen as a result of an overproduction of histamine, which is why taking oral antihistamines can help relieve discomfort.
What Can You Do to Control Symptoms & Get Long-Term Relief From Itchy Skin?
Allergy symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and even disruptive to your quality of life. Inflammation, watery eyes, hay fever and allergic rhinitis make spring an unpleasant time. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to soothe help reduce your discomfort.
Take Allergy Medications to Reduce Inflammation
Several over-the-counter medications for allergies are available. They can be found at most pharmacies or grocery stores.
Just be careful. These medications can be hard on your liver and kidneys and shouldn't be taken long-term or more than once a day. If you prefer, options like nasal spray are safe and can relieve congestion.
Protect Yourself From Allergens
Once you pinpoint what is causing your allergy-related skin issues, you can take measures to reduce your exposure before your skin reacts. Allergy tracking apps or websites will alert you when pollen counts are high.
During these times, you can:
- Reduce the time spent outside.
- Keep windows closed in your home or car.
- Change your clothes and shower after spending time outside.
- Wear an N95 mask for outdoor activities like yard work, which can stir up pollen.
Ask Your Doctor About Corticosteroids or Other Options
If your allergies are significantly disrupting your life, ask your doctor how to get long-term relief. They may suggest prescription medication such as corticosteroids. Alternatively, they might offer you allergy shots that will reduce your symptoms throughout the season or allergen immunotherapy to help your immune system adjust.
Final Thoughts
How Dermeleve Can Help Reduce Itching During Allergy Season
If allergies are causing dry and itchy skin, you need a safe and top-quality treatment without dangerous side effects. Dermeleve helps tackle the root of the problem and soothe your skin without steroids or unsafe additives, keeping skin hydrated, happy, and free from irritation! Check out our page to learn more about how Dermeleve can provide relief this spring.
Dr. Neal Bhatia is a board-certified dermatologist based in San Diego, California. He serves as the Director of Clinical Dermatology at Therapeutics Clinical Research and is the Chief Medical Editor for Practical Dermatology. He is also listed as Associate Clinical Professor at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA. With a background in immunology, Dr. Bhatia has a special interest in mechanisms of therapy, skin cancer, and medical dermatology.
Learn more about Dr. Bhatia and our Medical Advisory Board