Managing Allergies: Summer Time Tips

The arrival of summer is not always met with a smile. For a hay-fever sufferer, summer can be a very miserable time indeed. Sore red eyes, a running nose and swollen limbs are symptoms that many people suffer during the summer months due to allergies and hayfever. For those of us who don’t like taking synthetic medications such as antihistamines, here are some tips that could help you reduce your exposure to the dreaded particles during those balmy summer months.

Reduce Your Exposure To Environmental Allergens

  • Where possible, keep windows and doors closed when the pollen count is particularly high. You can find out when the pollen will be at its highest by looking out for the local weather reports, which frequently list pollen counts.
  • Avoid the use of extractor fans, especially in the bathroom; these will draw in air from the outside along with all of those pesky particles..
  • Don’t hang your clothes up outside. Even though air-dried clothes can be lovely and crisp, all of those particles will get caught in the fibres whilst drying, meaning you’ll be carrying them round with you all day. Instead air dry clothes indoors or in the tumble drier.
  • If you suffer from itchy, watery and inflamed eyes, wear sunglasses whenever you are outside. This will act as a barrier as well as concealing sore eyes.
  • Avoid walking or sitting on uncut grass or fields or at least limit your exposure to these areas.
  • Make sure your lawn at home is kept trimmed and well-maintained.
  • When out in the car on a hot day, keep the windows closed and the air conditioning on.

Allergens Within The Home

  • Wash your bedding at a temperature of no less than 130F on a weekly basis, this will help to kill any bed bugs and dust mites.
  • Consider the use of a dehumidifier in the bedroom especially as you sleep to avoid night time allergies.
  • Always use a mattress protector cover and regularly wash your pillowcase.
  • Consider using flooring in the home as opposed to carpet but if this isn’t possible, ensure you regularly hoover your carpet and also rugs, as rugs can attract and hold a lot of dust.
  • If one person in the home smokes, ask them to smoke outside. While smoke is not considered an allergen it can certainly cause irritation in the sinuses to those prone to allergies.
  • Keep your windows and doors closed at all times, particularly first thing in the morning and last thing at night. This will act as a barrier, stopping pollen and other irritants from entering your home. Whilst those beautiful french doors are dying to be opened, resist during the day and open them up later on in the evening when the weather is still mild but the pollen count is lower.
  • You can buy relatively cheap door and window screens which will not only help to keep pests out of the house but will also help to filter out dirt and particles.

Pet Allergies

  • It may seem obvious but the sensible thing would be to re-home your pet if it is causing your allergies. If this isn’t an option, keeping the pet out of the bedroom is crucially important.
  • Do not let your pet sit on your upholstered furniture, i.e. the sofa.
  • Keep your pet clean and well groomed and brush them off before they enter the home.
  • Avoid direct contact i.e. stroking with any animals outside of the home where possible, if this isn’t possible, wash your hands thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

This article was written on behalf of UK Oak Doors, retailers of oak French doors.