Pollen allergies can take you by surprise in any season and in any situation. For many, the worst times are during spring, when flowers are in full bloom and there is plenty of breeze to carry pollen and seeds in the air. The second worst season is during early winters, when you have to get your winter clothes out of the boxes, so as to get them ready to wear. These clothes harbor a lot of minuscule particles, such as fiber, traces of fungus, pollen and even dust. I, for one, have had the toughest time, during these two particular seasons, when almost everything seems ridden with pollen and equally bad allergens! For people like me and you, who are prone to pollen allergy, the slightest exposure can cause an outbreak. All it takes is a catalyst to bring about pollen allergy symptoms. These catalysts could be anything from newly washed clothes, to open windows, a windy day, or even humidity. It is quite impossible to keep pollen completely out of your lives, because every surface existing on earth has some form of pollen or the other. What is possible, is for us to practice certain precautionary methods, which will prevent the onset of the pollen allergy. This article will explain how to prevent pollen allergy, through some really simple methods that I have come to practice on a regular basis.
Pollen Allergy Prevention Tips
#1 – Apply Protective Nasal Cream
You will need to apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly in the inner skin of your nose, as this will prevent the dust and pollen from entering further into your nasal tract. Any dirt will automatically get stuck in the cream, making it impossible for it to cause an allergy. Even natural oils, such as pure virgin olive oil, are equally effective but are readily absorbed by the skin. You would like to use a cream which is more long-lasting and viscous.
#2 – Use Dust Masks
Here is the catch, simply buying one mask will not do, unless it is a sturdy, non flexible and washable dust mask. The flimsy cloth or surgical masks, won’t work for people with dust and pollen allergies, simply because these catch dust but block the airway. These masks can never be cleaned thoroughly, because even after washing, there will still be some bit of pollen present, which will be placed in proximity to the nose and eyes. The safest alternative is to use special dust masks, which helps a lot during cleaning, washing and mowing the lawn. These dust masks come for an affordable US $ 5.00 and are reusable, washable and long-lasting.
#3 – Dust and Iron Washed Clothes
Washed clothes that have been hung out to dry will always contain tiny pollen and dust. These make you vulnerable to an instant pollen allergy the moment you wear them. The ideal way to prevent clothes from catching pollen is to allow the clothes to sun dry, after which you must dust them, and iron them soon after. The heat from the iron will remove most of the pollen and other particles, including fungal pores.
#4 – When to Ventilate the House
It isn’t possible to stop all ventilation from the house, as that will cause the house to smell stuffy and musty. It would be ideal to allow cross ventilation during peak afternoons, or any time when the breeze outside is weak. During other times, you may use HEPA filtered air conditioners, which will keep the house dust free and kill spores.
#5 – Everyday Skin and Hair Care
Pollen and dust get attached to our skin, making it very easy for us to get exposed to an allergic reaction. This is why it is very important that skin and hair are cleansed on a daily basis with mild shampoos and soaps. This is a very crucial step for people who are extra sensitive to pollen and allergens. The towels you use must be clean and dried soon after every use with mild detergents, so that the towel is free of germs and allergens. Sun drying helps kill most germs and makes it safer for use.
#6 – Shed Your Shoes and Socks
Our shoes too carry a lot of free dust, mud, pollens, germs and allergens, which can easily find their way into the house, if the shoes are allowed to be brought in. The best way to prevent this from happening is to remove the shoes outside and carry them to their respective position in a shoe rack. This method may seem obscure, but will prove helpful in preventing allergic reaction.
#7 – Groom the Pets
Furry pets such as cats and dogs will need to be groomed in order to remove all traces of dust and pollen from their fur and other body parts. These animals tend to carry in a lot of allergens into the house, because they spend much of their time outdoors and lolling on dust laden surfaces such as carpets and floors. Use your dust mask, while grooming the dog outdoors or delegate the task to someone else.
#8 – Clean the House
Your house needs to have as less of dust and pollen as you can physically muster. This means that you dawn on your dust mask and get to work, by vacuuming the house and especially the hidden corners. Keep your house dust free, by using damp paper napkins to clean dust away from surfaces, so that particles do not get a chance to find their way into your nose and onto your skin.
An herbal method of preventing pollen allergies is to keep pure honey at hand, every time you feel the onset of an allergy. Itchy eyes and nose are the first symptoms of pollen and dust allergies. Therefore applying a drop of pure honey into your eyes will cause all the dust and pollen to stick to the honey. After which you must gently wash your eyes with normal water.
