Do seasonal allergies cause itchy skin?

Hello Anon

Thank you for writing!

Seasonal allergies can most definitely causes itching. Environmental allergies can happen any time of year, depending on what you are allergic to, but they generally come in the spring and in the fall.

Allergies come from your immune system's overreaction to a substance that it deems as dangerous to your health.

Scientists believe that allergies are very specific to each individual because they have a genetic component as well as an environmental component.

With environmental allergic reactions, your immune system falsely believes that the pollen or mold spores are dangerous to your health, and your immune system gears up to fight off the intruder.

Allergies make us feel miserable because they create symptoms in our body. The overreaction can show up as mild symptoms of a runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing or itching. Your skin can be affected by such symptoms as itching or a rash. Or symptoms can be more severe like an asthma attack!

According to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America, “It’s spring and more than 45 million Americans with seasonal nasal allergies are expecting – and dreading – runny and congested noses, inflamed sinuses, itching, relentless sneezing and other symptoms associated with springtime allergies.”

Spring allergies tend to come at the change of season and can last up to a few months, or for the entire season. Pollen from trees and plants cause most of the allergies in the spring.

Summer and Fall allergies can be similar.

Washing your hands when you come indoors, avoiding high-pollen exposure and taking medication can help. Antihistamines like Zyrtec and Claritin can help, as can Benedryl. Take them at night if they cause drowsiness or look for a non-drowsy version.

Best,
Susan