Many of those allergens are in the environment all year while others are unique to the winter months. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Wash curtains, sheets, and throw blankets regularly. The most common causes of winter allergies include: In very warm climates, plants may continue producing allergens during the winter months. All rights reserved. These steps can help you reduce your exposure: Check your local TV or radio station, your local newspaper, or the internet for pollen forecasts and current pollen levels. Control indoor allergens to improve indoor air quality. Yes. 2016;124(4):A70-5. Gravity is not your friend when it comes to your bedtime allergies. Are you using any new skin care products, soaps, detergents or lotions? The tree may be covered in allergens such as pollen or mold spores. That's because as the weather gets colder and you spend more time indoors, you are exposed to indoor allergens more consistently. However, they do shed droppings and body parts that can build up and trigger winter allergies. Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/20773, https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/consumers-biologics/asthma-hygiene-hypothesis, https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2014/10/cold-flu-or-allergy, https://www.aafa.org/control-indoor-allergens/, Researchers investigate what causes psoriasis and how it spreads, Low-dose atropine eyedrops may delay onset of nearsightedness in children, Heart attack may speed up cognitive decline, study finds, Type 2 diabetes: 1 in 5 'healthy' people may have prediabetes metabolism, Cataract surgery: Medicare reimbursements differ between simple and complex operations, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Is mold in your house a problem? Controlling a cockroach allergy involves keeping cockroaches out of your home by sealing cracks, keeping pet food sealed and away, dishes rinsed and cleaned, trapping them, and spraying pesticides. Dust and vacuum frequently, including under and behind furniture. Changing your hygiene routine by bathing before you go to bed. The immune system produces a histamine response to defend against allergens by making you sneeze, tear up, or itch. What Might Be Causing Your Winter Allergies. As allergy specialists, Dr. Alexa Lessow and our team understand that many allergies don't hibernate when winter rolls around. Treatments for winter rash should focus on re-moisturizing the skin and soothing any irritation. Humidifiers: Ease skin, breathing symptoms - Mayo Clinic Prolonged exposure to cockroaches may even lead to sinus or ear infections. If possible, remove wall-to-wall carpeting, which can create a haven for dust mites and trap pet dander and cockroach droppings. Fairfax, VA 22030 What Might Be Causing Your Winter Allergies, What to Know About Perennial Allergic Rhinitis, Fall Allergies: Everything You Need to Know, Everything You Need to Know About Indoor Allergies, The 10 Best Air Purifiers for Allergies of 2023, How to Detect an Allergen and Remove It From Your Home, Allergens widespread in largest study of U.S. homes, Intranasal corticosteroids compared with oral antihistamines in allergic rhinitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis, Control indoor allergens to improve indoor air quality. You may even be bothered if you're not allergic to the tree itself. What triggers one person might not pose a problem for another. We tend to keep the windows and doors to our home shut, especially at night. Am J Rhinol Allergy. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. You may be more at risk of developing itchy skin at night if you: If you have itchy skin at night, your instinct to scratch your skin can wake you up and prevent you from getting a good nights rest. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Scratching your itchy skin can cause your skin to break open and bleed, which could lead to an infection. Anaphylaxis. Also, consider turning the heat down or shutting it off at night. To tell what's laying you low, it helps to know the differences between cold symptoms and winter allergies, including: If it sounds like your snuffling and sneezing could be winter allergies, read on -- there's relief in sight. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. dander. Use natural oils to nourish the skin and lock in hydration, but avoid using olive oil, as it can make dry skin worse. Indoor Allergies.". It's usually the only major source of pollen during the wintertime. But try your best not to scratch your skin. National Institutes of Health News in Health. There are three common allergens that can cause winter allergies:. If your itchy skin continues, talk to your provider about additional treatment options. Dander is a protein found in the skin, saliva and urine of any animal with fur or feathers. From December through March, these winter allergy plants send up great clouds of "smoke," actually pollen, and it is a major cause of hay fever. Welts on skin due to cold temperature could be hives. Allergies may only self-resolve when the weather changes, and a person spends more time outside. Not all wintertime sneezing and stuffiness are caused by allergies. He is an assistant clinical professor at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine and currently practices at Central Coast Allergy and Asthma in Salinas, California. Grooming pets frequently can also help. House dust mites. What are some common causes of winter allergies? "Allergic shiners" (dark circles under the eyes caused by nasal congestion), With allergic asthma, wheezing and shortness of breath, Eliminating carpet, rugs, throw pillows, and other soft things that catch dust and other allergens, Using hypoallergenic mattress and pillow covers to reduce dust-mite exposure, Washing bedding, pet beds, and curtains often in hot water and running them through a hot dryer, Using high-quality air filters on your furnace/air conditioner, Calling an exterminator for cockroach or rodent problems, Bathing and brushing your pets frequently, Using an artificial Christmas tree and keeping it protected from dust while it's stored, Stay inside when pollen, wood smoke, or pollution levels are high, Stay inside when it's rainy or windy to avoid mold spores, Use mold-reducing products in your car's heater/air conditioner, Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf or surgical mask, Change your clothes and shower when you come inside. Wetter areas may also have a lot of mold, while warmer areas may even have high pollen levels. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Many people with allergies keep their pets but find their allergies worsen in winter due to close contact with animals and their dander. Most indoor allergy triggers aren't unique to wintertime. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/25/2022. Nasal sprays are the most effective allergy treatment, but you must use them consistently to get good results. California. about 10 minutes. American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Mold allergy. Oral or nasal decongestants, which can help address the nasal congestion, stuffiness, and sinus pressure that winter allergies can cause. Bathe your dog or cat regularly, according to your vets instructions. The reason? Do carpets impair indoor air quality and cause adverse health outcomes: A review. People with severe reactions often carry an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen), just like those with severe allergies to peanuts or other foods. Winter Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments - Healthline Use an air purifier in addition to your HVAC air filters; keep them clean and free of mold. Treatment for itchy skin at night varies based on the cause and could include: Managing or treating any underlying conditions. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. You can't be allergic to temperature; however, as you retreat indoors in the colder months, you may be exposed to indoor allergens more consistently. Depending on the climate where you live, winter allergies may be short- or long-lived. Pollen can linger on your skin, hair, and clothing, explained Dr. Parikh, so before bed, take a shower and put on clean PJs when outdoor allergies are making you miserable. Usually triggered by indoor allergens, winter allergy symptoms can bring morning headaches, congestion, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. This can affect your physical performance the next day and your mental stamina, especially if youre unable to get a full nights sleep consistently. Dust mites commonly cause allergies year-round. What are Winter Allergies? | Allergy & Asthma Network Possible winter allergens include dust, mold, pet dander, and Christmas trees. Is your itchy skin at night preventing you from getting a full nights rest? When these types of symptoms occur during colder months, your first guess may be a cold or flu rather than allergies. Some winter rashes only affect certain areas, such as the hands and arms, while others can spread throughout the body. Alan Goldsobel, MD, spokesman, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & A dermatologist will likely prescribe medications or topical ointments for people who have skin conditions such as rosacea or dermatitis. Cold Weather Plant Allergies - Are There Winter Allergy Plants Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Winter allergy symptoms often affect the respiratory tract. Youre at an increased risk of developing an infection if your skin breaks open from scratching it. ), Why do allergies get worse at night? Treatment Allergies can be a major problem during the winter, just when you might expect seasonal allergies to go away. It thrives in dark, moist places like bathrooms, basements and under sinks. There is often not one particular answer. National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine: InformedHealth.org. in the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and lungs. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Specific environments encourage mold to thrive, including: Keeping mold in check involves keeping humidity low, fixing leaks, and proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens. They are found in fabrics and other soft things, including: Since you cant eliminate dust mites, frequently cleaning is the key to keeping these allergens at bay. It hardly seems fair, but if you're prone to summer allergies, chances are you're at risk for allergies when the weather turns cold, too. In very warm climates, plants may continue . Water and natural oils in the skin help it stay moist and enhance its protective abilities. However, you can take preventative steps each night to keep the sniffling, sneezing and congestion from interfering . Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening response to an allergen. You might feel tired during the day or you could wake up with pain and a sore feeling from scratching your skin. . Have designated outdoor clothes and then, when you come inside, take a shower and change to your indoor clothes. 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. Spring, summer, and fall allergies are seasonal, which means that they appear when certain allergens, such as tree pollen or ragweed, are more abundant in the air. Nasal saline solutions, which can relieve the nasal congestion of winter allergies, as well as resolve some of the dryness you may experience during cold weather. Becher R, vrevik J, Schwarze PE, Nilsen S, Hongslo JK, Bakke JV. We avoid using tertiary references. Candida albicans is a type of yeast (fungus) that lives on your body. Products that contain urea or lactic acid may provide even more hydration. Dust mite allergies are the most common of all indoor allergies. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. So dehumidifiers are especially useful in rooms that tend to be damp, like basements. The bulk of her work centers on parenting, education, health, and social justice. Mold may be another cause of indoor allergies and winter allergy symptoms. However, that's not the only problem with indoor air quality. "Besides the fact that all illnesses feel worse at night?" This article looks at the symptoms, causes, and treatment of, There are many different causes of a rash on the wrist, including eczema, allergic reactions to metals in jewelry, and other skin conditions. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. If you have undiagnosed allergies, you can take a skin test or blood test to pinpoint your allergy. How to Get Rid of a Winter Rash - Healthline Managing or treating any underlying conditions. There are three common allergens that can cause winter allergies: 1. Over time, the goal of immunotherapy is to teach your body how to deal with the allergen exposure, reducing symptoms. are taken under the tongue. Feet are already prone to dryness because they lack oil glands. People often think pet allergies are due to pet hair, but the allergies result from exposure to pet dander found in pet skin. Allergy shots are taken by injection. People are generally more sensitive to cats, but dog allergies might worsen in winter due to their need for heavy winter coats. Winter Allergies: What's Your Risk? - WebMD U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In cooler climates, these seasonal allergies usually end with the first hard freeze. "A lot of people are allergic to things in their bedrooms," said Dr. Parikhlike dust mites that make their home in your pillows, mattress, or box spring and mold that grows in the walls of older houses or after water damage. In the winter, cold weather and shorter days drive us inside. Allergies last a lot longer because they persist as long as the allergen is around. They get sore or cracked. People who have dermatitis or who struggle with dry skin should avoid using olive oil. Use a premium air filter with your heating system to reduce winter allergies. Usually, allergies are not an emergency. Coconut oil compounds, such as lanolin and lauric acids, can improve the skins barrier function and promote healing. Reducing allergen exposure can make you less dependent on medications while also making you feel better overall. You have plenty of options for getting your pet allergies, dust mite allergies, and other indoor allergies under control. This can be uncomfortable. The temperature drops, the wind picks up, and like clockwork you're sniffling and sneezing again. There are several common allergens found inside our homes, no matter how often you clean. Disease vectors and pests. Keeping windows and doors tightly shut, with the heating system recirculating indoor air, can also reduce ventilation and allow allergens to build up. Weather can play a key role in asthma and allergy symptoms and flu transmission. Vacuum rugs and carpets frequently to reduce dust and pet dander. June 2, 2023. Keep reading to learn more about winter allergies, including the causes, symptoms, and treatment options available. For example, people who live in the Southwestern United States Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona, New Mexico and Missouri may experience whats called cedar fever if exposed to the Ashe Juniper tree during winter months. Histamines are chemicals that your body produces in response to exposure to an allergen. While you cant prevent all cases of itchy skin at night, you can reduce your risk of getting itchy skin at night by: Itchy skin at night can disturb your sleeping pattern and cause you to not be able to get a good nights rest. Cockroaches are well adapted to living with humans, and, as scavengers, they seek out food from human homes. " Antihistamines may help with sneezing and postnasal drip,". Persistent dry skin can indicate another underlying condition. Symptoms that last longer than a few weeks are usually the result of allergies. People can take steps to avoid developing winter rash. "Colds come, they're there for three, five, seven days, and then they go away," says allergist Steven H. Cohen, MD, associate clinical professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin, "but allergy symptoms persist for much longer and may be intermittent.". Last medically reviewed on February 5, 2021, Dog allergies are one of the most common types of pet allergy. Keeping your home clean is always a goal, but people with allergies should take extra care. While you clean, wearing a dust mask can help you avoid inhaling the dust you stir up. (2015). A few other things could be causing similar symptoms: You can get rid of winter allergy symptoms with standard allergy treatments such as: If over-the-counter medications don't offer enough relief, talk to your healthcare provider about prescription alternatives. Several ways to treat your itchy feet, especially during winter, include: If you have seasonal allergies, the symptoms of winter allergies will be very familiar. So, you may experience them more between November and February. Look for non-foaming cleansers and body washes. Symptoms that appear suddenly, after weeks or months in the same home, may be from a cold, especially if a person does not have a history of allergies. But, there are some tell-tale differences. Adjusting the temperature in your bedroom to be cool (between 60 degrees Fahrenheit to 69 F / 15.55 degrees Celsius to 20.55 C). (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijwd.2021.02.010). Itching at Night: A Review on Reducing Nocturnal Pruritus in Children. Constant exposure to these allergens causes your body to identify them as invaders. You likely spend more time inside when it's cold. You may not be able to avoid them entirely, but you can take steps to reduce the amount of contact. This is because most winter allergens are indoors. Two types of allergy medications may help nighttime allergies. Get help from methods that are medicine-free. Patients must go to the doctors office regularly to receive the injection. The timeline for when youll feel better varies based on the cause and your providers recommended treatment plan. Another common allergen making things worse in your bedroom? If tree, grass and weed exposure trigger allergies in spring, summer and fall, then what could trigger allergy symptoms in wintertime? This condition can cause swelling in the mouth and throat that restricts your breathing. In some areas, mountain cedar trees are a major source of outdoor winter allergies. Applying a cool, wet compress to your skin. However, they can worsen symptoms of asthma. What Are the Best and Worst States for Allergies? Fortunately, a little time is all it takes to answer the question. Winter allergies tend to flare up when we spend more time inside. Look for an oral antihistamine or a corticosteroid nasal spray that can help limit congestion and reduce inflammation. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. and limit your exposure to specific triggers. For that reason, nighttime is prime time to try over-the-counter allergy meds, said Dr. Rosenstreich. He is an assistant clinical professor at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine and currently practices at Central Coast Allergy and Asthma in Salinas, California. Sometimes, candida can overgrow and cause symptoms of itching. Applying an over-the-counter anti-itch cream to your skin. Are you tired of constantly wondering if you have allergies or a cold? Smoke, trees, scented candles, "they're irritants, not allergens per se.". According to Dr. Natasha Bhuyan, M.D., a family physician with One Medical, some pollen levels peak at night, causing allergic reactions while you're trying to snooze. However, cold symptoms tend to last for 7-10 days, while allergy symptoms will last for as long as you are exposed to the allergen (trigger) if you do not seek treatment. Visit your healthcare provider if your itchy skin at night prevents you from sleeping, gets worse after treatment or you have signs of an infection (fever, a wound that wont heal, pain) due to scratching your itchy skin. Spring and summer are notorious for triggering allergies, due to the wide variety of grasses, trees, and other plants that release high levels of pollen. Intranasal corticosteroids compared with oral antihistamines in allergic rhinitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Some people are allergic to pine trees, so bringing a Christmas tree inside can cause symptoms. "Allergy symptoms actually can get worse at night," Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist and immunologist with NYU Langone Health and clinical associate professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, told Health. . That could make your symptoms worse. Winter Allergies: Everything You Need to Know By Kathi Valeii Published on February 21, 2022 Medically reviewed by Farah Khan, MD Table of Contents View All Symptoms Causes Cold vs.
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