Typical causes of allergies, like tree and grass pollen, aren’t the only things that can make you reach for tissues…some unexpected things you probably have in your house right now can also be causes. of allergies and cause allergy symptoms to flare up.
There are eleven lesser-known triggers to watch out for…
1. Candles – scents from scented candles can inflame the nasal cavities, according to James Wedner, MD, chief of allergy and immunology at the Washington University School of Medicine. People with allergies are likely to have a runny nose or watery eyes when around a lit candle. Pumpkin-scented candles are usually better tolerated. If you’re having trouble with a candle, try walking away, blowing it out outside, or getting some fresh air yourself.
2. Perfumery – It has hundreds of chemicals, most of them untested on people, and when mixed with the essential oils in perfume and sprayed into the air, they can make a person sneeze, feel stuffy, or get a headache. It is difficult, but ask the people around you not to use the aromas of the spray and suggest body creams and lotions, since their aromas are not so strong. You can also have a small fan in your office or car to keep the air moving.
3. Soaps and detergents – You may be surprised to learn that most of the itchiness you think is caused by a cleansing agent is actually the fault of a perfume additive. Look for “no additives,” “fragrance free” or “phthalate free” on the label. When drying clothes, use a sheet of aluminum foil in the dryer (instead of smelly anti-static sheets) to remove static without the strong odor. You can also try a dryer sheet with no scent or additives.
4. Stuffed animals – it can become infested with dust mites, a problem for about 15% of people. You can try washing (in 140 degree water or hotter), drying, then repeating (usually monthly) for your favorite toys. Toys that cannot be washed can be put in a plastic bag in the freezer for a few hours; this will also kill the moths. Put toys on a shelf instead of on the bed.
5. Carpeted – it’s warm on your feet and feels wonderful, but even if you vacuum all the time, you still get dust mites. The best thing to do if you have a persistent allergy is to remove the carpet and replace it with wood or tile and use area rugs instead. Wash rugs monthly and keep the humidity in the space below 50%. Dust mites thrive in moist environments.
6. Spices – Add zest to your food, but because they come from pungent plants, they can also cause everything from a cold to swollen nasal passages to itchy, burning lips. Avoid troublesome ones like coriander, poppy seeds, pepper, dill, paprika, cumin, and saffron, which are often found in Indian and Middle Eastern dishes. If you’re not sure which spices are the problem, try writing down what you eat every time you have an allergy attack and see if you can find a common theme.
7.Christmas trees- the holiday staple is a place where mold grows very fast…especially if the tree is put in a bucket of water or moist soil…a dark, damp place that mold loves. Many people are allergic to or irritated by mold spores. A fake tree is the answer for many, with pine scented candles that must “smell.” If you must have a real tree, avoid one that has been cut down weeks in advance, as it is probably already ripe with mold. Be stingy with the water once the tree is home and keep it that way for as short a time as possible.
8. Wall painting – solvents and synthetic resins often lead to itchy eyes and headaches, and oil-based paints are particularly problematic as they continue to release chemicals even after they dry. Keep windows open while you work and try to get fresh air into the space for up to four weeks after the job is done. Low-VOC paints send fewer chemicals into the air, but that doesn’t guarantee you won’t have problems with them.
9.Alcohol- it’s not an allergy to alcohol (which is rare) but to the grains and additives used to make the liquor. The wheat preservative or sulfur dioxide can also cause a stuffy nose or rash. New York allergist Wellington Tichenor, MD, also mentions grains like corn, barley, and rye, as well as fruit flavorings that can also be problematic. He can try drinking grain-free spirits like potato vodka, rum, or tequila and skip the flavored spirits. Look for wine labeled “sulfite free.”
10. Buttons on Blue Jeans – They are often made of nickel, which can be a trigger for rashes in up to 20% of women. These can cause itching, redness, and sometimes blisters, and are often treated with topical creams. To avoid these symptoms, replace the buttons with plastic buttons or cover the button with clear nail polish, a remedy that a recent St. Louis University study found works.
11. Lemons and limes – Limonene, the pungent compound in limes and other citrus fruits, leaves many with watery eyes and a burning sensation in the nose. You may even get skin irritation if you touch, eat, or drink products with limonene. Treat any rashes with topical hydrocortisone creams and skip the side dish with your drink or salad. Keep an eye out for lime in salad dressings, marinades, and desserts, too.
Many causes of allergies (allergens) can be avoided, but you’ll need to be on the lookout for “hidden” causes of allergies like those listed above.