All About Allergens

Wonder why the prettiest flowers make you cry? Or sneeze? Or break out in hives? Here’s a look at the four most common allergens and how you can avoid their wrath

April 2, 2013
Allergy Mold
Molds, which are light and easily transported, are tough to escape. This allergen, while harsher from July to late summer, thrives year-round indoors. To reduce your exposure, you should:


*Use exhaust fans in bathrooms to reduce the humidity levels.




*Replace bathroom carpets with tile or linoleum.




*Never put away wet shoes or clothing.


Teeny, tin pollen granules are produced in such huge quantities, that they can travel through the air for miles. So, clearing the offending plants from your own yard does little good. To avoid pollen, you should:


*Stay indoors during peak airborne allergy and hay fever seasons.


*Caulk and seal windows to stop pollen and dust infiltration.


*Choose the "Circulate" setting for home and auto air-conditioning system to avoid introducing outside air containing airborne allergens.


*Wash your hair, face, arms and legs after performing outside tasks.


*Do not keep gardening or other outside clothing in the home.


*Remove carpet and area rugs if possible


Dust Mites
It's actually the waste product of dust mites—not the mites themselves—that cause the allergy. Similarly, the waste products of cockroaches are an important cause of allergy symptoms, particularly in some urban areas of the United States. Because dust mites can't be drowned, the most effective way to get rid of them is to reduce the amount of dust in your home (shock!). In order to rid your home of dust, you should:


*Remove carpets and keep upholstered furniture to a minimum.


*Hang your clothes in the closet and shut the door, or put them in dresser drawers. Skin scales that are shed and cling to clothing attract dust mites.


*Never put damp clothing in closets or drawers. Dust mites love the dark, moist environment.


*Wash all bedding weekly in hot water to reduce the dust mite population.


*Replace drapes or window blinds with shades.


*Keep pets out of the house, and particularly, out of the bedroom.


*Use a damp mop and damp cloth on floors, window sills, under furniture, on window blind slats, bed springs and other areas that act as dust mite catchers.


The major allergen from animals is not their fur, but proteins secreted by skin glands that are found in dander; proteins in the saliva that stick to fur when the animal licks itself; and proteins found in the animal's urine.


No need to get rid of your animal friend! To keep pet allergies to a minimum, you should:


*Keep pets off furniture, especially upholstered furniture where animal dander can be transferred.


*Use a room air purifier in the bedroom to remove airborne animal dander.


*Bathe your pet weekly, which will help remove pet dander.


*Always wash your face, hands and arms after grooming or playing with pets to remove animal dander.


Tags: allergies