Summer is the perfect time to spend a day in Tyrell Park, eating watermelon and playing frisbee. If you’re among the 20 million in the U.S. with pollen allergies, park days might leave you sneezing and itchy.[1] Let’s look at a few ways you can manage your allergies without sacrificing your sunny days in the park.
Sit Out of the Grass
Grass is a big source of pollen in the summer. You can lower your exposure by sitting on a blanket or at a picnic table. You might not be able to stop pollen from floating through the air, but sitting off the grass will help reduce your likelihood of skin reactions like hives.
Cover Up
Covering your skin with lightweight pants and a long-sleeved shirt is another way to limit exposure to pollen. Aim for moisture-wicking materials that you won’t overheat in; anything that boasts UV protection is usually a good option.
Schedule Your Park Time Outside Peak Pollen Hours
Peak pollen hours shift, but try to schedule your park time when the pollen count is low. You can check The Weather Channel for a pollen forecast.
Shower and Wash Your Clothes and Park Gear
Pollen loves to stick to things, from your clothes and hair to your picnic basket. Throw anything machine-washable in the wash and take a shower after returning home.
If you bring your dog to the park, bathing them and keeping them off the furniture will also minimize pollen spread in your home.
Take Allergy Medication
Allergy medication provides short-term symptom relief. Taking your regular allergy medication the night or morning before you go to the park will help control your symptoms enough to let you enjoy your day in the sun.
Start Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a long-term treatment approach to reduce your sensitivity to select allergens. It takes six months to one year for allergy shots to reduce your symptoms; starting treatment this summer will improve your symptoms for next year’s park days. Allergy drops work a little faster, potentially reducing symptoms within three to four months.
If you’re interested in long-term allergy relief, contact Southeast Texas Ear, Nose & Throat, LLP to make an appointment with one of our specialists.
[1] Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Pollen allergy. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/pollen-allergy
