Seasonal allergies can cause rashes. 2 types you have to pay attention to – nbc chicago

Those with seasonal allergies have probably experienced the itchy and aqueous eyes, the running nose, the sneezing and scratching neck, but there are some less known symptoms that they also want to respect.

According to Rachna Shah, the allergist and immunologist who leads the Pollen number of Loyola medicine in Chicago, rashes are also a sign of seasonal allergies, but they could easily be confused with other things.

“Seasonal allergies can increase the risk of getting different types of rashes,” Shah told NBC Chicago.

There are two specific types of rashes that Shah said that she usually sees seasonal allergies.

“The first is more of an immediate type of rash,” said Shah. “So it is on contact. So let's say that you do like gardening or lawn work or outside, then the allergens from the grass or from the trees or things that are in the air touch our skin, and then we have an immediate reaction in which it is almost like mosquitos with mosquitoes, or it can even be larger or different size where it is red, laid.

This type of rash usually feels smooth, explained Shah and often takes 24 hours less.

“We just wash most of the time and this type of rashes get much better,” she said. “Sometimes we set a bit like hydrocortisone or like an antihistaminist, and these rashes disappear.”

Then there is a second type of rash, which represents another immune response to allergens.

“It is more of what we consider as a delayed reaction. So they essentially receive that they are exposed to the allergens and then the rash, the appearance, may not occur immediately,” she said. “Even a few days later, but it's red, it is rougher. And it can take a few days, not just immediately and immediately away.”

Shah compared this rash with the eczema similarly and found that he usually occurs with eyelids, the face and neck, although he can also increase pre -existing rashes for people suffering from eczema.

And this season is particularly ripe for this type of rashes.

“I would say grass is notorious how grass pollen,” said Shah.

Grass and tree pollen are currently extremely high in the Chicago area, said Shah.

“So we are definitely in our what I look at in our high sayings. And so it is when tree pollen is really at its height and then grass pollen is almost up to its height,” said Shah. “Probably in one or two more weeks, [grass will] Be on the height, but both are at a high level. “

According to the last number of pollen on Monday, both trees and grass were high, while weeds, ragweed and mold were “absent”.

“Today the pollen was so bad that – usually between 30 and 40 minutes to make the count – I needed over an hour because there are only so many pollen grains that are tiny, especially the mulberry tree,” said Shah.

Thanks to the changing climate and the increase in CO2 in the air, Shah said that the research results show that certain allergens are becoming increasingly allergenic. This has recorded an increase in people with seasonal allergy symptoms and a deterioration of those who have already occurred.

“There are not only longer seasons, longer time time, but the actual pollen gets almost stronger in a way,” said Shah.

According to the centers for the control and prevention of diseases, about a quarter of adults reported in a study in 2021 in seasonal allergies.

And rashes are not the only unusual symptom you have to search for.

Another option is what Shah called “Oral Allergy Syndrome”.

“It is essentially the case that the pollen and the proteins that are in the fruits when they look under a microscope look very similar and their body cannot recognize the difference. And so some people, if they eat these fruits or vegetables in raw form, they feel in their mouth or the feeling that you can sometimes get tiny houses or other things like other things,” said Shah. “Usually it is not a life -threatening reaction, but definitely uncomfortable to have this kind of fruit and vegetables.”

In spring, cherries, apples, pears, carrots, celery and certain other fruits and vegetables, said Shah, said the most common foods that can lead to oral allergy syndrome.

Ragweed pollen, which can be seen more in autumn, can also cause this syndrome, but is connected to other fruit and vegetables such as avocado and bananas.

The food of fruits and vegetables that are cooked often removes the reaction, noticed Shah.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, oral allergy syndrome occurs in 50-75% of adults who have reported an allergy to birch pollen.

“Some people report symptoms with only one meal and others with many different types of fruit and vegetables. Some people report that only certain varieties of fruits cause symptoms, such as specific apple varieties,” the group noted.

The treatment of seasonal allergies depends on the symptoms, said Shah.

In addition to over-the-counter drugs that can treat more frequent symptoms such as itchy or watery eyes and a liquid nose, those who are expressly on skin reactions can try hydrocortisone creams for a short time.

“Less than two weeks in the affected areas to control these symptoms,” she said.

Close the windows in your house and rinse after spending time outdoors and changing clothes can also help limit your body's reactions.