Typical allergy causes like tree and grass pollen aren’t the only things that can cause you to search for tissues … some unexpected things you probably have in your home right now could also be causes of allergies and make allergy symptoms worse.
There are eleven lesser known triggers to watch out for …
1. Candles – the scents from scented candles can inflame nasal cavities, according to James Wedner, MD, chief of allergy and immunology at the University of Washington School of Medicine. People with allergies are likely to have a runny nose or watery eyes when they are near a lit candle. Scented candles like pumpkin are generally better tolerated. If you’re having trouble with a candle, try walking away, blowing it out outside, or getting some fresh air yourself.
2. Perfume – It has hundreds of chemicals, mostly untested on people, and when mixed with essential oils in perfume and sprayed into the air, they can cause a person to sneeze, feel congestion, or have a headache. It’s hard, but ask those around you to be moderate on spray scents and suggest body creams and lotions, as their scents are not as strong. You can also have a small fan in your office or car to keep the air moving.
3. Soaps and detergents – You might be surprised to learn that most of the itchiness that you think is caused by a cleaning agent is actually the fault of a perfume additive. Look for “additive-free,” “fragrance-free,” or “phthalate-free” on the label. When drying clothes, use a sheet of aluminum foil in the dryer (instead of smelly static adhesive sheets) to remove the static without the strong odor. You can also try a dryer sheet without perfume or additives.
4. Stuffed animals – it can become infested with dust mites, a problem for about 15% of people. You can try washing (in water 140 degrees or more), drying, and then repeating (usually monthly) for 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 mites. Store toys on a shelf, rather than on the bed.
5. Carpets – it’s hot on your feet and it feels wonderful, but even if you vacuum all the time, you still have dust mites. Your best option if you have a persistent allergy is to remove the carpet and replace it with wood or tile and use area rugs instead. Wash carpets monthly and keep the humidity of the space below 50%. Dust mites thrive in humid environments.
6. Spices – add flavor to your food, but since they come from spicy plants, they can also cause everything from whining to swollen nasal passages to itchy and burning lips. Avoid troublesome ones like coriander, poppy seeds, pepper, dill, paprika, cumin, and saffron, which are often found in Middle Eastern and Indian dishes. If you’re not sure which spices are the problem, try writing down what you eat each time you have an allergy attack and see if you can find a common theme.
7. Christmas trees – the staple of the holidays is a place where mold grows very fast … especially if the tree is put in a bucket of water or damp soil … a damp, dark place that loves mold. Many people are allergic to or irritated by mold spores. A fake tree is the answer for many, with pine scented candles that must have “scent.” If you must have a real tree, avoid one that has been cut down weeks in advance, as it is probably already mature with mold. Be stingy with the water once the tree is home and keep it that way for as little time as possible.
8. Wall painting – Solvents and synthetic resins often cause itchy eyes and headaches, and oil-based paints are particularly troublesome as they continue to release chemicals even after drying. Keep windows open while you work and try to circulate fresh air in the space for up to four weeks after finishing the job. Low VOC paints send fewer chemicals into the air, but this is not a guarantee that you will not have problems with them.
9. Alcohol – It is not an allergy to alcohol (which is rare) but to the grains and additives that are used to make the liquor. The preservative wheat or sulfur dioxide can also cause a stuffy nose or rash. Wellington Tichenor, MD, an allergy specialist from New York, also mentions grains like corn, barley, and rye, as well as fruit flavors that can also be troublesome. You can try drinking grain-free spirits like potato vodka, rum, or tequila and avoid flavored spirits. Look for wine labeled “sulfite free.”
10. Buttons in Blue Jeans – they are often made of nickel, which can trigger a rash in up to 20% of women. These can be itchy, red, and sometimes blistering and are often treated with topical creams. To avoid these symptoms, replace the buttons with plastic buttons or cover them with clear nail polish, a remedy that works according to a recent St. Louis University study.
11. Lemons and limes – Limonene, the pungent compound in lime and other citrus fruits, leaves many with watery eyes and a burning sensation in the nose. You could even get skin irritation if you touch, eat, or drink limonene products. Treat any rash with topical hydrocortisone creams and omit the garnish 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 will need to keep your eyes open for “hidden” causes of allergies such as those listed above.
