When the temperature drops, many people believe allergy season is over. However, winter can be just as troublesome as spring or fall due to winter allergies. These allergies can cause discomfort and affect your daily life. In this blog, we’ll explore what causes winter allergies, the symptoms to look out for, and the best treatment options to keep you feeling your best.
For same-day seasonal care, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Clark. Our medical team can examine your symptoms and plan the best treatment possible. No appointments are required– simply walk in any day of the week!
Causes of Winter Allergies
So, what causes winter allergies? They are typically triggered by indoor allergens rather than outdoor pollen. Here are the most common culprits:
1. Mold
You might expect that winter would reduce the amount of mold spores being released. The truth is that mold can thrive in the cold, especially towards the end of winter when places begin to warm up and there is suddenly more moisture in places you weren't expecting like the basement and attic. Mold thrives in such conditions, causing its spores to be released and then inhaled by someone later causing an allergic reaction.
2. Dust
Dust is everywhere even during winter and dust is one of the most common allergens. Dust mites thrive in warm, humid environments like bedding, carpets, and upholstered furniture. During the winter when people spend more time indoors, exposure to these allergens increases.
3. Pet Dander
Another source of allergies during winter is from pets. Particularly from pet dander and not their fur as the reduction in outdoor activities means that people will get to spend more time with their pets. This increase in close contact from petting, bathing, and grooming them is going to make you come into contact with more dander than usual, causing allergies.
4. Allergies Caused By Dryness
Winter also brings with it several skin allergies. These manifest as a result of the reduced humidity that dries up the oil glands within the skin. This combined with hotter baths to ward off the cold and insufficient moisturizing can lead to skin irritation and allergies. People affected by this will have goosebumps, flaky and itchy skin, and reddish or purplish skin.
Winter Allergy Symptoms
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Eye irritation/itch
- Coughing
- Postnasal drip
- Itchy or sore throat
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Rashes
- Dry skin
How To Treat Winter Allergies
To treat or alleviate the symptoms of your allergies we recommend doing the following:
- Wear thick clothes and keep your body warm to avoid exposing yourself to the cold air which will make your skin dry.
- Clean the house frequently to get rid of dust and dust mites. Make sure that hard-to-reach places behind furniture and rarely used places like the basements and attic are well cleaned.
- Try and wash clothes, curtains, and beds frequently to get rid of any allergens that might have latched onto them.
- Take care of possible pest infestation as soon as possible to prevent them from nesting during winter.
- Remember to groom and bathe your pets frequently to prevent dander from building up.
- Keep your food well sealed to avoid exposing it to pets and pests.
Managing winter allergies requires reducing exposure to allergens and treating your symptoms. Use over-the-counter medications like antihistamines, nasal sprays, and decongestants. If symptoms persist, consult a healthcare professional for allergy testing and treatment.
Get Walk-In Seasonal Care at AFC Urgent Care Clark in Clark, NJ
Winter allergies don’t have to keep you down. By identifying triggers, taking preventive measures, and seeking appropriate treatment, you can enjoy a more comfortable winter season! Remember, your health is worth prioritizing. Come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Clark for a same-day allergy diagnosis and treatment plan. Our board-certified medical team is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to all patients in the Clark, NJ area and surrounding communities. The best part? No appointments are required! You can simply stop by any day of the week to be seen by a provider. We specialize in a wide range of urgent care services, including allergy treatment. Most insurance plans are accepted and low-cost self-pay rates are available. For more information about the services we provide, please contact our medical team directly at (732) 301-5114.
