Are you itching to go outside, but when you do, you just get itchy? Elevated summer grass pollen in South Carolina might be to blame. Although we often think of allergens in relation to head and sinus symptoms like sneezing, watery eyes and sinus congestion, your body’s immune response doesn’t always focus on your face and head.
How Pollen Triggers Skin Reactions
When allergens contact the body through touch or inhalation, your body’s immune system sees them as invaders. It responds to these invaders by creating immunoglobulin E (IgE), an antibody.
IgE is critical when you have a physical wound to the skin barrier. Antibodies help prevent infection by neutralizing harmful pathogens, but they also cause your body to release histamines, and histamines can make you itch.
Histamines help increase blood flow, which is great! You want more immune cells to help fight foreign invaders, but histamines also stimulate nerve endings, and that can feel itchy.
Protect Yourself From Pollen
There are a variety of ways you can protect yourself.
- Cover your skin when you go outdoors. This includes your hair.
- When you get home, change clothes immediately and put them in the washing machine.
- Wash any exposed skin after being outdoors.
- Keep windows closed and use an air purifier.
- Be aware of indoor/outdoor pets; they can bring pollen indoors.
Treatment Options for Relief
The most common treatment options are the ones you may already be aware of, over-the-counter creams, antihistamines and prescription medications.
If you suspect you may be allergic to grass pollens, getting an allergy panel done is one of the best ways to determine what you’re allergic to. Carolina Pines ENT offers a range of treatment options, including immunotherapy, which can help desensitize your body to specific allergens over time and decrease the negative symptoms related to your body’s immune response.
Start Your Skin Allergy Journey
If you’ve been treating itchy or irritated skin without long-term relief, it might be time to consider what’s floating in the air around you. For many people in Newberry, summer pollen is the invisible culprit behind visible skin symptoms.
Carolina Pines ENT can help you explore the link between your environment and your skin. With targeted ENT care for allergic symptoms, you can begin to understand what’s triggering your reactions and how to manage them better. Don’t let seasonal discomfort go unchecked. Schedule an allergy evaluation today and take the next step toward clearer skin.