It’s Officially Spring!!! Are You Ready?

Spring is officially here!!!

For some, Spring is a sign that Winter is FINALLY over! Spring brings warm weather, blooming flowers (aka POLLEN!), barbecues, outdoor activities (do not forget to wear your mask and social distance) and the first indication that Summer is almost here. However, for some of us that suffer from eczema and seasonal allergies or are caregivers of those with these conditions, Spring means yet ANOTHER seasonal change that we must endure. Spring means….sigh…POLLEN SEASON!

Oh but no worries, Spring will NOT win this battle! We will thrive and survive this Spring! Check out the tips below that my husband and I have used with our son that may help you and your itchy warrior enjoy the Spring months.

 

Tips for Spring!

• Recognize the signs of hay fever – Look for signs of itching, sneezing, wheezing, and coughing as an indicator of hay fever, especially if your child has been exposed to common allergens such as ragweed, pollen, or dust (spring cleaning).

 

• Research Seasonal Allergy OTC and Organic Products – There are several over the counter (OTC) and organic products to assist you with managing your child’s eczema and seasonal allergies during this time of the year. Research different OTC products to find out what works best for you and your family and incorporate them into your daily routine. We use a variety of organic and OTC products to manage our son’s flares and seasonal allergies. We prefer to use creams rather than lotions to moisturize and protect his skin during this time of the year, as they focus on moisturizing the skin, but do not block the pores.
  Creams are also great for serving as barriers to protect the skin from external elements. Antihistamines are also a great temporary solution to treat hay fever and provide relief during the seasonal change. However, if you find yourself
  relying on antihistamines outside of the normal seasonal change to manage allergy related symptoms, please consult a medical professional on long-term usage.

 

• Practice Proper Bathing Techniques – It is important that you wash away the pollen and other environmental elements associated with Spring, as it will prevent the skin from breaking out and will minimize reactions related to seasonal allergies. Washing the pollen from your child’s skin and removing contaminated clothing is a proactive way to combat allergic reactions.

 

• Moisturize the Skin – Moisturize your child daily and immediately after bathing (within three minutes is a good rule of thumb). Moisturizing the skin is critical to preventing a breakout. Leaving the skin too dry can initiate a flare-up, as it causes the skin to become irritated and itchy. Moisturizing regularly also ensures that the skin is protected from environmental elements that can lead to a flare. We typically moisturize our son’s skin twice a day (three at the most) to keep his skin moisturized and minimize breakouts.

 

• Layer Up! To avoid triggering an eczema flare or sparking an allergy attack, make sure you are dressing your little one appropriately for the weather. Dress your child in layers to prevent overheating, avoid tight fitting clothing and itchy fabrics.

 

• Invest in Insect/Mosquito Repellants – If you plan on traveling during the season or venturing outside, invest in a good insect/mosquito repellant. Spring weather means insects and those annoying mosquitos! There’s nothing worse than a mosquito bite to trigger an eczema flare and a full-on itch fest. Be sure to select an insect repellant that caters to sensitive skin and be aware of products that contain DEET. DEET may irritate children with sensitive skin and may create issues for those who suffer from eczema. Therefore, consider choosing products with at least 20% Picaridin, as it is just as effective as DEET and is a great alternative for sensitive skin. If you wish to use an insect repellant that contains DEET, test the repellant on a small area on the arm first and then wait 12-24 hours to see if it triggers a reaction.

 

• Consider Allergy Testing/Seek Medical Advice – Those with a severe case of allergies may benefit from allergy testing. I can personally say that allergy testing for our son provided clarity to numerous unexplained allergic reactions and eczema breakouts. Always seek medical advice from your child’s pediatrician and allergist for guidance on managing your child’s allergies and eczema.

Try to Relax and Enjoy…

Try to relax and enjoy the Spring months. I mean….let’s face it, this is an absolutely beautiful time of the year. Get out in the backyard and have some fun with the family, take a walk, ride a bike, or just enjoy a nice break or meal on the patio. Hopefully, by following the tips provided above, you and your family will enjoy all that Spring has to offer and THRIVE this season!