5 Tips for Fighting Spring Allergies

If you’re looking to exercise outside or just enjoy some fresh air, keep this in mind: The pollen count is at its highest between 5 AM to 10 AM, and pollen is more severe on windy and dry days. If it just rained, you’re in luck because the pollen count drops significantly on humid and rainy days.

If you or a family member has allergies and you’re planning a spring vacation, head to the Southwest! This region of the U.S. has a lower pollen count than other areas. The beach is also a safer destination for avoiding pollen.

Keeping pollen off of your face and hair can help prevent your allergies from acting up. To help, wear large sunglasses to shield your eyes from pollen when you’re outside, and a hat to keep pollen from sticking to your hair. And refrain from using hair gels or lotions to keep pollen from “sticking” around.

If pollen gets into your eyes, making them red or puffy, wear a cool eye compressor to relieve symptoms. To help clear up a stuffed or runny nose, ARM & HAMMER™ Simply Saline Extra Strength can help dry mucus and help relieve congestion instantly. Or, use it preemptively to flush out irritants before they trigger sneezing and other symptoms; it’s gentle and safe to use as much as you need.

A lot of our favorite flowers contribute to allergy symptoms. No matter how pretty they are, don’t bring these florals inside! Species like asters, daisies, chrysanthemums, sunflowers, lilacs, and baby’s breath are prone to triggering symptoms. Instead, opt for orchids, iris, begonias, and periwinkles.

Keeping pollen from following you inside your house can reduce your allergy symptoms. On high-pollen days or after spending time outside, take your clothes off outside of your bedroom — or even right when you come indoors. Wash your hands and face to remove any pollen and molds. Then, before bed, shower and shampoo your hair every night to keep pollen from getting all over your bedding and pillows, where you’ll breathe it in all night.

Alright, real talk — with spring allergies comes spring cleaning. This quick checklist can help you to allergy-proof your home:

• Clean every nook and cranny of your home from window blinds to lamp shades.
• Store unused items and decorations in containers to avoid unnecessary dust buildup.
• Mop your floors once a week and clean carpets — especially if there are pets in the house!
• In the kitchen, thoroughly dry plates, drying racks, sponges, and the refrigerators to ward off any chances of mold.
• Turn on an exhaust fan after cooking to reduce moisture.
• Use disinfecting wipes on items you take out of the house with you like purses, makeup bags, gym bags, and phones.
• Wash your outdoor pets to remove pollen and dander, and vacuum any rugs, carpeting, and pet bedding.
• Wash your bedding often to remove any pollen and hair from accumulating too much. Try using a detergent that’s gentle on sensitive skin but tough on dirt and odors, like ARM & HAMMER™ Sensitive Skin Plus Skin-Friendly Scent. It’s dermatologist-tested, and hypoallergenic.