News& Information

The cold days are over and we now spring into the season of blossom! And unfortunately, that means pollen and other allergens will be floating on air to their peak levels – and that’s worse luck for allergy sufferers.

Here are some actions that might alleviate allergies, and the ways to best handle them to help you enjoy this beautiful time of the year.

· Rubbing and scratching a skin area that’s exposed to allergy can induce friction and further cause irritation. If done continuously, that might damage delicate skin parts or cause small wounds. Kids usually do this when they rub their itchy eyes, while adults with atopic dermatitis often scratch their itchy skin parts.

What to do?As much as possible, refrain from scratching because of the microbes that might be present in the hands and on the fingernails. When they come in contact with an open wound, that might lead to an infection. If you have eczema, apply over-the-counter creams or prescription lotions on the affected area.

 · Pushing the tip of your dripping nose up to wipe it or the “allergic salute” can cause a nasal crease, or a hyperpigmented line in the middle of the nose bridge. This physical line is common in people who often experience allergic rhinitis.

What to do? First, stop pushing the tip of your nose. Use facial tissues to wipe the fluid, and if the allergy becomes more intense, you might need medication from a doctor.

 

 · Keeping your skin exposed might be good to get sunlight, but there are common allergens that can quickly induce a reaction when they come in contact with the skin. Pollens are particularly vicious when they reach eczematous skin, and that may result in skin rashes. When they are inhaled, they may trigger allergic rhinitis and the fluids produced by the nose can congest nasal passages, leading to allergic shiners or dark circles that resemble bruises under the eyes. Allergic shiners are in fact swollen veins because of excess fluid.

What to do? Wearing sunglasses protects your eyes from the wind, but make sure it has a blue light and UV ray filter too. Wear a mask to reduce your risk of inhaling pollens. Wear long but light cotton-based clothing to protect your skin from allergens. If the reaction is moderate, taking antihistamines will help. But if it becomes severe, go to hospital right away.

 

Here are some other ways that you can do to minimize spring allergies.

· Make sure you wash your hair and face before sleeping so that any allergens that you unknowingly gathered will be removed and not dispersed in your bedding.

· Frequently change your bedding and pillowcases to remove dust. If you wash them, use a mild detergent because some chemicals may irritate the skin.

· Keep your pets away from your bedroom.

· Close your windows to keep outdoor allergens from getting into the house.

· Remove shoes and outerwear at the door.

* Article is written by copywriter Andy 

 

Appointments to dermatologist tel：

010-64651561/2/3

 IMC Dermatologist 

 

Dr. Li, Hou Min Ph.D

Dermatologist

Languages: Chinese, Japanese, English

Dr.Li was as a visiting scholar at the university of California, Los Angeles Harbor Medical Center from November 2017 to January 2018 and as a visiting scholar at the medical mycology research center of Chiba University, Japan from September 2010 to August 2011.

From 2017 she has been chief physician in the department of dermatology of Peking University People's hospital. From 2019 she started to work also at IMC.

Dr. Li received Her Medical PhD degree in 2005 from Department of Dermatovenereal diseases, Peking University People's hospital. Dermatovenerology is combined specialty of dermatology and sexually transmitted infections.