Seasonal allergies can be a real pain.  But now that you’re over it, you’re left with a few rashes that might turn into scars… if you don’t treat ‘em.

If you’ve seen me in the last coupla weeks, then you might know that I caught on with the trend of seasonal allergies — I’m doing much, MUCH better now, thank you.  (and a big thanks to Dra. Joan San Juan)

It turns out that, with the Philippines already as humid as it is, couple that with the irregular/unpredictable sunny-rainy days, allergens as simple as pollen or dust (or dust mites!) can trigger seasonal allergies.  I never even knew I had seasonal allergies ’til it hit me!

I got rashes from my seasonal allergies from all the scratching — my dry allergy-ridden skin (then) gets itchier during nighttime, so I had the disadvantage of scratching my skin while I slept.  I would wake up with wounds from scratching too hard during the night, and I got these bumps on my skin.

It’s all well and good now, thanks to my dermatologist’s treatment/regimen, but afterwards, I was left with red rashes and bumps where I scratched.

Here’s a couple of things I did to make the affected areas heal faster:

1.  See a doctor/dermatologist. Assuming that you’ve already gone out and saw a doctor/dermatologist when your seasonal allergy first triggered, you could see them again for follow-up treatment on the rashes/wounds.  My dermatologist prescribed an ointment to help heal the flaky skin, and help it return to normal.

2.  Avoid the allergens! If your doctor/dermatologist determines that you are allergic, to, say, dust — you should clean your house!  If you’re allergic to the pollen that’s prevalent in the air during the season, avoid flowers!  (right?)

3.  Get some antihistamine. Again, only take anti-histamine that’s been prescribed specifically for you by your doctor/dermatologist.  Mine prescribed Cetrizin. 

4.  Vitamins! Up your intake of Vitamins A, B, E and Zinc.  These vitamins play an important role in cell reproduction and can help regenerate healthy cells.

5.  Take fish oil supplements. Fish oil supplements contain Omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, which not only improves the nervous and immune systems of the body, but has also been known to prevent skin-related diseases.

6.  Use a gentle soap/non-soap cleanser. Keep your baths short, too, because now that the air is cooler, running water tends to be colder as well.  Cold water = tight pores = sealing in irritants.

7.  Moisturize/Hydrate! Drink tons of water throughout the day.  Rub some moisturizer before you sleep, or before you go out into the sun.

8.  Avoid skin irritation. Wear clothes that are made of cotton — they let the skin breathe as synthetic fabrics do.  After bathing, GENTLY dry self with a towel.  Rubbing with a towel might irritate the rashes you already have.

9.  If there’s still a bit of itching, Aloe Vera. Rub some aloe vera lotion to alleviate the itching.  It’s also a blessing that I discovered alo youth, (available in 711) a drink with aloe vera bits, collagen and vitamin E which helps keep skin healthy.

10.  Keep tabs on what works. I found that when I stopped taking fish oil supplements, I started to itch again, I’ll give it another week then try quitting again.  I’ll do the same with the other steps I’ve been doing so far, to find out which is working.

Hope these tips help with alleviating the symptoms of seasonal allergies — mine’re all dried up, and hope yours does too!  (Special mention: sleep A LOT.  The body repairs itself during sleep.)  Also, my mum and lola recommend Sebo de Macho — they swear  by it, to avoid permanent scarring.