For example, people who live in the Southwestern United States Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona, New Mexico and Missouri may experience whats called cedar fever if exposed to the Ashe Juniper tree during winter months. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Whats the spring allergy outlook where you live? There are several possible causes of itchy skin at night that include: Your itchy skin at night could be a symptom of an underlying condition, including: A healthcare provider will diagnose itchy skin at night after taking a complete medical history and performing a physical exam. Dust and vacuum frequently, including under and behind furniture. While it's not a true allergy, it's possible to have an allergic-like reaction to cold temperatures. . Use a humidifier/dehumidifier depending on your needs and avoid extremes in either direction. Itching at Night: A Review on Reducing Nocturnal Pruritus in Children. baths may also help soothe your skin. The windows are probably closed a lot more. So, it's not just youand it's not all in your head. Instead, allergy shots work to build up your tolerance to allergens by injecting small amounts of them at increasing dosages over time. While people often associate cockroaches with dirty living conditions, that is not the case. This can disturb your sleep. What are Winter Allergies? | Allergy & Asthma Network Pollen is sticky. Symptoms that appear suddenly, after weeks or months in the same home, may be from a cold, especially if a person does not have a history of allergies. What triggers one person might not pose a problem for another. They work by thinning mucus membranes to make mucus easier to drain. No, it's not that pollen levels rise at nightthey're actually highest in the early morning. The same symptoms are present with winter allergies as seasonal. The most common places to have itchy skin at night are on your torso, arms and legs, but the condition can affect any part of your skin. Are you using any new skin care products, soaps, detergents or lotions? "Colds come, they're there for three, five, seven days, and then they go away," says allergist Steven H. Cohen, MD, associate clinical professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin, "but allergy symptoms persist for much longer and may be intermittent.". . Truth is, seasonal allergies can occur nearly year-round as trees release pollen in the spring, grasses in the summertime, and weeds go to work in the fall. Whether it's summer, spring, or winter allergies stuffing you up, you can do a lot to manage -- or prevent -- allergy symptoms, including: You're not alone with winter allergies. Like clockwork, your seasonal allergies are back. dust, or dust mites. Watch for leaks and check damp places for mold; dont allow mildew to take root. Nasal saline solutions, which can relieve the nasal congestion of winter allergies, as well as resolve some of the dryness you may experience during cold weather. Dust contains skin flakes and hair from people and pets, tracked-in dirt, clothing fibers, crumbs, and insect parts. When these types of symptoms occur during colder months, your first guess may be a cold or flu rather than allergies. As a result, the recirculating air inside the home continues to experience a decline as we use it up with our breathing. People with dust allergies arent allergic to dust. Once prescribed, they can be taken at home rather than at the doctors office. How to Get Rid of a Winter Rash - Healthline This can be triggered by: If you notice hives or swelling with cold exposure, talk to your healthcare provider. Keeping a humidifier in the bedroom or other commonly used areas can help offset the dryness caused by central heating systems. Possible winter allergens include dust, mold, pet dander, and Christmas trees. Smoke, trees, scented candles, "they're irritants, not allergens per se.". So dehumidifiers are especially useful in rooms that tend to be damp, like basements. If you have undiagnosed allergies, you can take a skin test or blood test to pinpoint your allergy. (2015). The rash may involve itching, inflammation, and flaky patches of skin. Our expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. Allergies Treatment Allergies depend on your triggers and your bodys reaction. (AD) and may be brought on by winter cold and exposure to the triggers already mentioned. If tree, grass and weed exposure trigger allergies in spring, summer and fall, then what could trigger allergy symptoms in wintertime? . Regularly applying moisturizer to your skin throughout the day and before bed. This article explains the symptoms, causes, and treatments of winter allergies, and whether those sniffles might be allergies or a cold. Pet dander is another common allergen. Home, We take a look at cat allergies, a common pet allergy. The goal of allergy shots is to desensitize you to the point that your allergies bother you significantly less once treatment is complete. Therefore, limiting your exposure to known allergens is essential. In the right conditions, they will grow on fabric, paper, wood, glass, and plastic. California. An allergy is an exaggerated response to a substance and is unique to each person. In addition to your rugs, be sure to vacuum upholstery. Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are different from other allergy treatments in that they are not used to manage symptoms. She has held editorial positions at LIVESTRONG.com, Health, Prevention, and The Huffington Post. If you have fragrance sensitivities, the strong odor of the Christmas tree may be irritating. Both indoor and outdoor allergies can be a problem during the cold months. Treating Allergies at Night - WebMD Asriani Chiu, MD, associate professor of pediatrics and medicine A poor-quality vacuum can stir up more dust and allergens than it cleans. Coconut oil compounds, such as lanolin and lauric acids, can improve the skins barrier function and promote healing. Allergy shots are approved for most types of allergens, including mold, pet dander, cockroaches and dust mites. Treating acute sinusitis. Nasal sprays work by reducing inflammation and blocking histamine to relieve allergy symptoms. Colds usually last several days or a week, ending when your body fights off the virus. "The allergies you get exposed to outside compounded by additional allergens on the inside may make symptoms worse.". Combine dry winter air, low humidity, hotter showers and baths, and not moisturizing enough, and your feet can react to winter as an allergy trigger. More than 40 million Americans are allergy-prone year-round. With some effort and attention, there are many ways to manage winter allergies and limit your exposure to specific triggers. Indoor allergens are widespread. A humidifier can bring much-needed moisture back into the home. Some people experience symptoms of feet allergy in the winter. For example, aloe vera gel and coconut oil contain both antibacterial and moisturizing elements and are safe to use on cracked skin. A cold or allergies: Which is it?. Anaphylaxis is more common in people allergic to food, insect stings, latex, and medications than with seasonal allergies. If possible, remove wall-to-wall carpeting, which can create a haven for dust mites and trap pet dander and cockroach droppings. Which allergy medications can help nighttime allergy symptoms? American Academy of Dermatology Association. Also, covering your mattress and pillows with allergen-resistant covers can keep allergens encased and away from your face. You likely spend more time inside when it's cold. "A lot of people are allergic to things in their bedrooms," said Dr. Parikhlike dust mites that make their home in your pillows, mattress, or box spring and mold that grows in the walls of older houses or after water damage. Winter allergy symptoms are the same as other seasonal allergy symptoms. As if the runny nose, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes weren't bad enough, your allergy symptoms might also make it nearly impossible to sleep. Symptoms include red, flaky, itchy skin that can peel or crack, uncomfortable on its own. Wash curtains, bedding, and pillows regularly in hot water. The cure for itchy skin at night is to determine the underlying cause and receive treatment or work with a healthcare provider to manage the underlying diagnosis to help you get a full nights rest. Farah Khan, MD, is a board-certified allergist/immunologist who treats pediatric patients at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. There are real reasons your allergies are worse at night. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. People living in these climates may struggle with pollen or ragweed for much of the year. All rights reserved. It is possible to develop allergies at any age or even to become allergic to the same substances in the same house after years of no reaction. This article looks at symptoms, treatment, and. Winter allergies are less likely to be caused by outdoor triggers; instead, they are triggered by exposure to. These options include:. ExACT Immunoplasty, which includes three injections given over an eight-week period, and may provide the same amount of relief as 3-5 years of other types of allergy immunotherapy. Winter Allergies: Everything You Need to Know. Winter allergies are less likely to be caused by outdoor triggers; instead, they are triggered by exposure to allergens inside your home or office. However, that's not the only problem with indoor air quality. Dust mites are another major . Dust mites prefer warm environments that attract dust, so they may enjoy your cozy winter blankets as much as you do. There is some evidence that genetic traits, as well as lifestyle factors, may affect the risk of developing allergies. Exposure to indoor allergens is a common trigger for so-called winter allergies. There are three common allergens that can cause winter allergies: 1. Allergies may only self-resolve when the weather changes, and a person spends more time outside. An allergy to dust mites, for instance, tells the immune system to produce antibodies that attach to cells in the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and lungs. Propping yourself up with some extra pillows might help ease congestion and post-nasal drip while you sleep. How long do winter allergies usually last? It is important to contact a healthcare professional if: Winter allergies can be unpleasant, since indoor substances that a person cannot easily escape usually trigger them. If you live in an area with year-round growth, you may still experience outdoor allergies in the winter. If your pet cat or dog triggers your allergies, you may not notice it as much if they spend a lot of time outdoors in warm weather. Winter allergies: Causes, treatment, and more - Medical News Today Allergies can be a major problem during the winter, just when you might expect seasonal allergies to go away. Cold, flu, or allergy?. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. What you should know before starting this treatment. Constant exposure to these allergens causes your body to identify them as invaders. However, they do shed droppings and body parts that can build up and trigger winter allergies. Nocturnal pruritus ani is anal itching at night. Water and natural oils in the skin help it stay moist and enhance its protective abilities. You're Alone With Your Thoughts and Sniffles, Allergy Friendly Homes: What To Buy, Replace, or Store, The 9 Best Hypoallergenic Pillows of 2023, 10 Best Pillowcases and Protectors for People with Allergies, Experts Explain Ways to Beat Pet Allergies From Cats and Dogs, Allergic Conjunctivitis: How Allergies Can Cause Swollen Eyes, The 5 Best Vacuums for Allergies of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, How To Get Rid of Dust Mites, According to Allergists, The 7 Best Eye Drops for Allergies, Tested and Reviewed, Why Nasal Congestion HappensAnd How to Treat It, Do carpets impair indoor air quality and cause adverse health outcomes: A review, Enhancing indoor air quality The air filter advantage. A doctor specializing in allergies can help diagnose the problem and choose the most suitable treatment. Sarah Klein is a health writer, editor, and certified personal trainer with over a decade of experience in media. Will my itchy skin come back after it goes away? However, there is no compelling evidence that any specific intervention can prevent winter allergies. Following up regularly with your provider to identify any potential underlying conditions. They are found in fabrics and other soft things, including: Since you cant eliminate dust mites, frequently cleaning is the key to keeping these allergens at bay. They might ask you questions to learn more about whats causing your symptoms, like: Tests might be necessary to determine whats causing your itchy skin at night. They are currently only approved for four allergens, and of those, only dust mites are a common winter allergy. In areas where these trees are common, people often refer to a mountain cedar allergy as cedar fever. (As with "hay fever," it doesn't actually involve a fever.). Dry air means dry nasal passages that are prone to irritation. Central heating systems suck moisture from the air, and people should use them sparingly, even when cranking up the heat seems like a good way to escape the cold. For immediate relief, you can apply a moisturizer or an anti-itch cream to soothe your skin. Here, There are many types of rash, and some can feel hot when they are touched. Some winter rashes only affect certain areas, such as the hands and arms, while others can spread throughout the body. Am J Rhinol Allergy. This feeling gets worse in the middle of the night or when your bodys at rest. The condition can affect your physical and mental performance and lead to an infection if your skin breaks open from scratching. Allergies last a lot longer because they persist as long as the allergen is around. What triggers one person might not pose a problem for another. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Use natural oils to nourish the skin and lock in hydration, but avoid using olive oil, as it can make dry skin worse. Wetter areas may also have a lot of mold, while warmer areas may even have high pollen levels. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Cockroaches often trigger winter allergies in urban locations. Control indoor allergens to improve indoor air quality. Many people think of allergies as seasonal, caused by grass, tree and ragweed pollen. Winter allergies can be frustrating. In cooler climates, these seasonal allergies usually end with the first hard freeze. Your allergies might feel worse at night because now you're adding indoor triggers into the mix. "Allergic shiners" (dark circles under the eyes caused by nasal congestion), With allergic asthma, wheezing and shortness of breath, Eliminating carpet, rugs, throw pillows, and other soft things that catch dust and other allergens, Using hypoallergenic mattress and pillow covers to reduce dust-mite exposure, Washing bedding, pet beds, and curtains often in hot water and running them through a hot dryer, Using high-quality air filters on your furnace/air conditioner, Calling an exterminator for cockroach or rodent problems, Bathing and brushing your pets frequently, Using an artificial Christmas tree and keeping it protected from dust while it's stored, Stay inside when pollen, wood smoke, or pollution levels are high, Stay inside when it's rainy or windy to avoid mold spores, Use mold-reducing products in your car's heater/air conditioner, Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf or surgical mask, Change your clothes and shower when you come inside. They are present in almost every home, lurking in bedding, furniture, and carpets. The pollen is so similar within this family of trees that if you're allergic to one, you're likely allergic to the others, as well. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Lung India. You may be more at risk of developing itchy skin at night if you: If you have itchy skin at night, your instinct to scratch your skin can wake you up and prevent you from getting a good nights rest. Antihistamines work by blocking histamine so that you can find relief from allergy symptoms. Indoor winter allergies are very common. It can also indicate. Exposure to allergens may trigger an asthma attack if you already have asthma. However, you can take preventative steps each night to keep the sniffling, sneezing and congestion from interfering . Applying a cool, wet compress to your skin. A few other things could be causing similar symptoms: You can get rid of winter allergy symptoms with standard allergy treatments such as: If over-the-counter medications don't offer enough relief, talk to your healthcare provider about prescription alternatives. Cold and winter allergy symptoms can feel very similar, making it difficult to distinguish one from the other. Most winter allergies are caused by the same inhaled allergens of summer, Chiu tells WebMD. Gravity is not your friend when it comes to your bedtime allergies. Lifestyle changes that can help prevent winter rash include: Anyone can get winter rash, but some people have a higher risk than others. For that reason, nighttime is prime time to try over-the-counter allergy meds, said Dr. Rosenstreich. Vacuum rugs and carpets frequently to reduce dust and pet dander. Allergy Guide Indoor Allergies How to Prevent Nighttime Allergies How to Prevent Nighttime Allergies Learn more about nighttime allergy triggers like dust, dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mold spores, and other allergens. "Allergy symptoms actually can get worse at night," Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist and immunologist with NYU Langone Health and clinical associate professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, told Health. Request an appointment to come see us today! Sores or areas of your skin that break open and bleed lightly. Why Do My Allergies Get Worse at Nighttime? - Mold Inspection and Test This is one possible allergen that is unique to the season. Sealing cracks in pipes can also help prevent mold while sealing cracks elsewhere can keep cockroaches from entering your home. Dust allergies: Overview. There can be different reasons for this heat, including the type of rash, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. National Institutes of Health News in Health. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening response to an allergen. It can also indicate an inflammatory skin disorder called atopic dermatitis (AD) and may be brought on by winter cold and exposure to the triggers already mentioned. "Keeping the animals out of the bedroom is best. Sure, furry friends make for cozy snuggle buddies, but if you're allergic to your pet, sleeping beside each other isn't doing you any favors. From December through March, these winter allergy plants send up great clouds of "smoke," actually pollen, and it is a major cause of hay fever. Different allergy eye drops, which can help with dry, red, or itchy eyes. There is no cure for winter allergies, but there are some ways to prevent your allergy flare-ups. Truth is, seasonal allergies can occur nearly year-round as trees release pollen in the spring, grasses in the summertime, and weeds go to work in the fall. Your Bedroom Is Full of Dust Mites and Mold, 5. Avoiding allergens can reduce your need for medications. Before starting any new medications, talk to your provider about the potential side effects. Clean damp areas to prevent mold and mildew. Their feces contain digestive enzymes that allow them to get energy from their waste, but this enzyme can be a cocktail of allergens for humans. Using a lotion or moisturizer during the day and before bed. The temperature drops, the wind picks up, and like clockwork you're sniffling and sneezing again. Several ways to treat your itchy feet, especially during winter, include: If you have seasonal allergies, the symptoms of winter allergies will be very familiar. Combine dry winter air, low humidity, hotter showers and baths, and not moisturizing enough, and your feet can react to winter as an allergy trigger. 810304 Eaton Place, Suite 100 There is often not one particular answer. There are several possible causes of this condition that offer different treatment options to help your itchy skin go away. 2018;15(2):184. doi:10.3390/ijerph15020184. It is what produces the allergy symptoms you experience. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mold can cause a lot of damage in the home, spreading across walls and eating away at wood and fabric. Dust contains skin flakes and hair from people and pets, tracked-in dirt, clothing fibers, crumbs, and insect parts. However, cold symptoms tend to last for 7-10 days, while allergy symptoms will last for as long as you are exposed to the allergen (trigger) if you do not seek treatment. People with skin conditions such as dermatitis or psoriasis may experience worse symptoms during the winter. People who experience winter rash might benefit from changing their regular cleanser and body wash during the winter. A secondary infection risk goes up with cracked skin or nosebleeds, which happen more often in the dry winter air. You have the furnace running, kicking things up and drying the air. Keeping your home clean is always a goal, but people with allergies should take extra care. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, many people find relief through OTC or prescription medication or allergy shots. Feet are already prone to dryness because they lack oil glands. A cool compress can be helpful to calm your irritated skin as well. Products that contain urea or lactic acid may provide even more hydration. Patches of dry, cracked, scaly, leathery or flaky skin. The most common causes of winter allergies include: In very warm climates, plants may continue producing allergens during the winter months. It's usually the only major source of pollen during the wintertime. Bedding and upholstered furniture can be ideal environments for them to feed and reproduce. He is an assistant clinical professor at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine and currently practices at Central Coast Allergy and Asthma in Salinas, California. Allergy & Asthma Network. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Are you tired of constantly wondering if you have allergies or a cold?