Allergies, especially seasonal allergies, are pretty common in the United States. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, about 50% of school-aged children struggle with allergies. However, certain irritations like grass and pollen allergies may leave the skin with a visible, red rash. Here are some tips and treatment options to soothe rash and skin irritation due to grass, pollen, and other common allergies.
Allergies and Skin Rashes
A grass allergy is often referred to as a “grass-pollen allergy” or more commonly, “hay fever.” Grass and pollen allergies go hand in hand: Some patients are allergic to breathing in grass pollen, while others are allergic to touching it.
Pollen itself is one of the most common causes of allergies in the United States across both adults and children. Pollen is a powdery substance found in grass, flowers, weeds, and trees. In the northeast, pollination typically occurs during the late spring and early summer. This is why we typically see patients coming down with hay fever during late May.
Both pollen and grass allergies may cause red skin irritation in some patients known as “Grass Rash.” Grass rash usually appears as a small, red set of bumps on a patient’s skin after coming in contact with the particular strain of grass they are allergic to. While the appearance of rashes may vary, these irritations are usually red, dry, and itchy. In some cases, patients may also suffer from hives.
Other allergens, like poison ivy and fragrances, cause skin irritations as well.
No matter the case, if you or a loved one is facing throat swelling or difficulty breathing, please call 911 immediately.
Symptoms of Skin Rashes and Reactions
Allergens may cause dry, itchy, flaky, red, and/or bumpy skin. Skin rashes may be treated with over-the-counter topical creams or by a board-certified dermatologist.
What Causes a Skin Rash?
An allergen is a substance that causes a patient a rash or an allergic reaction. The patient’s immune system is typically hypersensitive to these substances that are otherwise harmless to others. The allergen may enter the body through contact with the skin, eating, injecting, or inhaling, which can then trigger an inflammatory response from the body, including a skin rash.
Patients may still experience skin rashes even if they do not come into direct physical contact with the allergen. Inhaling the allergen is enough to incite a skin reaction.
Treating Allergic Skin Rashes and Reactions
The best way to handle skin rashes and allergic reactions is to prevent them before they occur. If you know you struggle with pollen and grass allergies, limit your exposure to these elements, wear long-sleeve clothing and hats, and remain inside when the pollen count is too high for comfort. Another great tip is to keep your lawn short. If you can, kindly ask a neighbor or a loved one to mow the lawn and lightly maintain the grass for you until your allergies let up.
In short, protect your skin from allergen exposure in any way you can. The less you are exposed to the allergen, the less likely you are to end up with a sensitive skin rash on your face and body.
Remember to remove your shoes when coming indoors. Allergies like pollen and mold can sneak inside your home by hitching a ride on your shoes and clothing. Make sure you’re not bringing your allergy home with you! For women with longer hair, a great way to ensure your home remains allergen-free is to shower before bed or after you have spent a long day outside.
If you feel that your allergic reactions are worsening and becoming too much to handle, consider a skin examination at the Aesthetic and Dermatology Center. Dr. Lawrence Green and Dr. Sunny Walia are board-certified dermatologists serving the D.C. Maryland, and Virginia areas. Call our Rockville office today: (301) 610-0663.
The information contained in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute professional medical advice.