Being allergic to the pollen in the air and suffering hayfever is a common enough problem – but how to deal with plant allergy when it is more specific?
Read on for some great tips to help you work out if you have a plant allergy, how to spot an allergic reaction, and how to deal with it is it arises.
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How To Deal With Plant Allergy
Dealing with a plant allergy is similar to dealing with any other type of allergy – you will need to treat the symptoms.
If it is a topical allergic reaction, you will first need to rinse the skin thoroughly, using water and soap or rubbing alcohol.
- Use wet compresses, hydrocortisone or Calamine lotion to the area to relieve the itching. Aloe vera is also very good for this.
- Take an antihistamine to help reduce the body’s reaction – be sure to follow the dosage instructions.
- If you are worried about the toxicity of the plant, you should get in touch with a medical professional, and make sure you don’t put your hands anywhere near your mouth.
For those with an internal allergic response to pollen in the air, the first step is to reduce the amount that is being breathed in. Stay indoors where possible, or wear a face mask.
- Wearing sunglasses while out and abut can also help to reduce the amount of pollen that is reaching your eyes.
- Many studies suggest that eating honey that has come from the local area can help – this is not scientifically proven, but it’s worth a try (especially if you have sweet tooth!)
- You should consult a doctor if your symptoms are hard to live with – they can prescribe medication that may help.
Having a plant allergy is not fun, whether it is on your skin or in your body. You can take steps to prevent it from becoming a major problem, however.
This article deals the symptoms and solutions for a plant allergy (with pictures, just to warn you!)
What Are The Symptoms Of Plant Allergy?
Plant allergies can take many forms, and will depend on whether it is a reaction to the pollen or to the plant itself.
Symptoms can include:
- Itchy, runny or blocked nose
- Red, itchy or watery eyes
- Coughing and sneezing
- Loss of smell
- Headache
- Itching sensation in the mouth, throat or ears
- Hives, blisters or welts on the skin
- A rash at the contact site
Some of these symptoms, as in hayfever, can be a seasonal thing – they only occur when the plant is releasing the most pollen.
Other types of allergic reaction can come from coming into contact with the plant, particularly those which are known to cause reactions, such as stinging nettles.
The reason behind any reaction to a plant is histamine – this is naturally produced by the body as a way of defending the body against a potential intruder.
Mold can also cause allergic reactions, and this is likely to be a culprit if you suddenly find that you appear to be allergic to your house plants.
This video (sorry for the robotic voiceover!) shows you the best ways to identify a plant allergy:
How Long Does A Plant Allergy Rash Last?
The length of time an allergic reaction to a plant lasts actually depends on the type of plant you have come into contact with.
A stinging nettle will cause a raised rash, pain and intense itching – but the effects only last for a few minutes to a couple of hours.
Poison ivy, on the other hand, has a severe effect that can last for a few weeks before it is fully gone.
Every person is different, and some of us react more strongly than others, so it is often down to the individual how long an allergic reaction lasts.
Just remember to stay calm, and make sure you seek medical attention if it is the first time you have suffered an allergic reaction, or the symptoms are severe.
Why Am I Suddenly Allergic To Plants?
If you have kept houseplants all your life with no reactions whatsoever, you may be surprised to find that you are suffering allergic reactions.
You may also find that a walk in the countryside, previously so relaxing and pleasant, now leaves you with all sorts of unpleasant symptoms.
There can be several reasons for this, and don’t worry – you don’t have to give up your plant-keeping career forever!
- A geographical move. You may be encountering different plants and different pollens, which can cause allergic issues.
- Overwatering your indoor plants. Too much water can encourage mold, which is a well-known allergen and can cause reactions.
- Introducing flowering species. If you have a new plant with unfamiliar pollen, or your once-in-a-blue-moon bloomer suddenly blooms, your body will be exposed to different pollens it hasn’t encountered before.
- Your body may have suddenly decided to be allergic to something. Strange but true – as we age, our bodies change, and yours may have decided it doesn’t like something it previously had no problem with.
As you can see, it may not be a specific plant you are allergic to – it may be the plant’s conditions, or a sudden change in them that has triggered you.
Once you have identified the problem, you can take steps to eliminate it (and no, we’re not talking about making a bonfire out of your Bougainvillea!)
What Plants Can Cause A Skin Reaction?
There are lots of plants that can cause a skin reaction – from the humble stinging nettle to the more problematic Giant Hogweed, which can cause photosensitivity for years after exposure.
All these plants have a reason behind their reactive properties – and no, it is not just to cause humans problems!
They use their reactive properties to protect themselves from being eaten by others, and to ensure their survival.
It is a good idea to read up on plants that can cause reactions, particularly if you are already sensitive, so that you know what to avoid.
Allergies are no fun, no matter what form they come in. Allergies to plants can be avoided by avoiding that specific plant – but sometimes this is not possible!
Now that you know a little more about how to deal with plant allergy, you can go about your day rash and discomfort free!
