You snooze you lose?
Stuffed toys can be teeming with dust mites, which can trigger a runny nose, coughing, and even asthma attacks in children or adults who are allergic. To avoid this, only buy stuffed toys that can be put through the washer and dryer, and wash them once a month.
If you get an allergic reaction from pine trees, it could be from terpenes, the fragrant chemicals in tree sap. Hidden mold spores can also cause a reaction.
For people with dust allergies, vacuuming and even sweeping can be extremely difficult. People who are sensitive to dust may want to wear a mask while vacuuming and cleaning.
There have been reports of people suffering allergic reactions to tattoo ink. Red ink has been known to cause the most problems, including redness, swelling, and itching. But no dye can be guaranteed 100% allergen-free. Even black henna, a dye used for temporary tattoo art, can cause reactions in some people.
Some ingredients in laundry detergents and fabric softeners, especially dyes and scents, can cause people to break out with contact allergic reactions.
Chemicals in makeup, lotions, and sunscreens can sometimes cause a rash known as contact dermatitis, which may appear hours or days after exposure.
Most people aren’t allergic to leather, but some do have reactions to the additives used to tan and treat the material. Redness and itchiness can appear if the chemicals leak and rub against the skin.
There are people who get cold-induced hives. This can happen during a sudden temperature drop. For example, from going indoors to outdoors in the wintertime.
People with metal allergies may have trouble using cellphones and tablet devices, as these often contain potential allergens nickel and cobalt. However, using a protective case can help prevent allergic reactions.
Non-washable fabrics, upholstered furniture, and carpets can all harbor dust mites and mold spores. So be careful with the items you bring home, especially if you have a known allergy to dust or mold.
Some people have experienced allergy-like reactions, including nasal congestion, itchy eyes, wheezing, and coughing, from smoking marijuana. Asthma and seasonal allergy symptoms can also be triggered by exposure to cannabis plants.
Some people have developed a strong response to plant-based products like herbs, spices, and essential oils. One common product is chamomile tea, because it can cross-react with ragweed. If you have hay fever, you’re more likely to experience itchiness, runny nose, or even hives while drinking this herbal tea.
Ingredients in cleaning products can cause a rash known as contact dermatitis. Initially, it may just look a little red, but over time a more chronic rash may appear.
People who are allergic to latex can experience an irritating rash when exposed to products like condoms. Some people can even have an immediate, life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis, which can include difficulty breathing and swallowing.
If you have a very dry home, keep in mind that humidifiers can also grow mold if not properly maintained. In fact, people with mold allergies should be on the lookout for anywhere in their home where moisture and mold could potentially grow.
Chlorinated bleach or pool water don't actually cause allergic reactions, but they can have a strong irritant effect on the airways, eyes, and skin.
Allergies to hair dye aren't common, but when they do occur, it can be serious, causing swelling and rashes. Always test the product on your skin before doing a full dye job.
Soil can harbor mold spores, especially when plants are kept out of direct sunlight or aren’t given time to dry between watering. To prevent this, keep a thin layer of gravel at the bottom of every potted plant to help with drainage.
Products used in nail salons, such as nail glue, polish, and acrylic nails themselves, can cause a contact dermatitis rash after exposure.
The button on the waist of jeans and other pants is usually nickel, which can cause a circular red rash when exposed directly on the skin. Wearing a layer between your pants and your skin, such as tucking in your shirt, can help.
Wool is already itchy, but some people who are sensitized to lanolin, a natural wax-like substance produced by sheep, can react even more strongly to wool.
Used bookstores and libraries are known for their musty air, but people with dust allergies can have serious problems in these spaces when thick layers of dust are stirred up. The same goes for attics, basements, and the bookshelves in your house.
A dehumidifier is great to keep humidity low and avoid mold or dust mites in your home. But if you don’t clean and properly empty the unit that’s collecting that excess moisture, it could be growing mold itself.
Inexpensive jewelry is often made with nickel, one of the most common causes of an itchy rash known as allergic contact dermatitis. Switching to high-quality sterling silver or 14-karat gold jewelry usually solves this problem.
Mold is a common household allergen that can appear on the leaves of your houseplants. To prevent mold from forming in the first place, place your plants in well-ventilated areas.
Some people can get an allergic reaction to sunlight, with redness, swelling, itching, blisters, and hives appearing. Taking certain medications can cause this type of sensitivity to the sun.
People who break out in hives or have itching, swelling, or trouble breathing after they’ve eaten red meat may have a condition known as alpha-gal allergy. People with this condition should avoid mammalian meat, like pork, lamb, and beef.
Scratching, rubbing, vibration, or even exposure to water can cause strange reactions on the skin. This condition, known as dermatographism, can sometimes be treated with antihistamines.
Sources: (Health.com) (CNN)
Usually, if anyone says they're allergic to alcohol, they’re actually sensitive to an ingredient in certain drinks. A common allergen is sulfites, which are compounds present in wine and dark beer that can cause itchy eyes and a runny nose.
Everyday things you didn’t know you could be allergic to
Some are not so obvious
HEALTH Allergies
You probably know someone with an allergy to pollen, dust, or peanuts. Or maybe you even have one of these yourself. But you may be surprised with some other materials and foods that can cause allergic reactions in certain people. Want to discover what some of these rare allergens are? Then check out this gallery.