As the dry, cold weather of winter slowly dwindles away, the coming of spring brings new woes for our skin. Allergy season is upon on us. While the sunshine, warmer weather and blooming trees and flowers are welcome signs of spring, many of us could do without the increased pollen and allergens in the air that can trigger skin outbreaks.

I have personally experienced the effects of increased pollen in the air on my psoriasis, sometimes resulting in increased flareups. While I could find little research or literature linking psoriasis and pollen, the link between allergens in the air and skin irritation exists.

According to the Mayo Clinic, when your body comes into contact with an allergen, like pollen, “your immune system’s reaction inflames your skin, sinuses, airways or digestive system.” Specifically, the body produces a substances called histamine, which can cause red, flaking and scaling skin. Pollen may make the symptoms of eczema and atopic dermatitis worse and can also result in contact dermatitis.

So what can you do to protect your skin this spring? Here are a few tips:

If you are planning on spending time outdoors, check your local pollen count before heading out. Check out Pollen.com to get your local allergy forecast. If the pollen count is high, consider staying indoors, especially if the weather is dry and windy.

While we all want to enjoy the fresh air when the weather is nice, try to keep windows and doors to your house closed at times when the pollen count is high.

Avoid outside chores, like lawn mowing and weed pulling, which tend to stir up allergies.

Use air conditioning and change air filters often to limit allergens circulating in your home and car.

Do you find that pollen in the air affects your skin? And if so, what do you to protect yourself?

Sources:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/allergies/DS01118

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/springtime-allergies/AA00060

http://www.livestrong.com/article/130287-causes-itching-irritated-skin/

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