Seasonal Allergies

Many people think seasonal allergies are only a springtime issue. However, allergies can occur in other seasons as well. While seasonal allergies are a widespread and diverse chronic condition, there are effective treatment options available to help ease the discomfort. The allergy specialists at Schweiger Dermatology & Allergy offer comprehensive allergy care and personalized treatment plans.

What Are Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies, or allergic rhinitis, are caused by irritants that vary throughout the year, both outdoors and indoors. Spring allergies are often triggered by tree pollen, while summer introduces grass pollen into the mix. In the fall, ragweed is a common outdoor culprit. During winter, allergy symptoms may result from lingering outdoor mold spores as well as indoor triggers like dust mites and pet dander, as people spend more time indoors. Each season presents unique challenges for allergy sufferers, making it important to understand and manage both outdoor and indoor triggers.

Symptoms of seasonal allergies include:

  • Sneezing
  • Itchy eyes, nose, and throat
  • Coughing
  • Fatigue
  • Congestion
  • Post-nasal drip
  • Dark, swollen area under the eyes

Common seasonal allergy triggers may include:

  • Tree pollen — usually occurs in March/April
  • Grass pollen — usually occurs in June/July
  • Ragweed pollen — usually occurs in the fall
  • Indoor and outdoor mold and mildew spores — usually occur in the fall
  • Dust mites — can occur year-round
  • Cockroaches — can occur year-round
  • Pet dander can occur year-round, but may be more if your house is closed up during the cold weather months

When to Seek Medical Attention for Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies may mimic other conditions, including the common cold, the flu, COVID-19 and sinus infections. Unlike these other upper respiratory illnesses, with allergies, there is never a fever, the nasal discharge is clear, and the eyes, nose and throat may become irritated and itchy. While these conditions last about a week, allergies can last all season.

If your seasonal allergy symptoms are persistent, interfere with your daily life, or don’t improve with over-the-counter treatments, it may be time to see a healthcare professional to receive the proper diagnosis and treatment plan. You should seek medical help if you have:

  • Severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest tightness or swelling in the face or throat
  • Frequent sinus infections or chronic congestions that don’t improve with treatment
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Any symptoms that don’t improve with medications

Testing for Seasonal Allergies

Schweiger Dermatology & Allergy offers evaluation, testing and treatment for seasonal allergies tailored to your specific condition. Depending on your needs, we may use the following testing methods:

  • Skin Prick Test: This is the most common method for testing seasonal allergies. A small amount of an allergen is pricked into the skin to see if there’s a reaction.
  • Patch Test: This test can identify triggers like tree pollen and other allergens. Small amounts of suspected allergens are applied to patches, then taped to your back or arm. The patches stay on for 48 hours, then removed and checked again after 96 hours for any reaction.
  • Blood Test: Sometimes, a blood test may be used instead of skin testing. This is often recommended if you are taking medications like antihistamines that could interfere with skin testing, have a skin condition (like eczema or psoriasis), or have a history of severe allergic reactions.

These tests can help us pinpoint what’s causing your symptoms so we can develop a personalized treatment plan for you.

How to Reduce Your Seasonal Allergy Triggers

Limiting your exposure to allergens is important to help reduce your symptoms. In addition, you should take extra precautions when pollen counts are high. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Stay indoors on dry, windy days when pollen levels are higher.
  • Avoid mowing the lawn or pulling weeds that can stir up allergens.
  • Change your clothes and shower after being outside to help remove pollen from your skin, hair, and clothing.
  • Don’t hang laundry outside. Pollen can cling to sheets, towels, and other clothes.
  • Wear a face mask for outdoor chores to protect you from inhaling pollen or other allergens.
  • If pollen counts are high, take your allergy medicine early.
  • Keep your doors and windows closed in the morning and evening when pollen counts are the highest.

Treatment for Seasonal Allergies at Schweiger Dermatology and Allergy

We provide customized treatment options based on individual seasonal allergy triggers and sensitivities, including the following.

Immunotherapy, or allergy shots, are administered under the skin. They contain a small amount of the allergen that triggers your allergies, and the doses are carefully regulated to stimulate the immune system without causing severe allergic symptoms. The amount of allergen in the shots gradually increases, allowing your immune system to build tolerance.

Allergy drops are a newer form of immunotherapy that involves placing drops or tablets of allergens under the tongue. Like allergy shots, they work by gradually desensitizing the immune system to specific allergens but it’s a less invasive alternative. Allergy drops offer a convenient option for those who are unable or unwilling to undergo regular allergy shots.

If you think you have seasonal allergies, schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified allergists or allergy providers. You can book online or call (844) 760-3380.

Reviewed by Dr. Peter Logalbo.

FAQs

  • How do I know the difference between seasonal allergies and a cold?

    Seasonal allergies and colds share similar symptoms, but some differences exist. Allergies tend to cause symptoms that come on quickly, like a clear, runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion that can last for weeks. They’re often triggered by specific seasons or allergens like pollen, and they don’t cause fever or body aches. However, a cold usually develops gradually, with a sore throat, thicker nasal mucus that may turn yellow or green, and sometimes mild body aches or a low-grade fever. If symptoms last longer than usual or include a fever, it’s more likely to be a cold.

  • Can seasonal allergies be cured?

    There is no permanent cure for seasonal allergies, but they can be effectively managed with the right treatments. Medications like antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops can help reduce symptoms, while immunotherapy may offer long-term relief by gradually desensitizing your immune system to specific allergens.

  • Can I get seasonal allergies as an adult, even if I’ve never had them?

    Seasonal allergies can develop at any age, and many people experience their first allergic reaction in adulthood. This can happen because your immune system may become sensitized to a particular allergen, like pollen, even if you’ve been exposed to it without issue in the past. Environmental factors, such as increased pollen levels or changes in your location, can also trigger new allergic reactions.

  • Does skin allergy testing hurt?

    Skin allergy testing is generally not very painful, though it may cause some temporary discomfort. You may feel a slight sting or a mild itching sensation during the test, but it should only last a few seconds. After the test, you might experience some redness, swelling, or itching at the test site, but this is typically mild and goes away within a few hours.

  • Can I prevent seasonal allergies?

    While you can’t completely prevent seasonal allergies, you can reduce symptoms by limiting exposure to allergens. Stay indoors when pollen counts are high, keep windows closed, and use air conditioning with a clean filter. Regularly clean your home, shower after being outside, and consider using an air purifier. Allergy shots or allergy drops may also help relieve your symptoms.

About Schweiger Dermatology Group

Founded by Dr. Eric Schweiger in 2010, Schweiger Dermatology Group began as a single office in Midtown Manhattan with a mission to deliver high-quality dermatologic care without long waits. As demand grew, so did the practice. Today we have over 120 locations across 8 states with more than 400 of the nation's leading providers and were ranked as the number one practice nationally in cosmetic and reconstructive care by Castle Connolly. In 2023, we broadened our expertise by integrating allergy care into our services. We remain committed to offering exceptional medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology as well as comprehensive allergy services, ensuring patients receive expert care in a modern, state-of-the art environment.

Back to Top