As the seasons change, many of us experience seasonal allergies. The discomfort of an itchy nose, watering eyes and scratchy throat can leave you feeling drained and irritated. Skin allergies are also common, with many of us experiencing allergic reactions from a range of things including plants, skin care products and more. While it seems like an easy solution to head straight for the pharmacy, you may find relief from your allergies in your essential oils collection.

An allergy occurs when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance, also known as an allergen. According to WebMD, more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year, making it the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the USA.

There are many types of allergies, from seasonal allergies such as hay fever, skin allergies, food allergies, pet allergies and more. Symptoms vary depending on the individual, and in some cases can be fatal. This means that when a suspected allergic reaction occurs, it’s important to monitor your symptoms closely and seek medical attention if required.

Seasonal allergies

A seasonal allergy, commonly known as ‘hay fever’, occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to an outdoor allergen, for example when certain plants pollinate. Symptoms tend to worsen during spring, summer and fall when these plants produce pollen. Symptoms include but are not limited to sneezing, stuffy nose, itchy eyes and an itchy throat. Many people who suffer from hay fever also suffer from asthma and the outdoor allergens can trigger an asthma attack.

Skin allergies

Contact dermatitis is one of the most common skin allergies, and occurs when your skin comes into contact with an allergen. For example, reactions to skin care products, soaps, plants such as poison ivy, laundry detergents and more. Symptoms typically include a rash and itching, but more severe cases may result in blistering and a burning sensation. As with all allergies, the severity of the reaction can vary, so it’s important to monitor your symptoms closely and seek medical attention if required.

Treatment

Avoidance

The best treatment for any type of allergic reaction is avoidance. For example, if you experience hay fever, you might like to check the pollen count before you leave the house. This can be done using a pollen checker app or your local weather website. If the pollen count is high, consider limiting your time outdoors.

For skin allergies, where possible avoid coming into contact with the products that cause an allergic reaction. If you’re having a reaction to particular skin care products, stop using it as soon as you notice a reaction. One solution is to try a product developed specifically for sensitive skin. If it’s a plant you have a reaction to, try to avoid coming into contact with it.

Over-the-counter medications

When you’re experiencing the symptoms of an allergic reaction, there are some over-the-counter treatments available that may help you. In particular, you might choose to try a decongestant, antihistamine or cortisone cream to reduce your symptoms. Make sure you speak with a trained medical professional, and follow the instructions provided.

Natural solutions

If your symptoms are only mild, there are a range of natural home remedies to help relieve your allergies. As difficult as it may be, try to avoid scratching a rash, as this can cause further irritation and lead to infection. You may find a cool compress to be soothing and eases itching, or even try soaking in a cool bath.

Another natural remedy for allergies is essential oils. Essential oils contain many healing properties, making them a versatile, natural, affordable solution that can be used to treat seasonal allergies and skin allergies. We’ve picked our top essential oils for relieving the symptoms of your allergy below, including the benefits and how to use each oil to gain the maximum benefits.