Those of you that have been following me for awhile know that JDaniel has horrendous allergies to nothing. Yes, nothing. According to the prick test he took two years ago, he isn’t allergic to anything. There was a slight allergy to dust.
Well, he is allergic to pollen, grass and a few other things that he takes medicine for year round. We just don’t know it from the test. We do know that JDaniel’s eyes well up, his nose drips, and he has been know to get skin rashes and wheeze in the spring, summer and early fall.
I thought I would share with your seven things we have done or a starting to do to try to help him suffer a little bet less during allergy season along with all the drugs he takes.
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- Change his clothes when he comes in from a short time outside.
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- Take his shoes off as soon as he gets in the door. ( He can’t leave pollen footprints around he house if he doesn’t have shoes on.)
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- Comb his hair right outside the door. ( He can’t carry it and have it fall in his face if we try to get rid of it outside.)
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- Wash his hair and/or his whole body after being outside and before bedtime.
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- Give him lots of fluids to drink.
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- Wash his hands every time he has been outside or use alcohol free hand sanitizer. (JDaniel rubs his eyes a lot during allergy season. Hand sanitizer with alcohol would sting his eyes if he rubbed them.)
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- Give him local honey. ( His allergist doesn’t think this is necessary, but it can’t hurt.)
My friend Kristen of Busy Kids= Happy Momsent me another tip. Her tip was to make sure you keep all windows closed in your car. Jdaniel always trying to roll down the window near his car seat with his feet.
Heather says
As a long time seasonal allergy sufferer I have to agree with all these. As a child I remember laying on my couch all spring with a cold washcloth over my eyes. I was miserable.
I was thinking that a lot of your types are ones that we use for deer ticks in New England.
JDaniel4's Mom says
I think they can apply to a lot of things we find outside. JDaniel needs a cold washcloth somedays too.
The Preppy Girl in Pink says
My husband has horrible allergies too. Poor JDaniel! We follow everything above with my girls but since they have long hair, I always knot it up before they go outside. Hope these tips help him to be able to still be a kid and have fun outside. It’s no fun when allergies take our bodies over.
JDaniel4's Mom says
A knot is a great idea! I agree! I didn’t used to dread spring.
Lisa @ Two Bears Farm says
These are great tips. I was just emailing back and forth with Cort’s allergist yesterday. And I’m getting ready to call the pedi about Pierce. He has a really weird rash on his face that is getting worse (looks like chicken pox, but as he doesn’t have it anywhere else I don’t know what to think). I’m going to be washing all his sheets and blankets today in hot water. I already disinfected the house.
JDaniel4's Mom says
I hope the rash clears up soon. JDaniel used to get a rash on his face due to allergies.
Kristen @ Busy Kids = Happy Mom says
Poor Thing! I can’t stand seeing the little ones suffering so much. A few more things that help: keeping doors and windows shut in your home, hats on your head to keep pollen from sticking, warm eye compresses on allergy eyes, and keep pets outdoors if possible (they bring in the most). I get so frustrated in spring for my family because I feel as if we’re trapped inside on the nicest days. We can usually handle about 20 minutes before we’re miserable again – so why oh why did we sign up for baseball! 🙂 I just prayed for JDaniel and hope this season passes quickly!
JDaniel4's Mom says
We use a hat too and I had included a hat as one of the steps in an early draft of this post,but I thought I had too many hair tips. I am glad you mentioned it.
Betsy says
We go through this as well. Also, I was told by our allergist that the tests are unreliable on kids under 5 – do the blood tests not the skin pricks.
We also wipe down window sills, doorways and entry ways – even when they are shut, sometimes stuff leaks in.
Shoes get left at the door and quickly wiped down with soap and water before he goes in the car to help prevent contamination there. We do rubber soled/leather shoes for this reason!
JDaniel4's Mom says
JDaniel took it at two and it wasn’t accurate. We will try again next spring.
I didn’t think about the areas around closed windows. Mine will be cleaned this afternoon. I wipe him down when he gets in the car sometimes. I didn’t think about doing it before. You have great tips!
Esther says
I’m not sure whether I have spring allergies but I do end up sneezing and itchy eyes after going outdoors! Thank you for the tips! Hope JDaniel feels better!
JDaniel4's Mom says
It sound like you may have them too.
Sonya @ Under the Desert Sky says
Those are great tips. I have allergies, too, and I never drive around with the windows open – that seems to help me.
JDaniel4's Mom says
Closed windows is a great tip!
Jessica says
My son has a lot of allergy issues too. Thanks for the tips.
JDaniel4's Mom says
Allergies are tough as an adult. It is so hard to see childrnn dealing with them.
Tara @ secretsofamomaholic.com says
I will be trying some of your tips on myself- I have suffered horribly from allergies since I was a child.
JDaniel4's Mom says
This probably isn’t one of your favorite times of year then. I am sorry you have to suffer with them too.
~ Noelle says
Ihave just started suffering this year… it is miserable… I hate it… I have had this going on since last Thursday…
ugh.
JDaniel4's Mom says
I think this year is worse than last year. We didn’t have winter or cold snap here. The plants that drove JDaniel’s system crazy last fall never had a chance to die.
Sue says
My youngest had severe allergies, and it was a drag. We ended up getting those desensitizing allergy shots for him, and it did work. It was quite a long process, though.
=)
JDaniel4's Mom says
The odd thing is that he tested negative for the same things that given him horrible effects at home.
Shari Lynne @ www.faithfilledfoodformoms.com says
Those are great ideas and would not have thought of some of these at all. Especially changing clothes, combing hair, taking off shoes..didn’t even think of these carrying pollen. Great ideas since I’m getting allergies now:(
Thanks!!
JDaniel4's Mom says
I hope you allergy season is a short one.
Davene Grace says
These are great ideas! I wouldn’t have thought of combing/brushing hair before coming inside. I’m glad you’ve found some ways to make this season easier for JDaniel, and I REALLY hope he continues to outgrow his allergies.
My David has been itchy the past little while, and when I look at his body and see various scratches, etc. on his skin, I wonder if it’s a reaction to being outside rolling around on the ground! I’ll have to keep an eye on him to see if worse allergic reactions happen.
JDaniel4's Mom says
I hope he doesn’t end up with allergic reactions. Your guys love to be outside!
Patricia P says
My 12 year old started showing allergy symptons when he was 6 months old. He used to suffer terribly from eczema every spring, along with a stuffy nose and watery eyes. His allergist told us to only use perfume and dye-free detergent and soap. His rash isn’t as bad these days, although this time of year is still a bit tough for him.
JDaniel4's Mom says
JDaniel had the same problems as a baby. He would get a rash on his arms, legs, and face. We buy a dye free detergent too.
Crystal says
Thanks for linking up at Mommy Solutions & Resources last week! Your post was the #5 most clicked post! You rock! Thank for sharing with us.
Here is your feature and the new linky! Stop on over!
http://www.crystalandcomp.com/2012/04/the-mommy-club-share-your-resources-and-solutions-38/
Crystal