3 allergens that could be causing your bathroom woes

19th July 2023

3 allergens that could be causing your bathroom woes

While our homes are our place of comfort, they can also contribute to our allergies if we aren’t careful. Just ask anyone with hay fever in the summer. It becomes a tough choice between opening the windows and letting the pollen in or sitting in a stuffy box. When it comes to allergies, we have to be careful of how our homes can aggravate them.

One place this can happen is in the bathroom. You may not even realise it’s the cause of your reactions. But there’s plenty in there that could be causing issues. Let’s look at some strange allergy triggers in the bathroom and what they could mean for you.

Toothpaste

We know what you’re thinking: what could possibly be in toothpaste that triggers an allergy? It’s just a minty paste for brushing your teeth. But toothpaste is a collection of a lot of ingredients, and there’s a chance one of them could be an allergen.

It’s tricky to pin down which one it is without further investigation. But some of the most common triggers will be fluoride, essential oils, and even gluten, which is used to thicken the toothpaste. Symptoms can include inflammation or a rash around the mouth and lips. The best way to tackle it – at least in the short term – is to choose a different brand and see if that helps.

Shampoo

Similar to toothpaste, shampoos are made up of a wide range of ingredients, making diagnosis difficult. It might even be tough to trace it back to the shampoo in the first place. Since it can touch a lot of areas, you might not even realise that the rash around your ears comes from the shampoo.

And you’ll run into a similar issue in finding which specific ingredient is causing the problem. If you suspect your shampoo is causing an allergic reaction, stop using it and talk to your doctor. You could also research fragrance-free alternatives, as these may eliminate some of the more common triggers. But it isn’t a guarantee; medical advice will always be your best bet.

Water

Yes, it sounds stranger than fiction, but it is possible to be allergic to water. It’s incredibly rare, with only a handful of documented cases. Its medical name is “aquagenic urticaria” and happens when water comes into contact with the skin. This leads to red, itchy rashes – also known as hives.

Because it’s so rare, it’s hard to pinpoint what exactly causes this reaction. The leading theories are that it’s either a certain chemical in the water or something on the skin that reacts badly with water. Either way, it makes bathing difficult. But the chances of you having the condition are incredibly slim.

The chances of there being allergy triggers in the bathroom are low. But there’s no harm in being cautious, looking out for changes in your body, and staying safe. If you ever notice an unusual reaction after using a bathroom product, talk to your doctor immediately.

Alternatively, talk to one of our allergy specialists. Our team is well-versed in getting to the bottom of your condition and suggesting changes to lead an easier and happier life. Get in touch with us on 02031 433 449 or register as a new patient today.

How to know if it’s a mould allergy – and how to fight it

31st May 2023

How to know if it’s a mould allergy – and how to fight it

Our home is our castle. It’s a sanctuary; somewhere we know we can retreat to at the end of the day and relax. And many of us will be proud of the homes we’ve created. Sure, they might not be as clean as others, or as organised, but it’s ours. So when something upsets that balance, it can feel like an attack. And one attack we all hate to see is mould.

Mould isn’t nice at the best of times, but in some people, it can be that much worse. There are those who have an allergy to mould, making it all the more pressing to get out of your house. If only it wasn’t so stubborn. But what are the ins and outs of a mould allergy? And how can you deal with it? Let’s take a look…

What is mould?

This seems rather obvious, but let’s start with what mould actually is. At least how it affects all of us – not just people with a mould allergy. Mould thrives on moisture. It’s why you’re most likely to see it in your home in your bathroom or kitchen. You may also find it outside, especially on plant of animal matter, which it decomposes.

Now there is some confusion about how mould and damp environments affect all of us. Dampness has been linked to long-term health issues, particularly respiratory (i.e. breathing) problems. This is sometimes attributed to mould, but the link is uncertain as it’s hard to monitor exactly how much mould someone is exposed to. But since they usually go hand in hand, it’s fair to be wary of both.

Again, this can affect anyone. Especially if it’s the infamous “black mould”, which has been the bane of many homeowners’ lives. But for those who do have an allergy, it adds that extra layer of concern.

Symptoms of a mould allergy

The cause of the allergic reaction is the mould’s spores. Similar to dust or pollen, these airborne particles get into our respiratory systems, causing issues for those with allergies. As such, some of the symptoms will be similar to dust and pollen allergies. This includes:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Scratchy throat
• Runny or stuffy nose

Symptoms experienced will vary from person to person. Mould may also exacerbate people’s asthma if they have the condition. There is no set time of year this might happen, so mould allergies can be triggered at any time. Though it may be more frequent in spring or autumn when the weather is wetter.

Avoiding your mould allergy

The simplest way to avoid a mould allergy attack is to keep its presence at a minimum. This is something you can only really control in your own home. So keep it well ventilated by opening windows frequently when it’s dry and using extractor fans in the bathroom and kitchen. If you don’t have those, look into buying a dehumidifier to extract the moisture from the air.

You’ll also want to get good at cleaning, making sure to frequently tackle your bathroom and kitchen. Invest in a good anti-mould spray and try to get in the habit of using it after every shower or bath. To prevent moisture build-up in other rooms, pay attention to the humidity and avoid drying clothes indoors if you can. If you can’t, follow some of our other tips above.

Other than that, when you’re outdoors, stick to more urban areas. Walks through fields and forests might be a bad idea as that will be where mould thrives. And – as always – talk to your doctor about any persistent symptoms. Keep yourself healthy and safe, and the mould at bay.

Allergies getting you down? Talk to one of our allergy specialists to talk through your concerns, achieve a diagnosis, or receive some helpful advice for managing your allergy. Register as a patient today or call us on 02031 433 449.