Your allergy-free gift-buying guide for 2022

30th November 2022

Your allergy-free gift-buying guide for 2022

Christmas is a wonderful time of year. It’s filled with good food, great people, and even better times. But do you know which part is always frustrating? Yes, it’s buying gifts for other people. Everyone knows someone who swears they don’t want anything, or the person who already has everything in the world.

But do you know what else you should be considering when you buy someone a gift? Their allergies. They can present themselves in ways you may not even imagine. So whether you’re buying something for a loved one or just treating yourself, here’s our advice for some allergy-free gift-buying this year.

What not to buy

Let’s start with the gifts you shouldn’t be buying. Or at least you should be thinking twice before buying them. Here are some present categories that might catch you off guard:

Soaps and perfumes: This is always an easy gift to get someone. Everyone loves smelling good. But some soaps and perfumes can aggravate a person’s allergies. They can cause contact dermatitis, leading to itchy skin, red patches (or brown/purple patches on people with darker skin), and blisters.

Clothing: People can be allergic to various materials commonly used in clothing. Cotton, for example. Or latex. Another one is leather. So if you’ve found the perfect pair of leather boots for someone, make sure they don’t make them break out in a rash first.

Jewellery: It’s the same with jewellery, too. The nickel in most jewellery can cause some people to break out in itches and hives. So rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings might be off the table.

Food and drink: This one might be obvious, but is worth repeating. If you’re going to get someone a sweet treat this Christmas, look at the ingredients. If you know someone allergic to nuts, double check to make sure there are none included. Or stay away from them altogether.

What should you buy instead?

The great news is that there are plenty of alternatives! And if you really want to show you care, there are some choices directed specifically at allergy sufferers. Here are some ideas for you:

Anti-allergy bedding: If you know someone who’s allergic to dust mites, this might be a good purchase. You can get bedding or pillows. They’re machine washable and better at keeping dust mites at bay.

Air purifiers: Why not get them a gadget? An air purifier can remove airborne allergens from the air. Just make sure they have a HEPA or ion filter as these are better equipped at removing particles.

Allergen-free cookbook: Don’t want to risk getting them food? How about a cookbook instead? The upside here is they might make something for you one day!

Get something personal: When all else fails, get them something personal. A small trinket like a photo of you together, or some sort of home decoration. Sometimes it’s not what you buy that matters, it’s what it says.

We can’t solve all your gift-buying woes, but hopefully this has made you think about your friends and family with allergies. Now all that’s left to do is brave the shops (or stay cosy at home and do it online) and then wrap it all up.

Are you concerned about your own allergies or those of your children? You don’t have to go through it alone. Our team of allergy specialists can help you have a comfortable Christmas. Register as a new patient today, or call us on 02031 433 449.

Household chemicals that you could be allergic to

9th March 2022

Household chemicals that you could be allergic to

There’s nothing less convenient than having your allergies triggered at home. All it takes is one open window to set off your hay fever. But at least you can take steps to avoid them. What’s worse is when all you want to do is clean your home and… another allergic reaction.

We can be allergic to many household chemicals and beauty products that make up our day to day. And it might not even be an allergy; some will trigger your asthma. In one study, they found that children had a higher chance of having a recurrent wheeze if they lived in a house that used cleaning products more often.

So what can you do about it? And what symptoms should you look out for?

Allergy triggers

What exactly causes your allergic response will be hard to pin down. But it’ll be a chemical within the product that sets you off. As such, there are plenty of household chemicals that could trigger your allergies.

This includes:

• Washing powder/detergent
• Disinfectants/antibacterial products
• Shampoo
• Soaps and shower gels
• Washing-up liquid
• Polish
• Bleach

The list is far from extensive. As a rule of thumb, staying away from anything containing formaldehyde or ammonia is another good bet.

You’ll know you’ve had an adverse reaction if you experience:

• Red patches on your skin
• Sneezing
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Breathing difficulties

What to do

The obvious first step is to avoid using products and chemicals that have triggered your allergies in the past. But there’ll come a time when you have to clean yourself or your home. And that will potentially bring you back into contact with these products.

Until you find alternatives, and if you feel you absolutely must, use rubber gloves when cleaning your home. You also might want to wear a mask to block fumes and open windows to keep the space well ventilated. Though we don’t recommend this at all. You should do what you can to keep yourself healthy.

If you have a partner, consider swapping chores so they do the cleaning. Or, if you’re the domestic one, look for alternative cleaning methods. There will no doubt be a recipe out there for making your own home cleaner with vinegar and baking soda.

Above all else, you want to go to your doctor about any symptoms. They can refer you to an allergy specialist or test you for your exact triggers. This way, you can avoid nasty chemicals and live your life free of worry. And still have a clean house!

If you’re concerned about your allergies, get in touch with our specialists. We can guide you on your allergy journey and help you figure out what you can do. Reach out to us on 02031 433 449.