Spring is here and alongside the impressive blooms from all sides, there are also allergies, tingling and other troubles. The air fills with cypress, grass, sage, olive and pecan pollen which can lead to bothersome skin reactions and in some cases to more severe symptoms that require medical attention.Allergies. Allergy symptoms of the “hay fever” type – at least 20% of the population in Israel are known to be allergic to a rash, but even in people who are not known to be allergic, symptoms such as runny nose, cough, redness or itching in the eyes, burning or itching in the throat, headaches, itching Skin or rash. In severe cases, symptoms of hoarseness, actual shortness of breath, and even asthma attacks can develop. On days when there is also dryness in the air, these symptoms can even worsen.

Itching and skin irritation. Like the flowers, the insects also enjoy the spring and multiply endlessly. The air is full of insects of various kinds – murmurs, buzzards, mosquitoes, beetles, spiders and more. These can sting and cause a skin reaction in the area of ​​the bites and around them, and when there is itching, the itching bone can lead to aggravation of the local rash and symptoms. Children, who tend to itch even more than adults, often see more significant symptoms. In people who have a tendency to allergic cutaneous rash, or “asthma of the skin”, these symptoms may worsen significantly during this period.

How is it treated?

The rash around us, we can not and do not want to disappear. At the same time we must be aware of the timing of the spring bloom, usually between March and May, and know how to attribute the symptoms to this period and thus make the right diagnosis and seek the appropriate treatment. As for the insects, it is best not to wait until we and our children are filled with bites but in advance to be equipped with an insect repellent preparation for daily use.

In addition, we will ensure proper and complete nets in the windows of our house, facilities for repelling insects (electric or other) in the bedrooms and more. In the courtyards of the house you can light citronella candles that repel insects, and for the brave among us – you can eat fresh garlic that is known as a mosquito repellent (but also humans). In addition, mosquito repellents can be used for application on the skin.

If, in spite of everything, symptoms have developed that can be appropriate for a seasonal allergy, you should contact your doctor to diagnose and receive the necessary treatment – whether topical for the skin or eyes, or for oral allergy medications. If necessary, and depending on the severity of the condition, you may be referred for allergy tests or additional tests to receive additional treatments.

Because during this period the symptoms appear due to environmental factors and not necessarily infectious, it is very important that both the attending physician and the patients, from a true understanding of the symptoms, begin appropriate and effective treatment, and avoid unnecessary treatments and medications. Good luck to all of us, and best wishes for this short and charming season.

Dr. Gal Neumann, pediatrician and drug consultant for pregnancy and breastfeeding at Maccabi Health Services