Among the leading chronic illness afflicting the US population, allergies rank way up at number 5! If you are one of the many Americans suffering through the dreaded symptoms of allergies, read on! This article will offer you sound advice on controlling and overcoming allergies, so that you can move on to better things.

Did you know that those whimsically named “dust bunnies” are really just jumbles of horrifying substances, including pet hair and dander, dust mites, and their feces and even insect parts? They are allergy attacks waiting to happen! Get rid of them on a daily basis, using a broom or vacuum.

Change your bedding frequently, and wash using hot water. Pollen, dust, and other allergens can stick to your clothing and hair and can get deposited on your bedding. Sheets and pillowcases may appear clean, but can harbor irritants that will affect you while you sleep. These allergens easily wash away when the items are cleaned in hot water.

Since exercise increases the amount of air your lungs take in, if you have pesky allergies, keep your workouts indoors. All of the pollen and other particulates that trigger your allergic reactions will get into your system much quicker and in a greater amount when doing any strenuous activity outdoors.

Have separate shoes for indoor and outdoor use. If you do a lot of work in your garden or simply enjoy being outdoors, have a pair of shoes set aside specifically for these activities. When it is time to come inside, your shoes, along with the pollen and dust they carry, can be left at the door – minimizing the allergens that make it into your home.

Think about getting rid of your carpet. Carpet is known to collect dust mites, pollen and pet dander. If your carpeting is wall-to-wall, replace it with wood, tile or laminate floors if you can afford it. That way, you can greatly limit the number of allergens in the air. If you must live with wall-to-wall carpeting, run the vacuum cleaner every day.

After years of dealing with the itchiness of allergic skin and eczema, constant scratching becomes a tough habit to break–even after allergy therapy. This can cause further damage to the skin, so you should cover the area with a thick protectant like Vaseline or vitamin E oil under an elastic bandage. This allows your skin to heal and can help you to break the cycle.

Instead of treating your child’s allergy symptoms only as they occur, discuss preventive measures with a pediatrician. Studies have shown that allergy medications are most effective when taken routinely throughout the year, not just during allergy season. A physician can determine whether or not this approach is appropriate for your child.

Hopefully, this article has provided you with some very helpful tips and tricks on controlling allergies and all the accompanying symptoms. With so many sufferers, it’s a wonder they have not found a cure yet, but until they do, you have the useful advice you have read here to rely on.