7 Easy Ways to Beat Your Allergies

Cosmopolitan.com
Here's what to do if you've got allergies.
Here's what to do if you've got allergies.

Allergies are a bitch to deal with. Here's how to treat them-and their unsightly symptoms-stat.

By Carly Cardellino

First, the 411
"When you inhale pollen and other allergens, it causes your body to release histamine, a chemical that naturally fights allergies," says Zoe Draelos, M.D., a dermatologist in Durham, North Carolina. "But sometimes the body releases too much of it and actually triggers inflammation, causing red, itchy eyes, a scratchy throat, runny nose, difficulty breathing, and, in severe cases, hives."

Try a Preventive Safeguard
Draelos recommends taking an over-the-counter anti-histamine before heading outdoors.

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Prevent & Protect
Pollen can stick to your face causing external irritation. So Draelos says to apply an anti-inflammatory lotion containing bisabolol or licorice extract before leaving the house. This way your complexion gets the treatment it needs, and the pollen sticks to the lotion rather than to your skin.

Get the Red Out
To flush the pollen out of your eyes gently, use artificial tears, and then pop an anti-histamine to calm the inflammation. Also, if possible, wear glasses instead of contact lenses, since lenses can trap the pollen.

Stop the Swelling
If puffiness persists, swipe a cooling roller ball that contains caffeine

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Rudolph, Is That You?
If you've been blowing your nose like crazy, and caused major redness, use your anti-inflammatory moisturizer and then top it with a hydrating, liquid concealer around your nose.

Skip Exfoliation
Restrain yourself from picking off flaky skin around your nose. Instead, dab an ointment over the raw areas at night (that's when healing mainly occurs) to treat chapped skin.

Create a Moisture Barrier
Avoid chapped lips by applying an emollient lip balm over them throughout the day.

Drink Up!
Allergy medications have a common side effect of making it harder for your body to create saliva, which can contribute to dry mouth. Drinking more water daily helps keep your mouth moist.


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