It’s the season your kids have been waiting for… Summer!
Don’t let summertime allergies stop the fun. Here are some helpful tips on identifying potential allergies and how to treat them.
1. Don’t forget to rinse off!
Summertime is for swimming, but chlorine isn’t for everybody. If your child develops a rash, cough, runny nose, sneezing or irritability after going for a dip in the pool, they may have a chlorine sensitivity.
Tips: Make sure your child rinses off as soon as they climb out of the pool. Washing off the chlorine will help manage their reaction. You can also include a natural anti-histamine for kids. We suggest the easy-to-take powdered form of Quercetin Ascorbate to reduce inflammation within the body or Optimal Liposomal Vitamin C to help boost their immune system.
2. Have fun in the sun!
Most sunscreens include a combination of two to six of these active ingredients: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate. Many of these can cause allergic reactions. Symptoms can be skin rashes on the exposed parts of the body or dark/red circles under the eyes.
Tips: Try an all natural sunscreen with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide like Badger’s Kids Broad Spectrum 30 which has non-nano zinc oxide, vitamin E, organic essential oils and vanilla. Have them wear hats, UV protective shirts and clothing or rash guards when in the sun or swimming.
3. Make your own sweet treats!
We often let our kids eat more sugar during the summer. Refined sugars, food coloring and artificial flavors can cause allergies in your kids. If you notice your child has tantrums, moodiness, rashes or tummy aches they may be reacting to all the “treats.”
Tips: Make your own popsicles! Not only is it a fun activity to do with the family, but you can use fresh fruit juices, pieces of fresh fruit and yogurt or coconut milk to create a healthy treat. Check out this delicious recipe from Coconut Mama.
4. Don’t get bit!
Many kids are allergic to bug bites, specifically mosquito bites. We all know it’s best to avoid the toxic ingredient DEET, but what about the other ingredients? Signs your kid may be reacting to bug bites are extra swelling and extreme itching. Help them from getting bit naturally!
Tips: Always choose a natural bug spray and look for “anti-bug” essential oils like Citronella, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Lavender, Mint, Rosemary, Clove, Lemongrass and Cedar.
5. Keep your immune system strong and play on!
Colds and the flu seem synonymous with Winter, but catching a cold can happen any time of the year (even when you’re having fun!) Exposure, late nights and travel can weaken the immune system. Symptoms of a typical cold that includes fatigue can be improved by boosting the immune system so your kids can have more fun!
Tips: Add good probiotics to your summertime regimine like Prescript-assist or probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or sauerkraut. Increase your kid’s Vitamin C intake by snacking on strawberries (which are in season- bonus!) Though not always tasty, liquid echinacea packs an immune boosting punch. Also make sure to let your kids sleep in to support the rest and rejuvenation of their immune system. And don’t be afraid of dirt! Letting kids play in the dirt improves their immune system by exposure.
For preventative measures or sensitivities that persist, all of these allergies can be treated at Advanced Allergy Solutions! Call 415.556.4700 to set up an appointment.
Have a great summer!