How to find relief from itchy skin caused by seasonal allergies

Seasonal allergies tend to happen at specific times of the year, typically in the spring and summer months. They’re triggered by allergens like pollen or grass. You might also know them as hay fever or allergic rhinitis.

With seasonal allergies, you’ll likely notice a range of symptoms, including:

• sneezing
• a blocked or runny nose
• itchy, watery eyes
• itchy skin

These symptoms, particularly itchy skin, can be very uncomfortable. You may try some medications, such as antihistamines, to manage your seasonal allergies. Other medications, like steroid creams, might be able to soothe itchy skin in particular.

You can also try some nonmedical methods at home to soothe your itch, like wearing loose clothing.

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How do seasonal allergies affect your skin?

The most common symptoms of seasonal allergies typically affect your respiratory system, causing sneezing, a blocked or runny nose, and itchy eyes. But seasonal allergies can also lead to itchy skin.

When your body comes into contact with an allergen, your immune system recognizes it as harmful, even if it’s usually something harmless like pollen. Your immune system then releases chemicals to attack the allergen, including histamine, which is responsible for your symptoms.

Histamine can affect your skin in different ways, causing pruritus (itching), inflammation, and even hives.

What’s more, seasonal allergies might indirectly lead to itchy skin because of its link with atopic dermatitis (AD), a form of eczema that can cause dry, itchy, inflamed skin. Many people with AD will likely also have hay fever, and inhaled allergens like pollen may worsen AD.

Medications for itchy skin relief

There are many different types of medications that can help relieve itchy skin.

Antihistamines

One of the primary treatments for seasonal allergies and AD is a class of drugs called antihistamines. These medications work by blocking the histamine response, which can reduce the symptoms of histamine, including itchy skin.

Antihistamines come in two main forms: H1 antihistamines and H2 antihistamines. H1 antihistamines are mostly used for seasonal allergies, and they’re often available over the counter (OTC). Common examples include:

• diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• cetirizine (Zyrtec)
• fexofenadine (Allegra)
• loratadine (Claritin)

Antihistamines are generally safe and effective, but they may cause some side effects. H1 antihistamines, in particular, may cause drowsiness or insomnia. They may also cause a dry mouth and dizziness.

Calamine lotion

Another option for itchy skin is calamine lotion. This is available OTC, and you can apply it directly to the affected area to relieve your itch. But it’s unlikely to actually treat the causes of your itchy skin.

Topical steroids

If you have persistent itchy skin, doctors might recommend a class of medications called topical corticosteroids if the symptom is linked to AD. These medications come in cream, lotion, or ointment form, and you can apply them directly to the affected skin.

Corticosteroids can reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response that’s causing the condition. Milder forms of topical steroids are available OTC, but stronger forms need a prescription from a doctor. Common examples include:

• hydrocortisone 1% cream (Cortef)
• alclometasone dipropionate 0.05% cream or ointment
• fluocinolone 0.01% cream (Iluvien)
• betamethasone valerate 0.1% (Luxiq)

Topical steroids may cause your skin to become thinner. This is more likely with stronger formulations. So doctors will likely recommend starting at lower strengths and only trying stronger ones if these don’t work.

Stronger medications

Finally, if you have very severe allergies that aren’t manageable with antihistamines, doctors might prescribe stronger medications, such as omalizumab (Xolair). This is an injected biologic medication that doctors can give you every 4 weeks.

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Home remedies to manage itchy skin

Alongside medications to manage your allergies, you can try some self-care remedies at home to soothe your itchy skin. Some common strategies include:

• Avoid allergens: While this often isn’t possible, you can try to minimize your exposure to allergens. You can check when pollen counts will be high for your area and aim to stay indoors at these times.
• Try cool compresses and showers: Cool temperatures can help relieve inflammation and soothe itching.
• Wear loose, breathable fabrics: Loose-fitting clothing can reduce irritation and allow your skin to breathe, which can help soothe itching.
• Avoid scratching: Scratching may worsen the itch and may damage your skin, which can lead to infection. Try to avoid scratching and use other methods to soothe the itch.

There are also some natural remedies you can apply to your skin to help reduce itching. These include:

• Colloidal oatmeal: According to some 2018 research, colloidal oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe itching skin caused by allergies or other causes. It comes in cream form that you can apply directly to the affected area, or you might want to try an oatmeal bath.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera can also have anti-inflammatory and skin protection effects, as well as being beneficial for wound healing. This can help reduce hives or itchiness resulting from seasonal allergies. Aloe vera may also be beneficial if you’ve scratched and broken your skin.

Summary

Seasonal allergies are commonly linked with symptoms of congestion, a runny nose, and itchy eyes. But the histamine released by your body when you’re having an allergic reaction can cause other symptoms, including hives and itchy skin.

Antihistamines are one of the primary methods of managing allergies. For itchy skin specifically, doctors might recommend topical corticosteroids.

At home, you can try self-care strategies like applying cool compresses and wearing loose clothing. Natural ointments like colloidal oatmeal or aloe vera can also help soothe itching.

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