There are dozens of types of allergies and hundreds of specific allergies. There are even some unique allergies that only show up in a few cases worldwide. No matter, the type of allergy you have, the basic information remains the same. This article is a great way to gather some knowledge about allergies.

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.

If you are one of the millions who suffer from allergies, you probably should change your air filters in your air conditioner every month. The manufacturers usually will say to change every three months, but if you have problem allergies, you should do it more often to ensure all allergens are trapped before being dispersed through your home.

If you suffer from allergies, you need to carefully choose which laundry detergents you use. Certain brands of detergents can trigger allergy symptoms. If you find that all detergents bother your allergies, you could always wash your clothing, and your linens with baking soda. Also, allow your clothing to air dry rather than using a dryer.

If you suffer from allergies, choose a vacuum cleaner with disposable bags. While these vacuums are less ideal environmentally, they tend to be better for allergy sufferers because they trap dust, dander, pollen and more inside, rather than exposing you to the irritants when you empty a canister into the trash.

Keep your doors and windows closed if you suffer from allergies. While a lovely breeze through your home can be refreshing, it can also cause misery if pollen aggravates your allergies. Use fans or a central air system to circulate the air instead, which should minimize your allergy symptoms.

Getting rid of carpeting in your home can help your allergies because carpeting often traps a lot of allergens. Check under your carpeting and you may find that you have beautiful hard wood floors hiding underneath. You may like the look better and it will be better for your health and your family’s health.

Natural treatments do exist for those with allergies. These products are often very effective ways of neutralizing an allergic reaction and its symptoms. They will reduce swelling, itching, a runny nose and sneezing naturally.

If you have eczema, prevention is your best bet for avoiding an outbreak. Resist the urge to pick, scratch or rub at the rash as this may cause the condition to worsen. For quick relief, apply a cold compress directly to the area and allow it to stay there until you experience relief.

Buy a dehumidifier for your basement. If you have a damp basement, this can be a breeding ground for mold. You can avoid mold build up, which triggers allergies, by putting a dehumidifier in your basement. You may want to buy a humidity gauge, to figure out the type of dehumidifier you need.

Few things are more irritating to the eyes and nose than exposure to cigarette smoke (first- or second-hand). However, many people mistake this irritation caused by smoke for an allergen and take allergy medications to counter the effects. Because smoke is not a true allergen, these treatments will not have any effect on the symptoms.

If you have itchy or dry eyes from your allergies, don’t rub them using your hands. Instilling an antihistamine in eye drop form can offer relief from these symptoms. Repeatedly rubbing your eyes can cause the follicles at your lash line to become irritated, resulting in the presence of recurrent styes.

If you have a pollen allergy, wash your hair, laundry, and your clothing as regularly as you can. Hair, bedding, and clothes can hold pollen in them, so you will be sneezing and itchy all day, until you change your clothes or wash your hair. Set a schedule during allergy season to make sure you wash often.

Do not have a lot of plants in your home if you suffer from allergies. Not only do many plants trigger allergy symptoms, but they also tend to collect a lot of dust and could even develop mold. If you want to have plants, keep them in an outdoor garden and wear a mask when caring for them.

Purchasing a free-standing HEPA filter system can drastically reduce the amount of pet dander and other allergens in your home. For best results, clean the filter regularly and position the unit centrally within your home. This will effectively remove irritating substances more than the average air-conditioning unit. It may also save on your cooling costs.

If you are someone who is sensitive to getting a lot of allergies, then make sure you always carry some type of cloth or tissue. Do not be that person with a runny nose that does nothing about it. Be prepared at all times.

Keep your home sealed by closing all windows during times of high pollen counts. If you need to cool down, turn on the air conditioning.

By arming yourself with the proper tools, preparation and knowledge, you will be better equipped to deal with the annoying symptoms that come with allergies. Try to learn as much as you can about this irritating bodily function by reading the tips in articles like this one and trying to internalize them.