How to manage your skin allergies with simple lifestyle choices
How to Manage Skin Allergies with Simple Lifestyle Habits
Many of us experience itchy or inflamed skin, often coming and going unpredictably. For some, springtime allergies to dust or pollen trigger itching. Others may react to certain foods, contact allergens, or stress.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), skin conditions such as itching, redness, or oozing are often associated with internal imbalances involving “wind,” “heat,” and/or “dampness.”
Being mindful of what we eat, how we care for our skin, our stress levels, and even the clothes we wear can make a big difference in reducing skin irritation, redness, and discomfort.
Food
If you know you have food allergies, simply avoid those foods—no need to overthink it. Eggs, dairy, wheat, and seafood are some of the most common culprits.
Skin allergies often appear as red rashes and itching, which in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) indicates the presence of “heat” (inflammation) and “wind.” To reduce these symptoms, avoid heat-producing or inflammatory foods such as:
- Coffee
- Chocolate
- Alcohol
- Spices (especially chili)
- Pastries and deep-fried foods
- Excessively sweet foods
- Red meat
Instead, eat more lightly cooked vegetables (the more color variety, the better), moderate amounts of fish, nuts, and avocado (for their healthy fats), and drink plenty of water with a splash of lemon to help eliminate toxins.
“Dampness” in TCM is often the result of poor diet and lifestyle habits such as overeating, irregular meal times, or eating the wrong types of food, all of which impair digestion. Dampness can lead to pus-filled skin eruptions or oozing.
Foods that commonly cause dampness include:
- Dairy products
- Soy
- Fatty or greasy foods
- Sugary foods
Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day may help improve digestion. Try adding ginger when cooking or drinking ginger tea to support your digestive system. Chrysanthemum tea and honey flower tea are also great for clearing heat and detoxifying the body.
Skin Care
If your skin is prone to dryness and allergic reactions, then proper skincare is essential. Needless to say, always patch test any new product, and opt for hypoallergenic formulas whenever possible.
Choose gentle cleansers that do not strip the skin of its natural oils. Frequent and consistent moisturizing is a must, as maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier is crucial for protecting it against allergens. Select a simple, non-irritating moisturizer, and apply it regularly throughout the day as a preventive measure.
When allergic flare-ups occur, avoid using hydrocortisone creams as your first option. Instead, try more natural creams or ointments, such as wheatgrass cream, which tend to be gentler on the skin and safer for long-term use.
That said, in cases of severe inflammation, a well-formulated hydrocortisone cream can be helpful for quick relief, allowing the skin to calm down and begin healing.
Manage Stress
For many skin conditions, stress is a major trigger, so it’s important to learn how to manage your stress levels. Activities such as walking, meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, and talking with others can all help reduce stress.
These days, you can also download guided meditation apps that offer simple 10-minute sessions—perfect to try before bedtime for a more restful sleep.
Clothes
If you are allergic to dust or pollen, be sure to wear appropriate clothing to protect your skin and face when going outdoors.
If your symptoms persist or become severe, please contact our clinic at (03) 9857 8062 for professional treatment and advice.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments for skin conditions may include herbal medicine, topical herbal ointments and acupuncture to reduce inflammation, relieve itching, and clear dampness of skin.
