Spring is coming...

With Spring just around the corner, allergies and hayfever are almost upon us! If you are like me and pollen drives you absolutely crazy in terms of your eczema and allergies, I have a few tips! From simple to a little bit more expensive, these tips can see you surviving spring just a little bit better!

1) Shower at night!
It might seem a bit odd to say this, but showering at night can actually help! During the day you accumulate pollen on your skin and clothes. If you shower in the morning then you are taking all that pollen into your bed and it gets onto your sheets. This only makes your symptoms worse.

2) Keep your house well ventilated and vacuum regularly.
Just like keeping your house clear of dust, regular vacuuming and keeping the house dry and well ventilated can keep pollen levels inside the house as low as possible.

3) Keep doors and windows shut if it is windy.
Wind will bring an excess of pollen through those windows and doors and annoy your allergies! So if there is a lot of wind around keep the doors and windows closed.

4) Antihistamines!
From Zyrtec to Claratyne there are so many different types of antihistamines so that you can find one that works for you. Personally I use Polaramine as I find it is the only one that relieves my symptoms! However it can make other people drowsy, so be careful!

5) Air washer/Purifier
This is the most expensive of all the tips, but it can make a huge difference! Air washers clean the air in a room and can eliminate a lot of dust and pollen. I use the Cli-Mate Air Washer which you can add essential oils too and it has a colour changing lights to help kids fall asleep or if you want to enhance your mood for studying or relaxing! I bought mine from the Shaver Shop but you can get them at Harvey Norman as well. Here is the website so you can read more about them: http://www.cli-mate.com.au/products/desktop/air-washer

What are your tips to help beat the spring allergies?

Treat Yourself!

Those with allergies can sometimes find it hard to find treats when out and about during the day. When I was younger, there was not as many allergy friendly products around, so when my sisters bought an icecream, I would have to go without, or have something when we got back home. 

Now there are so many things out and about that allergy kids (and adults) can treat themselves with!

1) Perfect Fruit! 

Perfect Fruit is a soft serve fruit treat! It is dairy free and comes in a variety of flavours. 

They recently had a machine installed near my university, and trust me, I have been trying all of the flavours! :) 

It's a delicious 100% fruit treat that even those without allergies can enjoy!

Check the website out and see the store locator: http://spcardmona.com.au/en/healthy-brands/perfect-fruit

2) Leda Biscuits: 

These biscuits are delicious! They have gingersnaps, tim tam style biscuits and many more that make a great lunchbox filler or treat! 

The ingredients vary, but they do have ones that are dairy free, vegan, egg free and more!

http://www.ledanutrition.com/

3) Kinnerton/Sweet William Chocolate

Both of these brands do absolutely amazing allergy friendly chocolate. You can find them at supermarkets, Big W and Target.  Sweet William has many types of chocolate including No Added Sugar, Dark Chocolate Orange, White Chocolate Strawberry and many more! Where I live, there is only one type of Kinnerton on sale, but it tastes so good! You can use the chocolate in cooking or just eat it straight out of the packet...

4) Homemade treats

Homemade is just as good as bought! Cupcakes, biscuits, sorbet, custard, jelly and much more can be made easily at home and taste amazing! I love messing around in the kitchen and creating new and interesting treats, such as allergy friendly custard tarts, savoury muffins and much more! It's fun and you feel a sense of accomplishment when your treat tastes amazing. 

What are your favorite treats?

Note: None of the companies mentioned have paid me for these recommendations, I put these companies in because I enjoy their products and want to share them with my readers!