Spring and allergies right around the corner
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What are allergies?
Allergies are what happens when your body picks a fight with something that isn’t actually a threat. These things — pollen, dust, peanuts, shellfish, cat hair, whatever — are called allergens. They can be inhaled, ingested, or touched, and if your immune system has decided it doesn’t like them, it’s going to let you know about it.
Normally, the immune system is in charge of keeping out actual dangers — bacteria, viruses, that kind of thing. It does this by deploying antibodies and chemicals to neutralize threats. But sometimes, it misfires, and a perfectly harmless substance gets flagged as public enemy number one. That’s when histamine kicks in, leading to sneezing, swelling, itching, or worse.
If allergies run in your family, you might end up with them too. But it’s not guaranteed. What is guaranteed is that if you’re allergic to something, your body will respond the same way every time it encounters it — no surprises, just the same overreaction on repeat.
Allergy awareness
Allergens are everywhere, but here’s some good news: you don’t just wake up one day with a brand-new allergy. They’re mostly genetic — either you’re wired for them, or you’re not.
Spring is peak allergy season, thanks to the one-two punch of pollen, catkins (those fluffy, pollen-heavy tree flowers), and increased UV exposure. This is when skin allergies, allergic rhinitis (constant sneezing, runny nose, and congestion), and asthma tend to flare up.
Skin allergies in particular are common this time of year. Symptoms include redness, dryness, itchiness, and inflammation (swelling and irritation).
“For expatriates, skin allergies can hit harder,” says Dr Zhou Mi from Shanghai Yueyang Hospital’s dermatology department. “Lighter skin is more sensitive, and foreigners tend to spend more time outdoors in direct sunlight.” If it gets bad, don’t wait — see a doctor.
Tips for allergy prevention
If you’re allergic to pollen, limit your time outside in spring. If you have to go out, wear a mask. Sun protection is also key, especially if you have skin allergies — think sunscreen and long sleeves.
Diet plays a role too. Some foods, like celery, can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. On the flip side, beta-carotene-rich foods like yams and carrots can help.
Skincare matters. Overwashing your face can make things worse. Twice a day with a gentle cleanser is enough.
“One important thing — don’t self-medicate,” warns Dr Zhou Mi from Shanghai Yueyang Hospital. “People buy random ointments and put them on their faces without professional advice. That can backfire, making symptoms worse or triggering side effects.”
Managing allergies takes a mix of prevention and treatment. Zhou recommends a solid routine: healthy food, enough sleep, regular exercise and the right skincare — moisturizers with hyaluronic acid and ceramide work well. Medical treatments range from anti-allergy meds and ointments to a mix of Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Her clinic includes negative-ion spray, laser therapy, low-energy radio frequency, and TCM-based treatments like herbal masks, herbal soups, and futie (herbal patches applied to acupuncture points).
The hospital has even developed a herbal tea to help with allergies and boost immunity. Here’s the prescription:
乌梅 (Smoked plum) — 9g
五味子 (Schisandra chinensis) — 6g
防风 (Radices sileris, a root used to dispel wind-related illnesses in TCM) — 6g
黄芪 (Radix astragali, known for immune-boosting properties) — 9g
白术 (Atractylodes, a herb used to strengthen digestion and immunity) — 9g
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