People with pollen allergies, be careful when eating watermelon.

The causes of summer allergies are diverse. They can be triggered not only by mold and plants but also by insects, sunlight, and metals. Allergic reactions can also occur after eating certain foods. Let's explore the allergy symptoms and coping methods for various causes.

▷Grass＝Releases pollen during its reproductive period from June to August. The pollen enters the respiratory system or eyes, causing symptoms such as sneezing, clear nasal discharge, nasal congestion, and coughing, which are associated with allergic rhinitis and asthma, as well as nasal congestion. There are about 20 types of grasses, including Bermuda grass and Timothy grass, and if you are allergic to grass, you will react to all types. People with grass allergies should avoid areas with a lot of grass, such as golf courses and parks, and it is advisable to go outside after 10 a.m. because grass pollen can be carried up to 1.5 meters above ground before 10 a.m., making it easy to inhale through the nose and mouth. After returning home from outside, change clothes and take a shower to wash off the pollen on your body.

Increased outdoor activities lead to more contact with insects such as mosquitoes, bees, ticks, and ants. When insects attach to human skin and bite, they release saliva, which contains proteins that soften the skin. When these proteins come into contact with skin cells, blisters may form or swelling may occur. An inflammatory response throughout the body can lead to anaphylaxis, causing difficulty breathing. It is recommended to actively use insect repellent and avoid going outside after 8 p.m., when mosquitoes are most active.

▷Mold = During the summer months, as humidity rises to 60-90%, molds such as Cladosporium and Alternaria proliferate extensively. Mold spores and dust particles float in the air, and when they enter the body through the respiratory system and skin, they can trigger asthma symptoms. To prevent mold allergies, it is advisable to avoid going out the day after it rains. On rainy days, high humidity promotes mold growth, but rainwater washes away mold spores, reducing the likelihood of them entering the body. However, once the rain stops, mold that proliferated the previous day floats in the air and can easily enter the body.

▷ Metals = gold, silver, lead, iron can cause allergies when they come into contact with sweat. Chloride ions in sweat dissolve metals, and when the dissolved metals meet the body's proteins, they can cause skin itching, burning, and oozing. Usually, there are no issues, but if symptoms appear during summer when wearing accessories or pants with metal waistbands, metal allergy may be suspected. When choosing eyeglass frames, it is better to select plastic materials that do not contain metals like nickel.

Sunlight = Ultraviolet rays penetrate the skin's epidermal layer and stimulate epithelial cells, making the skin more sensitive. This can cause itching, blisters, swelling, and a burning sensation. Ultraviolet rays are present throughout all four seasons, but during summer, the UV index is much stronger on many days. Short-sleeved clothing increases the areas of skin directly exposed to UV rays, which is also problematic. It is recommended to cover the skin with thin, long-sleeved clothing and apply sunscreen to exposed areas. It is best to avoid going outside from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. when UV rays are strongest.

▷Summer foods = Watermelon, peaches, tomatoes, melons, etc. Some people experience a burning sensation and swelling of the lips when eating summer fruits and vegetables. It is not a problem with the fruits and vegetables themselves, but a reaction similar to pollen allergy that appears in the body. When consuming fruits and vegetables with molecular structures similar to pollen, the body reacts in the same way as it does when in contact with pollen. Through skin allergy tests, it is necessary to identify the pollen that causes allergic reactions in oneself and the foods with similar molecular structures to that pollen, and avoid consuming them.

When your skin turns red, swells, or itches due to allergies, it is good to soothe the skin with an ice pack. If symptoms are severe, medical treatment is necessary. Applying or taking antihistamines, steroids, or immunosuppressants can alleviate the symptoms. If coughing and a runny nose are severe, treatment for asthma or rhinitis should be sought.