People around the world suffer from a wide variety of allergies and while they are all very different, they have one thing in common and that is, annoyance. Whether it means avoiding specific foods, runny noses, or a life without pets, allergies always mean some kind of change in your life. This article helps to reduce the impact.

Protect your hair. If you have mid-length to long hair, you probably already know that spending time outdoors means coming back with pollen in your hair. Mold, spores and other allergens become trapped in your hair and may then come into contact with your pillow at night. If possible, tuck all of your hair into a hat whenever you go outside for longer than 10 or 15 minutes.

Most people who are allergic to animal dander assume that dogs, and cats are the only pets that can cause problems in the home. With the exception of fish, reptiles, and amphibians, dander is universal among popular household critters. Ferrets, hamsters, mice, and birds are as likely to trigger an allergic reaction. Keep this in mind as you shop for your next pet.

When looking at your local weather forecast, if you see that pollen is going to be high, take your allergy medication in advance. Why wait until pollen gets too bad to take your medication? Instead, take it in advance, so that you do not have to suffer when going outdoors for the day.

If you are severely allergic to a certain kind of seafood, you may experience a reaction without even ingesting it. Steam that arises from seafood that is being prepared or boiled may be enough to trigger a serious allergic reaction. Never cook with an ingredient that you are allergic to, even if you do not intend to eat it.

Invest in an air purifier. An air purifier, especially in the bedroom, can help make a person with allergies much more comfortable. These units circulate air similar to a fan, while filtering out dust and other air pollutants. For the best results, look for a unit that features a HEPA filter.

Use a microfiber cloth to dust. A feather duster simply pushes dust around and invariably, sends clouds of it into the air. That is bad news for anyone who suffers from allergies. Instead, use a microfiber cleaning cloth. These cloths have very small fibers which trap dust, getting it off of your furniture without sending it into the air or onto your carpet.

Try using a dehumidifier in your home and keeping your humidity in your home below 45 percent. This setting will inhibit any mold growth in your home and keep it an allergy safe environment for you and your family. You can buy a humidity meter at any hard ware store.

Don’t give up on your whole life just because of allergies. You can feel better prepared to face your future by knowing the best ways to avoid allergies and deal with them as they come up. This article is full of great tips on how to do just that.

By Laura