Seasonal allergies are often linked to sneezing and itchy eyes, but they can also affect foot health. Allergies can cause discomfort in unexpected ways, leading to skin irritation, joint pain, or even foot swelling. Let’s explore the connection between seasonal allergies and foot health, along with ways to reduce your exposure and ease allergy symptoms.
How Seasonal Allergies Affect the Skin
While seasonal allergies are commonly associated with respiratory symptoms, they can also trigger skin reactions. Histamine release during an allergic response may lead to urticaria (hives) and pruritus (itchiness). Hives can manifest as raised, itchy welts. Pruritus can be painful or irritating and may remain localized to one area or spread across multiple areas of the body.
Allergens such as pollen, mold, or pet dander commonly trigger these reactions.
Can Seasonal Allergies Cause Body Aches?
Along with more familiar symptoms like congestion and watery eyes, seasonal allergies can cause body aches. This is primarily because allergic reactions can trigger inflammatory responses. As a result, this can manifest as pain, stiffness, and a general sense of weakness throughout the body.
How to Manage Seasonal Allergies
With proper care, you can minimize discomfort and enjoy greater mobility, even during allergy season.
- Wear shoes that fully cover the feet to help protect against allergens.
- Wear a face mask outside to prevent allergens from being inhaled.
- Remove clothes you’ve worn outside and shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
- Clean feet daily with gentle soap to remove allergens, and use fragrance-free moisturizers to prevent irritation.
- Take antihistamine or anti-inflammatory medication to help reduce pain and swelling.
When to Consult a Podiatrist
If allergy symptoms persist despite home care or worsen over time, it’s important to seek professional help. A podiatrist will assess your foot health, identify any underlying conditions, and recommend treatments to restore comfort and mobility.
Receive High-Quality Care at The Foot & Ankle Center
For a personalized approach to managing your foot pain, consult with a knowledgeable podiatrist at The Foot & Ankle Center. Our specialized professionals maintain the highest levels of accreditation and stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the medical field. We’ll see which treatments are best for your podiatry health.
Give us a call at (314) 487-9300 or fill out our online contact form to schedule an appointment today!