Study shows that wearing masks outdoors can protect against more than Covid-19 for people who suffer from seasonal allergies. Protection varies mask to mask, depending on the fit and, for cloth masks, the weave of the fabric. And unless you wear a mask at all times, you may still be affected by indoor dust or other things carried through open windows.
● Protect your eyes. It helps block allergens like tree pollen from making direct contact with eyes.
● Wash and change your mask frequently. "The last thing you want is allergen(过敏源) getting trapped in it," Dr. Parikh, an allergist and immunologist at N.Y.U. Langone Health said. She recommends patients change their clothes when they get home and shower before sleep, to ensure that pollen doesn't stick to their skin, and wash reusable masks frequently.
● Find a mask that doesn't make your skin painful. Choosing the right mask for an allergy-prone wearer can also be important. People with sensitive skin may react to dyes in some fabric masks and should use perfume-free detergents (洗涤剂). "My allergy sufferers (患者) have very sensitive skin because the same critters that make them sneeze or cough also can irritate their skin," Dr. Parikh said.
● "If people are continuing to have symptoms that interfere with normal activity — if they're missing work, missing school, their sleep is disrupted at night — see a physician," Dr. Lang, an allergist at Cleveland Clinic, said. "There are other ways we can help. You shouldn't be suffering needlessly."
A. Wear glasses or sunglasses when you're outside.
B. Talk to a doctor if your allergy symptoms are severe.
C. There are more tips to reduce your symptoms in allergy seasons.
D. Wearing a mask also makes the air through our nose much warmer.
E. Or choose a medical grade mask which is less likely to irritate (刺激) skin.
F. Give up our masks if we head into another pandemic season in the future.
G. The Center for Disease Control recommends washing a cloth mask after each use.
