Is it a grass pollen allergy? Let’s find out and stop the itch!
Been out in the garden? Rolling in the grass with the dog? Laying in the grass watching the sunset? Running through overgrown fields? Getting your yoga on in the park or in your backyard?
Chances are you may end up with a few itchy welts. Let’s look at the most common culprits along with what you can do to combat the itch and discomfort.
(If you feel dizzy or faint, experience constriction of your airways, swollen tongue or throat or a weak and rapid pulse please seek medical help immediately (call 9-1-1) as it may be a sign of severe allergic reaction.)
Allergies
Lots of folks are mildly sensitive to different types of pollen, all of which can drift through the air and land on grass. Coming into contact with grass could potentially rub the allergens into the skin causing an itchy inflammatory response.
Mild seasonal pollen allergies or “hay fever” can produce itchy swelling in the mucus membranes of the nose and throat. Itchy watery eyes and sneezing are also common symptoms of a grass allergy. Keep in mind that grass pollen counts are concentrated in the mornings so avoid grass before noon if at all possible.
Bug bites
Ants, fleas, mosquitoes, chiggers, no-see-ums are just a few of the bugs found in grass that could potentially bite resulting in skin irritation.
Cuts and scrapes
The edges of a blade of grass are rough and uneven creating a saw blade kind of affect. The surface is also covered with trichomes (tiny bristles). When grass contacts the skin it can make microscopic cuts that can cause pain and discomfort especially when salty sweat or other irritants are introduced to the area. Ouch!
For bug bite and cut relief:
- In the garden? Try basil, mint or thyme. All have anesthetic properties (think… natural painkillers) Mint, thyme and lavender are also anti inflammatory. Try crushing the leaves between your fingers and use it to gently blot the affected area. A tea can also be made and left to cool to be applied to the area with a washcloth.
- The long time classic- Aloe (the juice from inside the leaf) can be applied directly and left to dry.
- Apply cool/cold compresses of a cloth soaked with a solution of water and vinegar, damp teabags (used or not) or the inside of banana peel (to soothe and moisturize). Keeping these chilled can act to restrict blood vessels, reducing the spread of the allergy response.
- Honey and it’s antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties are a good bet for bites. Prevent a sticky mess by covering loosely with a bandage.
- Oatmeal or baking soda mixed with just enough water to form a paste also makes a classic home remedy for bug bites.
- If you are covered in bites a soak in a bath might be a good idea. Cool or warm but not too hot. Oatmeal, vinegar or baking soda can all be added to the bath water. Be sure to rest a strainer over your drain if using oatmeal.
- Calamine lotion.
- Ointments or salves containing camphor or menthol.
- Try a soothing lotion. Aveeno with oatmeal, Benadryl anti-itch spray or lotion, Gold Bond… just something to moisturize the skin and curb the itch. I found that if I applied a touch of lotion immediately after contact with grass it burned a little but saved me a lot of discomfort later.
Next time you find yourself sprawled out on the lawn remember to grab a soothing lotion, wear long pants ant take a light long sleeved shirt to cover up with. At the very least take a picnic blanket! I have a foldable, waterproof picnic blanket and I’ve been using it for the last decade… great stuff.
Don’t let the grass slow you down. Enjoy your summer! If you have a great suggestion to minimize the rash and itchy stinging effect grass can have on our skin please drop it in the comments down below. We’d love to hear it.