So, you’ve enjoyed a picnic in the sunshine. Or you’ve sat on the grass for a twilight concert. But you’ve come away with itchy and scratchy skin.
Could you have an allergy to grass? Or is something else going on?
One possible reason we get a rash is the physical structure of grass itself.
Blades of grass are covered in tiny “hairs” (called trichomes), which you can view under a microscope.
These help protect the grass from being eaten by insects or animals, damaged by ultraviolet rays or losing too much water.
Trichomes can also cause tiny scratches to the skin and the skin reacts by becoming red and may feel itchy.
Some species of grass are also firmer or stiffer so may feel more “scratchy” when people sit on them.
Skin is a complex organ and is linked to the immune system. When irritated, the skin and immune system recognise something is happening and release complex chemicals that can cause redness and itching.
People with dry, red, itchy skin conditions often find their skin is extra sensitive to grass and other irritants like fertilisers or sprays. For example, if you have eczema (also called dermatitis) your skin looks and feels dry, as your skin barrier is damaged.
Grass allergy involves aero-allergens, that is, the grass pollen in the air. Symptoms include runny or a stuffy nose, itchy nose and eyes and even itchy ears.
If you have these symptoms, allergy specialists may perform a skin prick test to identify particular aero-allergen triggers.
After the allergist takes your detailed history, drops of various allergens are placed on the forearm, along with a positive and negative control. A sterile lancet pricks the skin through the drop. After 15 minutes the test is read, with positive reactions showing a “wheal and flare” response (a lump like a mosquito bite and redness). The allergist then interprets the findings.
But, in the absence of hay fever-like symptoms, dermatologists may perform allergy patch testing to investigate contact allergies (dermatitis) to specific plants, for example.
In a patch test the dermatologist places a series of small chambers (or sticky dots) on the back, each one containing a different potential allergen. The test takes several days to produce results. If a reaction develops under a test chamber, the dermatologist may confirm allergic contact dermatitis.
The best way to reduce physical irritation problems with grass it to limit contact. This could involve simple things like wearing long sleeves or pants, or sitting on a rug or towel.
Many Australians do have dry skin, but do not often realise how dry it is. So, applying a basic thick moisturiser to the face and body skin can help place a barrier between the grass and the skin. Sunscreen is also recommended when outdoors.
For people who have dry, red or itchy skin conditions or those who experience itchiness when sitting on the grass, taking antihistamines a minimum of 30 minutes before you sit on the grass may help lessen the itchiness.
If you do develop a rash, here are a few tips:
taking an antihistamine
rinsing skin with tepid water
washing off the potential irrit
The R.I.C.E. Protocol and Alternative Treatments for Tendonitis 1. R.I.C.E. Protocol The R.I.C.E. method can…
Kyle Sandilands Reneges on Promise to Take Ozempic, Citing "I'm Not Here to Pander to…
Influence of Masculinity on Boys and Men Study Breaks Down Boys into Two Groups In…
Managing Appetite and Weight in Children with ADHD Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) impacts the…
Cranberry White Chocolate Cookie Bars: A Holiday Treat to Remember A Delicious Twist on a…
Dauda on Whole Foods & Preparation 2024 Mr. Olympia Samson Dauda attributes a lot of…
This website uses cookies.