Avoidance recommendations

Avoidance consists of eradicating all contacts with the allergen causing the symptoms and can only be carried out once the allergen causing the symptoms has been officially identified.

However useful and recommendable, avoidance is often difficult to carry out and sometimes very problematic! Careful control of the atmosphere inside the home (in particular) reduces exposure to the allergen.

Allergies to foodstuffs and medication

One should of course avoid consuming any substances to which one is allergic. However, extreme care has to taken to detect ‘hidden’ allergens in foodstuff ingredients or in medications.

Contact allergies

Eviction is based on the eradication of all skin contact with the allergen in question.

Mite allergies

The interior of the home must be organised in such a way that the number of these microscopic organisms and their waste (which cause allergic symptoms) be reduced.
Mites proliferate in bedding which provides all the necessary conditions for them to develop (heat, humidity and especially nourishment from our dander and dead skin).

To fight against mites: Regulate the temperature of the bedroom (18-19°C maximum) and leave the windows open (for at least 30 minutes a day) to air the room regularly especially when it is warm and humid in the room.

- Reduce the level of humidity in the rooms

- Remove all stuffed objects that cannot be washed at 60°C (stuffed toys, cushions) and avoid the use of curtains, carpets, etc.

- Dust furniture and hoover the house frequently.

- Use medical-quality anti-mite mattress, pillow, quilt and bolster covers as they form an effective barrier by avoiding contact with mites.

Pollen allergies

Pollen is the most difficult allergen of all to avoid. Grains of pollen are so small that they are not visible to the naked eye and the wind blows them along!

However, some measures can be taken to reduce exposure to pollen:

- Avoid going on picnics and walks during the pollen period (spring, summer)

- Wash hair and change clothes after having been on a walk in the countryside

- Avoid using a lawn mower or being present when grass is mowed

- Use air conditioning rather than opening wide  the windows  during the pollen season.

Allergies to animal dander (fur, scales)

Avoid contact with domestic animals and the places they usually spend time in. Sometimes one has to envisage parting with the family pet which can be very difficult when one is very attached to the animal.

Careful!
Although these preventive eviction measures can be carried out and give good results, they do not totally eradicate sources of allergens. Moreover, these measures cannot be applied with the same efficacy to all environmental allergens.