Allergen avoidance advice

General allergen avoidance advice

For allergy to food and occupational allergens, avoidance is the only effective method available.
Avoidance of aeroallergens is difficult and time consuming. Despite this, allergen avoidance should be part of the overall management.
The most effective dust mite avoidance measure is to use suitable covers for mattress and the bedding.
Ideally cats or dogs should be removed and the home vigorously cleaned to enhance allergen reduction.
Cockroaches must be exterminated, followed by aggressive cleaning of the home to remove collected allergen.
Some common sense measures to avoid exposure to high levels of pollen during the season are recommended.
Reducing dampness and regular cleaning can reduce mould growth in the house.

Varnished floors and washable rugs are preferable to fitted carpets - replace if possible.
Vacuum carpets (if not removed) and upholstery at least once a week.
Allow adequate ventilation.
Replace old mattresses.
Use semi-permeable covers for mattresses, pillows and duvets.
Use a damp cloth when dusting.
Change and hot-wash (>55°) pillowcases, sheets, blankets and duvet covers every week.
Replace woollen blankets with synthetic ones or washable duvets.
Avoid using feather pillows or bedding.
Have light washable curtains.
Reduce the amount of upholstered furniture, especially old items.
Expose mattress and bedding to the sunshine.
Keep soft toys to a minimum, hot wash or freeze regularly.

Never allow animals in the bedroom.
Set aside areas in the home where pets are not allowed.
The room where pets are allowed should have washable flooring rather than carpets to minimise accumulation of allergen particles.
Pets should sleep outside the house if possible.
Vacuum clean regularly with a high-efficiency filter.
Grooming or clipping should not be done in the house.
Discourage animals from licking people.
Do not allow visitors to bring animals into your home.
Do not buy or replace pets in future.
Allow adequate ventilation.
Wash cat frequently, this reduces surface allergen.

Avoid cutting the grass yourself.
Avoid going out and keep windows closed in the late afternoon and early evening.
Wear sunglasses when outdoors.
If possible, keep the bedroom windows closed.
Avoid picnic or camping holidays.
Keep car windows closed when in the car.

Avoid exposure to areas of high mould growth, such as basements, compost piles, fallen leaves, cut grass, barns and wooded areas.
Solve problems of dampness inside the house.
Excess humidity produced by bathing and cooking should be reduced with an exhaust fan.
Mould growing in the house can be killed with various products.
Clean and disinfect air conditioning conduits.
Change and hot wash pillowcases, sheets, blankets and duvet covers every week.
Allow adequate ventilation.
Varnished floors and washable rugs are preferable to fitted carpets.