How can I treat my child's allergies at home?

First, keep your home as free as possible of your child’s allergy trigger. Your doctor will design a treatment plan for you to follow. And there are practical things you can do for your child, like saline for a stuffy nose or oatmeal baths for itchy skin. Ask your healthcare provider if these may be helpful.

Let’s start with treatment. Usually, allergy medicine for kids means antihistamines and corticosteroids. These can block or calm allergy symptoms. If your child’s condition still isn’t under control, allergy immunotherapy could be an option to teach their body not to overreact.

Additionally, there are simple home remedies that can support your child’s treatment:

• Stuffy nose and itchy eyes: Ask your doctor if saline solution could be helpful

• Itchy skin: Give your child a cool or luke-warm bath and add oatmeal. This can help relieve the itching. Pat your child dry, don’t rub. Then gently smooth an emollient into your child’s skin. Ask your doctor to recommend one. This can improve your child’s skin barrier health. Keep their fingernails short to stop them damaging their skin if they can’t help scratching.

We’ve left avoidance till last because you’re probably doing this already. But in case your child has a new diagnosis, here are some tips on how to help them in the home:

• Pollen: Stay indoors and close the windows when pollen levels are high. Bathe your child, wash their hair before bed and leave worn clothes in the bathroom. Don’t let pets into their bedroom either as animals can carry pollen on their fur.

• Dust mites: Vacuum at least twice a week and hot wash bed linen once a week. Use mite-proof covers for the mattress and bedding. Wash soft toys regularly. Also keep humidity levels in your home at 35-50%.

• Food: Don’t restrict your child’s diet unless your doctor advises it. Check ingredients and keep their food separate in case of cross-contamination.