Managing Allergies During Diwali: How to Avoid Triggers from Fireworks and Festivities

Introduction

Diwali is another name for Deepavali, or the festival that is associated with light, mostly in terms of time. While it is a good time for lovers, for many people, it is a time of sneezing and itchy eyes and skin due to allergies. For example, fireworks, smog, gumdrops, and wreaths can cause a great allergic reaction. People with allergies know that managing these symptoms during Diwali is very difficult. If one follows certain guidelines, one can savour the festival without undue discomfort.

Common allergy triggers in Diwali

So, let’s first look at things you should know so as not to expose yourself to the possibility of an allergic reaction during Diwali. Common culprits include:

Fireworks and smoke: Air-borne emissions from the fireworks cause respiratory problems such as sneezing, coughing and asthma attacks. The particulate matter in the air, especially during Diwali, rises to dangerous levels, but people with respiratory allergies complain more.

Dust from decorations: Bright-coloured Rangoli, old lights, dusty curtains, and everything used during the festering can release allergens. If such items have been in storage for some time, they will likely be full of dust mites and mold, known allergens.

Sweets and food allergies: Diwali sweets are awesome, but they are warned with nuts, dairy products, and other substances that can cause food allergies. At this point, it’s always good to consider the ingredients in case one has a specific food product allergy.

Diyas and incense for your favourite fragrances: Essential oils, candles, and incense burners give a proper festive feel on Diwali, but to some, ringing ear, sneezing, runny nose, and headache are inclusive.

Cold weather: Diwali falls at a time when the weather starts getting cold I guess you can call it a bit chilly. The dryness produced by cold air will harm your nasal passage and skin, leading to allergies and irritation.

Managing allergies during Diwali

Knowing the triggers, let us discuss how to minimise their impact on allergies during the festive time.

Minimise fireworks exposure

Most often, fireworks are the main allergen that triggers respiratory allergies. If possible, one should not go close to places where people are using crackers. Follow the tips below:

• Watch from a distance
• Use air purifiers
• Wear a mask

Keep your home allergen-free

Twelve days of cleaning go hand in hand with twelve days of cleansing but with dust as well as allergens. Keep these tips in mind:

• Clean and sanitise decorations:  
• Use hypoallergenic rangoli colours
• Vacuum regularly

Be mindful of food allergies

The Diwali festival has lots of food, and sometimes it is really hard to find special meals if you have allergies. Here’s what you can do:

• Check ingredients
• Prepare alternatives
• Inform your host

Avoid strong fragrances

Although diya smoke and incense sticks set a festive mood, both can cause irritation in the parts of your body that are relayed through the nasal passages. Here are some tips:

• Use unscented products
• Limit incense use

Protect your skin

The cold climate during the Diwali festival, plus polluted air, will leave your skin very dry and more vulnerable to itching or any form of rashes. Follow the tips below to ensure a healthy skin:

• Stay hydrated
• Use a good moisturiser
• See a dermatologist

When to get allergy skin tests?

If you have not been able to determine the cause of your allergies, or if those allergies flare up during Diwali, then it is time you take an allergy skin test. These make it possible to determine the specific things that affect you, like dust, mold, food, and even certain fragrances. When you identify them, you are in a position to ensure that you avoid them.

Most dermatologists and allergists are now in a position to provide extensive testing on the patient. In case you are in Delhi, it is very important to locate the finest dermatologist for skin and allergy tests.

Conclusion

Diwali is supposed to be a festival of lights, not a festival of allergies. With a little preparation and awareness of what sets you off, you can still have all the fun of the season without all the sneezing. These steps are easy to follow: Not going out during fireworks, staying in places with fresh air, and seeking professionals for allergy solutions, such as skin allergy tests.

Just in case the allergies do not reduce or seem to be getting worse, do not hesitate to visit the best dermatologist in Delhi to assist in passing the season in comfort.