Dr. Shawn’s Blog

Helping Your Allergic Family Members

August 10, 2010 on 5:35 am | In General Posts | No Comments

The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) and its allergist members, doctors who are experts at diagnosing and treating allergies and asthma, offer the following research-based environmental changes that can reduce the allergen levels in your home and may help stop symptoms:

1. Replace carpeting with hard surfaces. Did you know carpeted floors accumulate 100 times more cat allergens than hard floors? Switch to polished surfaces like hardwood floors, polished stone or tile.
2. Limit or remove fabric upholstered furniture. Research shows that upholstered furniture and curtains contain significant amounts of cat dander and even more than what is found on the floor.
3. Wash bedding and curtains. To remove pet dander from bedding and curtains, use one of these three techniques: wash in water at least 140°F with one rinse; wash at any temperature with two rinses; or wash in a steam washing machine.
4. Use tightly woven coverings on all bedding. Protective coverings for mattresses, box springs and pillows are often recommended, and studies show that tightly woven fabric with openings less than 4 microns wide can reduce allergens.
5. Make multiple changes for best results. Studies show that making multiple indoor environment changes is required to significantly reduce pet allergens.

And don’t forget about the value of frequent, even daily bathing, with the Dr. Shawn’s Organic Itch Relief Shampoo to remove allergens from your pet’s hair and skin.