Yellow Pollen Week

Posted on: April 9th, 2025 by Our Team

Popular rock-pop band Coldplay got it right when they sing “…And it was all yellow” in their eponymous song Yellow. Who knew they were talking about spring and pollen in central North Carolina! As spring approaches, you may start noticing a fine layer of yellow pollen covering cars, sidewalks, and windowsills. While this seasonal shift brings blooming flowers and warmer days, it also triggers allergies in many individuals. Sneezing, itchy eyes, and skin rashes are common reactions to pollen exposure. In this week’s Apex Skin center blog, we’ll talk about pollen, how to protect yourself and manage symptoms effectively.

What Is Yellow Pollen?

Yellow pollen is primarily produced by trees, grasses, and weeds, with pine pollen being one of the most visible types due to its bright yellow hue. While pine pollen is often blamed for seasonal allergies, it is usually not the main culprit. Instead, smaller, airborne pollen grains from ragweed, oak, birch, and grass species are more likely to cause allergic reactions, even though they are not as visible as pine pollen.

Common Symptoms of Pollen Allergies

Pollen allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Frequent Sneezing: When pollen enters the nasal passages, the immune system responds by triggering sneezing to expel the allergen.
• Itchy, Watery Eyes: Pollen exposure can cause irritation and inflammation in the eyes, leading to redness, itching, and excessive tearing.
• Nasal Congestion and Runny Nose: Allergies can lead to increased mucus production, causing a stuffy or runny nose.

How Pollen Affects the Skin

Patients who are prone to asthma or seasonal allergies also have a higher likelihood of developing eczema in their lifetime. For individuals with sensitive skin or pre-existing conditions like eczema, pollen exposure can trigger or worsen symptoms. Pollen particles can cling to the skin, causing irritation and an allergic reaction known as pollen dermatitis.

This condition may present as:

• Red, inflamed patches of skin
• Itchy, dry, or scaly areas
• Hives or raised welts

Prolonged exposure to pollen, combined with factors like heat and sweat, can exacerbate these reactions, making skin protection an essential part of allergy management.

Tips to Manage Pollen Allergies and Skin Reactions

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Thomas Knackstedt at Apex Skin Center recommends a combination of prevention and treatment strategies:

1. Limit Outdoor Exposure: Check pollen forecasts and try to stay indoors when counts are high, especially during early morning and late afternoon when pollen levels peak.
2. Shower and Change Clothes: After spending time outdoors, wash off pollen from your skin and hair, and change into clean clothing to prevent further exposure.
3. Use a Gentle Skincare Routine: Choose hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products to soothe irritated skin and maintain a healthy barrier.
4. Apply Moisturizer and Barrier Creams: Hydrating the skin can help reduce irritation caused by pollen exposure.
5. Take Antihistamines or Allergy Medications: Over-the-counter antihistamines can help relieve symptoms, while topical corticosteroids may be needed for severe skin reactions.
6. Keep Indoor Air Clean: Use air purifiers and keep windows closed during peak pollen seasons to reduce allergen exposure inside your home.