By Sarah Berger, PA-C

As spring approaches, many people prepare for seasonal allergies like sneezing and congestion — but what about your skin? If you experience persistent rashes, itching, or unexplained irritation, allergy season can also make skin symptoms worse.

At Vanguard Skin Specialists, our dermatology team helps patients identify and treat allergic contact dermatitis and chronic skin reactions and offers advanced diagnostic tools like patch testing when needed.

Here’s what you should know about preparing your skin for allergy season.

How Does Allergy Season Affect Your Skin?

Allergy season typically peaks in spring and fall when pollen counts rise. While most people associate seasonal allergies with sinus symptoms, allergens can also trigger skin inflammation, eczema flares, hives, and contact dermatitis.

Common skin-related allergy symptoms include:

• Red, itchy rashes
• Dry, scaly patches
• Burning or stinging skin
• Eyelid or facial dermatitis
• Worsening eczema during high pollen months

Environmental allergens like pollen, mold, and grasses can irritate sensitive skin. In addition, increased sweating and more time spent outdoors may worsen reactions to skincare products, sunscreens, and fragrances.

If your rash keeps coming back or doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatments, it may be time to see a medical dermatology specialist.

Preparing Your Skin for Allergy Season

Even if you don’t need patch testing, there are proactive steps you can take to protect your skin:

1. Simplify Your Skincare Routine

Stick with fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products and try to avoid introducing several new products at the same time.

Our retail skincare shop, clara, offers medical-grade solutions for every skin type and concern. Learn more and shop online at www.shopclara.com.

2. Moisturize Regularly

A healthy skin barrier is your first line of defense against pollen, pollution, and other environmental allergens. When the skin barrier becomes compromised — often from dryness, over-exfoliating, harsh cleansers, or cold weather — allergens can penetrate more easily, leading to itching, redness, and inflammation.

Using a fragrance-free, dermatologist-recommended moisturizer daily helps restore hydration and reinforce the skin’s protective barrier. Look for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide, which support barrier repair and help calm irritation.

For best results, apply moisturizer immediately after showering while your skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration. Consistent moisturizing is especially important for patients with eczema, sensitive skin, or a history of contact dermatitis.

3. Shower After Outdoor Exposure

During allergy season, pollen doesn’t just affect your sinuses — it can settle on your skin, hair, and clothing. Prolonged exposure may worsen itching, trigger eczema flares, and irritate already sensitive skin.

After spending time outdoors, especially on high-pollen days, showering can help wash away allergens before they have a chance to cause inflammation. Use lukewarm (not hot) water and a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser to avoid stripping the skin.

Changing clothes after outdoor activities and washing them regularly can also reduce repeated exposure. If you’re prone to eyelid or facial dermatitis, it’s also helpful to keep pillowcases and bedding clean to prevent pollen buildup.

4. Use Gentle, Dermatologist-Recommended Sunscreen

Some chemical sunscreens can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. If you’ve experienced irritation from sunscreen before, patch testing may help identify the specific ingredient causing the reaction.

We always say that the best sunscreen is the one that you will use. If you’re looking for recommendations, click here to see some of our provider favorites.

What Is Patch Testing for Allergic Contact Dermatitis?

 Patch testing is a specialized diagnostic test used to identify substances that cause delayed allergic skin reactions.

Unlike prick testing (used for food or environmental allergies), patch testing detects contact allergens — ingredients or materials that trigger a rash hours or even days after skin exposure.

During patch testing:

• Small amounts of common allergens are applied to your back
• Patches remain in place for 48 hours
• Your dermatologist evaluates your skin reaction over several days

Patch testing helps identify allergies to:

• Fragrances
• Preservatives
• Nickel and metals
• Topical antibiotics
• Ingredients in skincare, cosmetics, or hair products
• Rubber or adhesives

Identifying specific triggers allows us to create a personalized treatment and avoidance plan.

Signs You May Need Patch Testing Before Allergy Season

You may benefit from patch testing if you experience:

• A rash that keeps returning in the same area
• Chronic eczema that doesn’t improve with treatment
• Dermatitis on the eyelids, neck, hands, or face
• Skin reactions to jewelry, cosmetics, or skincare products
• Itching without a clear cause

Many patients assume they have “sensitive skin” when they actually have a specific contact allergy. Patch testing provides clarity and relief.

Allergy Care and Patch Testing at Vanguard

If you’re dealing with unexplained rashes, chronic eczema, or worsening skin symptoms during allergy season, our board-certified dermatology team is here to help.

Don’t spend another season guessing what’s causing your skin irritation. Call us at 719-355-1585 or click here to schedule your appointment.

---

Sarah Berger, PA-C, is a board-certified Physician Assistant specializing in medical dermatology, with extensive experience diagnosing and managing skin cancer and chronic dermatologic conditions. She is committed to evidence-based, patient-centered care and values building long-term relationships with her patients. She currently practice at Vanguard’s Colorado Springs – Northgate and Cañon City locations.