St. Augustine grass allergy is allergic reaction to St. Augustine grass. It is one of the rare allergies which is caused due to the pollen that comes out the grass. Grass pollen spreads in air and travels long distances, triggering several types of grass allergies. In this article we discuss symptoms of the allergy and how to prevent it.
St. Augustine grass is a warm season lawn grass that grows widely in tropical and subtropical regions. The botanical name of grass is Stenotaphrum Secundatum and is also known as Charleston grass in South Carolina. It is widely used in lawns in regions such as Southern Mexico, South America, Caribbean region, Western Africa, South Africa, Australia, South Pacific and Hawaiian Islands.
Here are the symptoms that are caused in allergic reaction to St. Augustine grass:
- Itchy skin
- Hives
- Watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Congestion
- Runny nose
- Difficulty in breathing
Any type of grass allergy occurs commonly during late spring or during summer. Same is the case with St. Augustine grass allergy. So it can be called as a seasonal allergy also. Here are some preventive measures to avoid the allergy:
- Do not mow the grass if you are allergic to it. Use gloves to avoid the harmful contact with the grass.
- Do not hang clothes at the places where pollen count is high. They can catch the pollen and damage skin upon wearing them.
- Keep distance from animals. If you have pets, wash them regularly and keep them tidy.
- Upon exposure, clean yourself thoroughly and remove all the traces of pollen grass.
- Use filters and vacuum cleaners in the house.
- See that you stay mostly indoors at early hours of morning and hours between 5.00 and 10.00 AM. This is the time when the pollen count is highest.
