Common Valentine's Day Allergens | Covenant Allergy & Asthma

For many people, Valentine’s Day is a fun and festive celebration of love in our lives. Adults and children alike enjoy sending and receiving sweet valentines. But for those of us with allergies, Valentine’s Day can seem wrought with triggers. Covenant Allergy & Asthma has rounded up some of the most common allergens to keep in mind as we approach this holiday.

Candy and chocolates
Heart-shaped boxes of candy might be one of the most popular gifts on Valentine’s day. Many, if not most, candy assortments contain potential allergens like nuts or dairy. If you’re planning to give out candy on Valentine’s Day, ask the recipient if they have any food allergies.

Flowers
Bouquets of flowers are another popular Valentine’s gift, but can be troublesome for people with plant allergies. Stick with low pollen picks. Luckily, roses make a safer bet because they contain little pollen. A number of other flowers contain less pollen including iris, lily, pansy, periwinkle, and tulips. You can learn more about the best picks here.

Perfume & fragrances
Before giving your Valentine a fancy perfume, make sure they can handle the scent. On your Valentine’s Day date, go light on the perfume or cologne. Heavy scents easily irritate the airways and can trigger an asthma attack.

Jewelry
Thinking about giving your Valentine some pretty jewelry? A set of earrings or a necklace will make a beautiful gift for the occasion. But be aware that cheaper Jewelry often contains nickel, which is a common skin allergen. If your recipient has an allergy to nickel, opt for the pure metals like sterling silver or quality gold–but not white gold. Learn more about the best metals for sensitive skin.

Dinner
Cooking dinner on Valentine’s Day is a great romantic gift that also allows you to better avoid exposure to food allergens. If you do plan to have a special dinner out, call ahead to make sure the restaurant can accommodate you or your date’s food allergies. Most restaurants are especially busy on Valentine’s Day, so talking to the manager ahead of time can help reduce some stress.

This Valentine’s Day, Covenant Allergy & Asthma hope to help you enjoy a pleasant holiday with those you love. And if you need help managing your allergies or asthma, feel free to schedule your appointment with your local allergy specialists. Visit our website to learn more about our services.