10 golden rules

10 golden rules to live by for allergy sufferers:

1 Clean all rooms thoroughly once a week.

2 Wear gloves when you do the dishes. If you use rubber gloves for an extended period of time, we recommend that you wear a pair of cotton gloves underneath.

3 Use products without allergenic substances such as perfume or coloring.

4 Air out thoroughly three times a day for 5-10 minutes. Airing out all rooms brings down the air humidity thereby reducing the presence of dust mites and the risk of mould fungi growth.

5 Wash your duvet or comforter and pillows four times a year, your mattress pad 6-12 times a year and your bed linen every week or every other week. It is not important whether your duvet/comforter or pillow is filled with synthetic materials or down. What is important is that it can be washed at 60°C (140°F) thereby killing any dust mites.

6 Also remember to wash your children's stuffed animals at 60°C (140°F) every three months.

7 Air dry your clothes outside or use a dryer with outdoor ventilation.

8 Avoid passive smoke. Cigarette smoke increases the risk of asthmatic bronchitis and asthma.

9 Limit hot showers as hot water dries out your skin.

10 Moisturize your skin immediately after you shower or on a daily basis.