Have you ever tried allergy shots? Years ago my allergies were a much more constant nuisance and allergy shots helped a tremendous amount. Eventually I quit them and my allergies never have returned to their previous levels of irritation. Whether or not the shots did something to build up a permanent immunity or it's coincidence, I do not know. But they definitely helped at the time.

I am allergic to nickel. Like... the metal they use to make EVERY BELT BUCKLE ON THIS PLANET! So I buy a belt, wear it until the nickel gives me a rash on my tummy, and then have to get a new one. And there is hardly a way to avoid my belly from touching the metal as jeans these days have a 2" zipper and I'm kind of a fat kid (so sometimes I get that muffin top thing going on when I sit). I would love if someone could tell me where to find a normal looking sterling silver belt buckle. I can't ever find the normal ones... GRRAAAHHH!

Flonase saved my life.

(Which reminds me that it's time to start using it again, since the almond trees are about to bloom.)

fenriq: have you tried irrigating your sinuses with a neti pot or simply flooding them with clean, warm saltwater / saline solution? It's mildly uncomfortable, at least until you get used to the process, but it does work.

youngergirl, I'm afraid to say that most sterling silver contains nickel too unless it's a VERY high end product. In amalgam, granted but it's part of the alloy process.

How about silver-plated copper? Granted it might wear off and turn your skin green eventually but would that be better than the rash? Amazon has an amazing array of belts, by the way.

High end stainless steel would be pricey but some designers do use it, although my weak memory of metallurgy tells me there might be a nickel component in there as well.

youngergirl: have you tried coating your belt buckles with clear nail polish or some kind of varnish? Might be worth a try. I used to put clear nail polish on the inside of a cheap-but-cute ring that turned my finger green and it worked for me.

I have coated everything in nail polish - from belt buckles to jewelry. It flakes off and then you have to put more on, leading to a sort of patchwork of clear patters that bugs me. I can tolerate anything sterling that's stamped 925 (or whatever they stamp on most sterling jewelry). Anything plated will eventually wear off and make me itch. My sister grew out of this, why can't I?

allergy people, what do you think of hepa air filters / air purifiers? Do they work? I've been thinking of buying one or two.

I've never had allergies, but my husband does. I suspect my youngest may also, or maybe it's just one long cold.

Try the Dolisos spray for your region.

It's homeopathic.

I'm so glad I don't have any air-borne allergies, those who do have my sympathies.

In spite of no allergies and no cold, every time I lay down my nose clogs up. So I use Dristan every time I sleep. I guess I'm addicted to it.

Like lonefrontranger I'm allergic to nickle. I'm also allergic to stainless steel. The stainless steel allergy started later in life after I had accumulated a nice collection of watches. I can't wear any of them for more than a few hours. I've tried clear nail polish but it doesn't last long enough to bother with.