Health Conditions A-Z Allergy 9 Weird Things That Make Your Allergies Worse Allergies are already the worst, but did you know you could be unintentionally making them even more unbearable? By Health.com Editorial Team Health.com Editorial Team An article by 'Health.com Editorial Team' indicates a collaborative effort from our in-house team. Sometimes, several writers and editors may contribute to an article over the years. These collaborations allow Health.com editors to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available. The editors at Health.com are a dedicated team of experienced health editors, writers, and other media professionals who strive to bring trustworthy and responsible health and medical content to their readers. As a team, we have decades of experience in health journalism, and have worked at legacy publishers and some of the biggest news and media companies in the U.S. health's editorial guidelines Published on September 30, 2016 Share Tweet Pin Email Allergies are already the worst, but did you know you could be unintentionally making them even more unbearable? Turns out, there are quite a few things that you might be doing that are making your allergies worse. For example, certain raw fruits may give some allergy sufferers an allergic reaction. And your scented candle? It could be irritating your eyes and nose. Watch this video for nine things that are making your allergies worse, so you can know what to cut in order to feel better. Don’t have time to watch? Read the full transcript: Apples, cantaloupe, tomatoes: These raw fruits can have proteins on their skins that resemble pollen. Up to 1/3 of people with pollen allergies may also have allergic reactions when eating these fruits raw. Contact lenses: Soft lenses can absorb airborne irritants like pollen or smoke. Stress: Stress may increase flare-ups for people who suffer from hay fever. Alcohol: One study says that women who had more than 14 drinks a week were 78% more likely to develop a perpetually stuffy nose compared to women who drank less. Perfume and candles: Anything with added fragrance can irritate the lining of the eyelids and nasal passages. Your clothes: Especially clothing made from rough or sticky fabrics like wool, which clings to pollen and dust. Bathing in the morning: Pollen sticks to skin and hair. So shower before bed to wash away allergens clinging to your body. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit