The second week of August every year is China Allergy Prevention and Control Week. Many people think that spring is the season with the highest incidence of allergies in a year, but in fact, every summer, the number of allergy patients in major hospitals is also quite considerable. So, what causes allergies in summer? What misconceptions do we have about allergies? Some foods and medications contain photosensitive substances, like adding an "optical amplifier" to ultraviolet light, which can induce and exacerbate UV allergies in sensitive individuals. Wang Huiping, chief physician of the Department of Dermatology/Allergy at Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, introduced that many common foods in daily life are photosensitive, such as purslane, coriander, fennel, celery in vegetables, pineapple, mango in fruits, etc. After consumption, it will increase the sensitivity of the human body to light. In addition, certain drugs also have such effects, such as tetracyclines and quinolones, which can increase sensitivity to light when taken. In summer, UV rays are strong. Dr. Wang Huiping pointed out that UV allergy and sunburn are two different concepts. Everyone may experience local skin redness, swelling, pain, and other signs of sunburn after exposure to sunlight. UV allergy is related to an individual's allergic constitution, usually appearing in exposed areas such as the head, face, neck, back of the hand, arms, etc. Symptoms such as redness, papules, itching, and in severe cases, swelling may also occur. Dr. Wang Huiping suggests that from 10am to 4pm, ultraviolet rays are relatively strong, and it is advisable to avoid going out during this time. If it is necessary to go out, it is necessary to take sun protection measures. After entering the rainy season, the high temperature and humid environment accelerate the growth of mold, and damp places such as bathrooms become "breeding grounds" for mold growth. Mold can cause allergic rhinitis, especially in children, and is often mistaken for a cold. Dr. Wang Huiping stated that the symptoms of allergic rhinitis generally manifest as itching, runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, etc., and the symptoms last for a long time, possibly several weeks or even months, and often recur. The course of the common cold is relatively short, usually recovering in 7 to 10 days. So, if a child frequently catches a cold, parents should pay attention to whether they have allergic rhinitis. To reduce allergens, methods such as air conditioning dehumidification, enhanced ventilation, and regular cleaning of water stains can be used at home to lower the likelihood of mold production. Dr. Wang Huiping reminds that severe allergic reactions are a very dangerous disease that may even lead to shock and death in patients. Although some people's allergy symptoms may decrease with age, this does not mean that allergies will completely heal on their own. Allergic diseases cannot be completely cured at present because they are related to an individual's allergic constitution. However, there are now many effective treatment drugs and methods that can effectively alleviate and control symptoms. Once the symptoms are severe or persist for a long time, it is advisable to actively seek medical treatment at the hospital. (New Society)