A SOUTHAMPTON doctor has written a book aimed at helping people who suffer from allergies create a healthy home environment.

Looking more like a decorating style book, Allergy-Free Living by Doctor Peter Howarth is packed full of useful medical advice and practical tips on making your home a safe zone - one that won't bring on an attack of the sneezes and a bad case of itching or worse, an anaphylactic attack.

An introductory chapter explains all about allergies like asthma, eczema and hayfever, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, dermatitis and food allergies.

Contributory factors like house mites, mould spores, pollutants, pollen, pets, lifestyle and even the weather are dealt with.

There are hints on diagnosing and managing all types of allergies and eliminating or controlling allergens.

Dr Howarth, a reader in medicine at the University of Southampton and Honorary Consultant Physician at Southampton General, is also on the board of the British Allergy Foundation and a member of the European and World Health Organisation's advisory board for rhinitis management. He is co-author of the book along with medical and scientific writer, Anita Reid.

Allergy-Free Living features some stylish photography as well as useful illustrations that show just where the dangers might lurk.

There are examples of ideal rooms for people who have allergies and step-by-step guidelines on how to achieve an improved home environment, starting with easy, inexpensive alterations to building your own allergy-free house from scratch! The reference section includes a directory of organisations that shows you where to buy everything from anti-mite bed covers and environmentally-friendly paints to underfloor central heating and high-filtration vacuum cleaners.

Allergy-Free Living by Dr Peter Howarth and Anita Reid is £14.99 and is available direct from publishers Mitchell Beazley on 01933 443863.