Hay fever: Dr Chris Steele shares advice on avoiding pollen
Hay fever is a common allergic reaction to pollen – a fine powdery substance distributed by plants, trees and grass.
Therefore, hay fever is typically worse during the warmer months as pollen count is at its peak.
The most common allergen is grass pollen, which usually peaks in the first two weeks of June.
However, tree and weed pollen and indoor allergens like dust mites, pets, and mould also contribute.
While symptoms such as coughing, sneezing and itchy eyes might seem mild they can become debilitating for some people, limiting the amount of time they are able to spend outside.
With this in mind, experts from furniture and mattress suppliers Bed Kingdom, have shared some top tips about how to avoid or reduce symptoms of hay fever.
They recommended a “cheap and convenient” hack to prevent pollen reaching your nose and eyes.
“Vaseline acts as a barrier and traps pollen,” they told Express.co.uk.
“Apply Vaseline around your nostrils and under your eyes in the morning or at night before bed to prevent as much from entering your eyes and nose.
“Vaseline is a highly effective barrier for pollen as it stops particles from getting into your eyes and nostrils.
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“It’s a preventative measure to help keep the worst symptoms at bay by creating a protective shield where pollen enters the body.
“That means less chance of waking up with itchy eyes and a runny nose.
“It’s a super cheap and convenient hack for use at any time or place, and a tub should go much farther than a packet of antihistamines”.
They also advised on other simple methods to lessen the impact of hay fever.
Wear protection
The experts said: “Wearing sunglasses and a hat or hair tie will prevent pollen particles from gathering around the eyes and on your hair and skin.
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“At night, a sleeping or cooling mask can help achieve the same effect and prevent any pollen on your bedding from getting into your eyes as you sleep.”
Shower and change clothes after being outside
“Pollen collects on us throughout the day, sticking to our clothes, hair, and skin,” they explained.
“If you’ve been outside, shower and change your clothes and shoes to wash off and eliminate particles, helping to prevent spreading onto bed sheets and throughout the home.
“Avoid walking on grass where possible to avoid direct contact with pollen.”
Keep windows and doors shut
They added: “In summer, our instincts encourage us to open our windows and doors to let fresh air in.
“For allergy sufferers, it is better to keep them shut, at least for the first few hours after sunrise, as this is when pollen is released and before sunset when it settles back down.
“Consider using a dehumidifier if windows must stay open.”
Symptoms of hay fever include:
- Sneezing and coughing
- A runny or blocked nose
- Itchy, red or watery eyes
- Itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
- Loss of smell
- Pain around your temples and forehead
- Headache
- Earache
- Feeling tired.
If you are suffering from hay fever symptoms, a pharmacist can give advice and suggest the best treatments available.
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