IF you’re one of the ten million Brits who suffer from hay fever, then you’re probably already well aware of the symptoms.
The condition – also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis – is an allergic reaction to pollen.
Hay fever can also affect other parts of the body, including the skin.Getty – Contributor
Most problems relate to breathing in irritant pollens, so sneezing, watery eyes and congestion are all really common.
But like all allergies, hay fever can also affect other parts of the body, including the skin.
A hay fever related flare up may cause a rash in the form of hives or worsen pre existing skin conditions, such as dermatitis.
GP Dr Nisa Aslam from Typharm, said: “The immune function plays a huge role in any allergic reaction and many of those affected by hay fever often also have a family history of skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis.
“This can mean a double whammy of issues as high pollen counts can also cause these itchy, and often painful, skin conditions to flare up too,” she told The Sun.
Here are the experts four top tips on how to avoid hay-fever related skin conditions:
1. Avoid exposure
Actually avoiding going outside altogether is easier said than done.
“Instead, try keeping an eye on pollen forecasts and try to avoid being outdoors too much when it’s high,” Dr Nisa said.
2. Treat symptoms quickly
Whether it’s hay fever symptoms or a flare up of your eczema or psoriasis, treat it quickly before it gets worse.
For eczema or psoriasis, the doctor advises visiting your doctor.
“They can prescribe corticosteroid such as Fludroxycortide tape, which is a waterproof medicated tape, that you can cut to size and place on the patch of skin for up to 12 hours. “
And as for hayfever, head to the pharmacy to buy some antihistamine – which you can get in eye drop, nasal spray and tablet form.
“Antihistamines are a popular choice as they block the effects of histamine in your body, which causes the allergic symptoms,” she added.
3. Shower and change
Dr Nisa suggests changing your clothes as soon as you come into the house, throw them into the washing machine and jump in the shower.
“Otherwise, you’ll be bringing the pollen indoors with you,” she says.
Hayfever symptoms
HAY fever is a common allergic condition. It affects up to 1 in 5 people at some point in their life.
You’ll experience hay fever symptoms if you have an allergic reaction to pollen.
The symptoms of hay fever include:
frequent sneezing
runny or blocked nose
itchy, red or watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
an itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
cough, caused by postnasal drip (mucus dripping down the throat from the back of the nose)
Less commonly, you may also experience:
the loss of your sense of smell (anosmia)
facial pain (caused by blocked sinuses)
headaches
earache
tiredness and fatigue
If you have asthma, your asthma symptoms may get worse when you have hay fever.
Source: NHS