Three summer allergies that aren’t hay fever

19th May 2021

Three summer allergies that aren’t hay fever

Summer’s just around the corner. And for many, that means later nights, going out to see friends (now we can again), and just having some fun. 

But for some, it’s their signal to become hypervigilant. Anyone with hay fever will know the rush of looking at the day’s pollen count and trying to remember to stay on top of their antihistamines. But while hay fever is the de facto summer allergy for many, there are others to look out for. Here are three allergies you should look out for.

Sun cream

Sadly, the very solution we use to protect our skin from harm can cause irritation or allergic reactions. There are two types of dermatitis – irritant and allergic. And unfortunately, sun cream can cause both. Irritant dermatitis from sun cream is more common in those with eczema or sensitive skin. The symptoms will appear in the areas it was applied to, causing redness or a stinging sensation.

An allergy to sun cream can be harder to spot as the symptoms are similar to those of heat rash and sunburn. Symptoms also include blistering, bleeding, swelling, scaling, pain, and hives. And these can appear in minutes or take as long as two days to show. 

The sun

Symptoms of solar hives – also known as a sun allergy – are similar to that of a sun cream allergy, making it even harder to figure out. A sun allergy is rare, but the main symptoms include itchy, stinging, and burning red patches on your skin. Other signs include low blood pressure, headache, nausea, and difficulty breathing.

Chlorine

While you can’t be allergic to chlorine per se, a paddle in the pool can still cause some uncomfortable irritation. For those with eczema or sensitive skin, it can cause itchy red skin or hives. And since chlorine dries out the skin, it can further irritate and dry out eczema or existing dermatitis. Other symptoms include scaly skin, rashes, lesions, and tenderness. 

Summer may evoke a carefree sense of freedom. But there are still many allergens or chemicals that may irritate your skin. Stay safe and healthy, and if you ever have any worries about potential allergies, don’t be afraid to speak to a specialist.

You don’t have to give up the activities you love this summer. Get in contact with London Allergy and Immunology Centre today to discuss how we can help you manage your allergies or book a test. Call us now on 02031 433 449.

FAQ: Is it hay fever or COVID?

21st April 2021

FAQ: Is it hay fever or COVID?

The sun’s finally making an appearance again, lockdown is lifting, and we’re all getting a much-needed taste of freedom. But we’re also entering prime pollen season and are still facing a global pandemic. So hay fever and COVID-19 are both about to clash.

One in four people in the UK has hay fever. And as the symptoms of hay fever and COVID can vary so much person to person, it’s not unusual to be left scratching your head about whether you’re feeling under the weather because of your usual allergies or if it’s something more sinister.

With this in mind, we’re here to tackle some of the most common questions you may have about hay fever and COVID.

When does hay fever hit?

Typically, hay fever rears its ugly head from May to July. For frequent sufferers, this is often when symptoms hit their peak. But it isn’t uncommon for them to begin as early as February or as late as September.

The reason? Different pollen types will peak at different times of the year. And, as your allergies will vary year on year, it’s difficult to predict when you might start experiencing symptoms. If you’re a frequent sufferer, we recommend starting your preventative measures early to get ahead.

What symptoms overlap?

Symptoms of both hay fever and the coronavirus will vary largely from person to person. Common symptom overlaps are a loss of smell, sweating, headaches, a blocked nose, and generally feeling unwell. Experiencing any of these will warrant some extra thought – and perhaps even a quick COVID test just to be sure!

Hay fever can also heighten asthma in sufferers, resulting in wheezing and shortness of breath. As this is also one of the key signs of the coronavirus, it’s clear to see why some get confused.

I’ve never had hay fever before; is it coronavirus?

Just because you’ve never had hay fever before doesn’t mean you can’t get it now. There’s no rhyme or reason to hay fever. Some people don’t experience hay fever until later in life. Don’t rule out hay fever just because it’s something you’ve never experienced before.

What do I do if I’m unsure?

As per government guidelines, if you experience a high temperature, continuous cough, or loss of taste or smell, you must self-isolate. Out of the two issues, COVID is far more dangerous, and it’s safer to not assume your symptoms are just hay fever until you have a test to confirm.

If you’re a frequent hay fever sufferer, the best thing to do is to try to get ahead of your symptoms altogether. That means taking daily over-the-counter hay fever medication, minimising time spent outdoors, and closing windows and doors to prevent pollen from getting inside.

If you can reduce your chances of experiencing hay fever symptoms, you also reduce the worry of having to decipher between COVID and your allergies.

At London Allergy & Immunology Centre, we always recommend speaking to a professional about any new symptoms – allergy or otherwise. If you think you have COVID-19, get in touch with the NHS on their website. If you think it is an allergy, we’d be more than happy to help. Get in touch on 02031 433 449.

Preventative measures you can take to keep your hay fever in check

17th March 2021

Preventative measures you can take to keep your hay fever in check

Spring is here. The days are getting longer. The weather is getting warmer. For many, it’s the best time of year. But for others, it signals the return of a particularly pesky condition: hay fever.

Stuffy noses, itchy eyes, and scratchy throats are all they have to look forward to. But other than taking over-the-counter antihistamines, what preventative measures can you take to keep your hay fever at bay? Here are a few suggestions for how you can look out for your health this spring and summer.

Tip #1 – Keep it clean

The cause of hay fever is pollen. It gets into our body and sets off our immune system, which sees it as a threat. That’s why the symptoms are mostly around your face and throat – it’s your immune system trying to fight the pollen away.

But pollen is tricky as it can stick to you. Your clothes, your hair, your furniture, and even your pets can play host to pollen. So one good way to keep yourself healthy is to wash anything the pollen might come into contact with. If you go outside, change your clothes when you get back and stick them in the wash. Shampoo your hair every night. Vacuum your floor and furniture you use a lot. And give your dogs and cats a brush down too. Anything to get rid of the pollen.

Tip #2 – Avoid the outdoors where you can

This tip doesn’t mean you should stay indoors forever (no matter how good at it we are now). But if you can avoid interacting with the outdoors, then it’s the best action to take. We mean something like not opening your windows; if you do, the pollen has an easy way to get inside.

Don’t hang your laundry outside – as we said in tip #1, it’s easy for pollen to stick to clothes. If someone else can do gardening in your household, maybe delegate that task to them. It’s about avoiding any unnecessary interactions with the outdoors.

Tip #3 – Dress appropriately

There are certain items you can wear that will reduce the chance you come into contact with pollen. First, you can invest in some wrap-around sunglasses. These make it harder for pollen to come into contact with your eyes, preventing watery, itchy eyes.

Another item is a cap or other hat. This stops pollen from getting in your hair, reducing the need to wash it as frequently. The last one you will already have – a mask. Pollen particles are actually quite large, meaning the mask you already use to prevent the spread of coronavirus might also help with your hay fever.

Hay fever isn’t fun and can put a real damper on your summer. But they say prevention is better than the cure. So take some basic steps to reduce the chance you come into contact with pollen and talk to your doctor about medication you can use to ease symptoms.

Allergy Clinic London has a team of allergists ready to help you discover and manage your allergies. Don’t let them control your life. Get in touch with us on 02031 433 449.

Are our allergies getting worse?

13th January 2021

Are our allergies getting worse?

The year may have only just begun, but many of us are already looking forward to spring. It being just around the corner may conjure up pleasant thoughts of warmer weather and flowers blooming. But for some, it brings up unpleasant memories of itchy, watery eyes and runny noses. 

Plenty of hay fever sufferers say that their symptoms get worse every year. But is hay fever actually getting worse or is it just the individual’s reaction that gets worse? 

Eternal summer

In short, the answer can be both. When it comes to the pollen allergy (hay fever) example, our allergies are definitely worsening, but so is the amount of pollen. Warmer temperatures caused by global warming are extending our summers. The periods in which pollen is released are longer than usual, meaning more pollen is around for longer each summer. 

This is bad news for those with hay fever but also bad news for those who don’t. Leonard Bielroy, professor and allergy specialist at Rutgers University Center of Environmental Prediction, believes the more exposure you have to an allergen, the more likely you’ll become sensitised to it. 

We’re constantly changing

Allergies change with age. They might go away over time, or you may develop an allergy that you didn’t have in childhood. Both prolonged exposure to allergens and a weakened immune system are potential reasons why someone may develop an allergy, which could be a concern for the elderly. 

Allergies don’t just affect the elderly though; up to 10% of the UK population have a food allergy. And it doesn’t help that we don’t necessarily fully understand allergies. While we believe prolonged exposure to an allergen may trigger an allergic response, there is also evidence to suggest that avoiding allergens can trigger a response because your immune system is unfamiliar with the substance.

As time passes, our allergies are getting worse and are becoming more and more common in children. Many of the factors that make our allergies worse are unfortunately unavoidable, and with allergies in children being difficult for parents to spot, the safest bet is to get a test. 

If you want a test or would like advice on how to deal with your allergies, get in contact with Allergy Clinic London today on 02031 433 449.

Can you have hay fever all year round?

30th September 2020

Can you have hay fever all year round?

Many of us have made peace with our hay fever. In fact, up to 30% of adults and 40% of children have to live with it! Each year, we’re met with the same, familiar symptoms. Waking up to a stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and thinking “well, here we go again”.

But, while we’ve come to expect hay fever – or allergic rhinitis – during late spring and summer, what if the symptoms persist through the colder months too? 

First of all, we’re sorry to say that it is possible to suffer from hay fever all year round. But let’s look at why.

Hay fever in autumn

Normally, autumn approaches and we all breathe a collective sigh of relief that hay fever has packed its bags for another year. That is until we wake up in mid-October sneezing with our eyes puffy.

There are two main reasons for hay fever to stick around through autumn. Firstly, it could be down to pollution. Pollution can prevent pollen from rising through the atmosphere. It traps it down on the ground with us. Meaning even when pollen season ends, some pollen sticks around.

And second, hay fever in autumn could simply be the result of a late pollen season. Really cold winters can delay pollination. So instead of a spring/summer hay fever season, we’re left with a summer/autumn one.

Hay fever in winter

Down to similar reasons as above, hay fever in winter is also possible. Mild winters have the power to speed up pollen season. As trees and bulbs develop quicker under these conditions, we can find ourselves suffering from hay fever much earlier than we’re used to.

And, like above, pollution can keep pollen around for longer than we’d like and mix with it to make its effects more powerful. So what little pollen might be around during the winter months can affect you a lot more.

It’s worth noting that allergic rhinitis can also be caused by dust or mould spores. Which, if you’re spending more time indoors – as you probably will be during the colder months – could explain your hay-fever-like symptoms!

And there you have it. Why hay fever might be an ongoing problem for you – even during the colder months! It might sound terrible, but there are always ways you can minimise your symptoms. Talk to your GP or an allergy specialist to find a solution that works for you.

If you want to find out more about your allergies, or would like to book an allergy test, get in touch with us on 02031 433 449.

Is it possible that my allergy just disappeared?

5th August 2020

Is it possible that my allergy just disappeared?

While we know that allergy symptoms occur when your immune system overreacts to what it considers a foreign substance, a large amount about allergies remains unknown. In a lot of ways, they’re a mystery we have to either live with or we don’t.

Or in some cases, maybe you live with them for a season or two. And then they disappear just as stealthily as they came. But can an allergy actually disappear?

A change in severity

Often, rather than disappearing altogether, what you’re actually experiencing is a change in your allergy’s severity.

Allergies can vary massively from season to season and from allergen to allergen. One summer, your hay fever could have you struggling to leave the house. But the next, you could barely notice so much as a single sniff. Similarly, while one dog could have your eyes puffy and nose running, another could trigger no reaction whatsoever.

There’s no predicting what each season will bring for you and your allergies, but perhaps that’s just the spontaneity you need to spice up your life!

It’s gone altogether

Sometimes, it’s assumed that people simply grow accustomed to a certain allergen. That after enough exposure, their body becomes used to it and stops overreacting to its presence.

This is why with some food allergies, maintaining low-level exposure and increasing this over time can eventually encourage a tolerance. It works in a similar way to a vaccination immunising you to a certain virus or bacteria.

Egg, milk, soy, and wheat are some of the most common allergens to outgrow. And around 20% of children with a peanut allergy will have outgrown it by the time they start school. Although, given the great risk of anaphylaxis in severe allergies, this isn’t a recommended method for getting rid of allergies. And only by visiting a doctor can you confirm that an allergy has in fact been outgrown.

Unfortunately, we can’t tell you for certain whether your allergy is here to stay or just a temporary visitor. But by doing some research and booking yourself in for a test, you can take back control over your allergy, and equip yourself with the insight needed to manage it moving forward.

While the nature of allergies remains largely unknown, your individual triggers don’t have to. To book an allergy test today, give us a call on 02031 433 499.

Will sleeping with a fan affect your allergies?

15th July 2020

Will sleeping with a fan affect your allergies?

We’re at the height of summer and, if we’re lucky, we’ll get some glorious weather. The downside? It gets way too hot, especially at night. We all know the feeling – you’re trying to sleep, but no matter how you lie, you feel like you’re on fire. You open the bedroom window only for it to do nothing. So you think of something that might fix that problem: a fan.

But this brings up its own problems if you have allergies. The fan can contribute to your allergies flaring up, meaning you still can’t get to sleep. So why does this happen? And is there anything you can do to stop it?

Why is a fan bad for your allergies?

We all know why fans are great. They circulate air around the room, keeping it cool. But it can also stir up dust and other particles that can set off your allergies. This can happen day or night, but we’re focusing on nighttime for the sake of this article since you’ll be asleep and unable to do anything about the problem.

Even if you don’t have a dust allergy or hay fever, you might have sensitive skin. If you do, the constant stream of cold air can dry it out, irritating the skin. Fans have even been known to trigger asthma symptoms when used for a prolonged period of time.

Does this mean you can never use a fan at night if you have allergies? Not necessarily…

How you can help

If you have an airborne allergy, such as a dust allergy or hay fever, you can reduce the chances of causing a reaction with diligent cleaning. Keep on top of your dusting and don’t be tempted to open the windows in your bedroom. Pollen or dust might come in during the day, stick to your curtains, carpet, or bedding, and get kicked up during the night by the fan. You should also clean the fan blades themselves as they might collect dust and other particles too.

For your skin, make sure to keep it well moisturised. Find a moisturiser or lotion that works for you and use it liberally. You could also consider buying a timer for your plug so the fan turns off automatically, meaning it isn’t running and drying your skin out all night.

We all want to sleep comfortably and you shouldn’t have to suffer because of your allergies. It might be worth talking to your doctor – or even an allergy specialist – about what you can do to help. For now, stay safe and we hope you manage to get a good night’s sleep!

If you have any questions about your allergy, feel free to get in touch with one of our specialists. We have extensive experience dealing with allergies and can pass on some useful advice. You can call us on 02031 433 449.

What is a ragweed pollen allergy and how can you treat it?

20th May 2020

What is a ragweed pollen allergy and how can you treat it?

When summer arrives, we might have a new problem to contend with. The invasive ragweed is set to cause havoc for hay fever sufferers. Allergies are bad enough in the summer, but an estimated 13.5 million people across Europe will have trouble thanks to the ragweed’s pollen.

It isn’t a species native to our continent, so where did it come from? How will it affect your allergies? And could a non-native beetle be the answer to reducing the amount of ragweed?

What is ragweed?

Ragweed comes from North America and has somehow found its way over to Europe. It can now be found in 30 European countries, including here in the UK. Its pollen can trigger hay fever reactions such as sneezing and itchy eyes, even going as far as aggravating other conditions, such as eczema and asthma.

It thrives in the summer as the ideal conditions are cool nights and warm, dry days. We might not get many of those over here, but there’s still plenty of opportunities for them to do their damage.

Depending on the conditions, it can carry through to September and has even been known to drag on through to November in the USA. That is less likely to happen here, but the idea of pollen allergies sticking around in autumn and winter is not something many want to entertain.

The North American ragweed leaf beetle

New research suggests the answer to the ragweed problem is the aptly named ragweed leaf beetle. It comes from the same continent as the ragweed itself, and their appetite for its pollen can reduce symptoms in millions of people.

If their model is correct, researchers predict the beetle could reduce the number of people affected from 13.5 million to 11.2 million. This would also help reduce the estimated cost on our healthcare systems – it costs £6.5 billion per year.

They are already trialling using the beetle in Italy but don’t expect it to happen here quickly. Introducing foreign species into a new ecosystem is always a risk that needs assessing. Australia is already a country that has decided against this course of action. Another mark against us is our climate; the beetle thrives in warmer temperatures so they might not survive here.

If you have hay-fever-like allergies this summer, it might be the ragweed. To fight off the symptoms, you can follow many of the same tips we’ve given for hay fever in the past. You can also use the same anti-allergy medication too. As always, check with your doctor before you try any new medication.

Whether it’s hay fever, ragweed pollen, or any other allergy, the symptoms are never fun. They can be a drag on your life and ruin your mood. Don’t let your allergies control you – get in touch with us today to talk to a professional allergist.

Can having an allergy ever be a good thing?

22nd April 2020

Can having an allergy ever be a good thing?

Allergies are a nuisance that won’t go away. Some 20% of the UK population have an allergy of some kind – that’s over 13 million people. And the number of people with an allergy seems to keep growing.

We have to be careful about any allergic reactions as they can lead to anaphylaxis which can result in death. They’re serious business. But during this time, why don’t we look at the silver lining? Are there any positives to having an allergy?

Is having an allergy a good thing?

There are plenty of ideas about how allergies might be good for you – though we will say upfront, these are still just theories. One of the main theories is that allergies are a sign of a healthy immune system. So healthy, in fact, you could call it overactive!

It’s a sign of your body trying to fix you and keep you healthy. The idea is it is your body’s response to getting rid of something it doesn’t want. Some even say it’s an evolutionary benefit from centuries ago and was our body’s way of dealing with particularly harmful parasites.

At the end of the day, an allergic reaction is a sign your body is doing a good job. While you might find the symptoms uncomfortable and while anaphylaxis is deadly, they are warning signs to us to stay away from certain foods, materials, or animals. Take your body’s warning and listen to it!

Anything else?

There are also studies out there that show allergies can help with other illnesses. One says allergies put sufferers at lower risk of brain tumours. Why? That’s not 100% certain. But researchers say – again – it might be because their immune system is used to working harder.

Another study claimed hay fever and asthma sufferers were less likely to develop colorectal cancer. None of these studies and theories are entirely accurate, so take them all with a big pinch of salt. But they do go to show how it isn’t all bad for people with allergies.

Don’t take yours for granted. Always be safe with whatever you do and make sure your allergy gets the attention it deserves. Look out for any allergens and consider an allergy test if you think something is playing with your immune system.

We are dedicated to protecting people with allergies and helping them discover what allergens are holding them back. If you would like to talk to a professional about your allergy concerns, feel free to get in touch on 02031 433 449.

COVID-19 or seasonal allergies? How can you tell the difference?

8th April 2020

COVID-19 or seasonal allergies? How can you tell the difference?

The UK has never seen such a situation. The country is in lockdown and the coronavirus is jumping from person to person. It has everyone worried about their health, on the lookout for any symptoms.

It has just happened to hit us as we head into spring. This will no doubt cause some confusion for people who have seasonal allergies. When you get sick, how do you know if it’s COVID-19 or just your hay fever? Luckily, the two are different enough that it isn’t too hard to tell. Let’s take a look.

Symptoms of allergies

Springtime brings lovely blooming flowers and budding trees, but for seasonal allergy sufferers, it can be a nightmare. If you have seasonal allergies, you should already be in tune with the symptoms you regularly experience, which can include:

• Runny nose
• Itchy eyes
• Sneezing
• Skin rashes
• Phlegmy cough

These symptoms come from your body trying to get rid of the allergens. They are usually not life-threatening – more of an annoyance. Some of them will probably sound familiar, so be aware of any of these popping up.

Symptoms of COVID-19

Some of those symptoms above can also be symptoms of a cold or flu, which is making people worried about this new coronavirus. But there are two main symptoms experts are telling us to look out for:

• Fever
• Persistent, dry cough

Neither of those are symptoms of seasonal allergies. Yes, you might have a cough with hay fever, but it tends to be more mucusy because it is a side effect of your blocked nose. With COVID-19, you also need to look out for a shortness of breath. 

Some people have reported having cold-like symptoms with COVID-19, but with colds and flus still running rampant, it’s hard to tell which is which. So stick to those main symptoms. Another bizarre one is a loss of smell and taste, but you shouldn’t rely on that for a diagnosis.

So, as you can see, seasonal allergies and COVID-19 are very different. If you have a runny nose and itchy eyes, follow the advice to relieve your symptoms. If you have a fever and/or a cough, seek out the appropriate medical advice on the government’s website and monitor it. You should always take your health seriously and, hopefully, this advice helps you feel better as this situation continues.

At London Allergy & Immunology Centre, we always recommend speaking to a professional about any new symptoms. If you think you have COVID-19, get in touch with the NHS on their website. If you think it is an allergy, feel free to speak to us. Get in touch on 02031 433 449.