It’s not always fun in the sun: watch out for allergies at the beach

5th July 2023

It’s not always fun in the sun: watch out for allergies at the beach

In the UK, we have to make the most of summer while we have it. And we’ve been fortunate this year to see a lot of sun – with hopefully plenty more to come. That sunshine has kicked many of us into gear, inspiring us to get outside and enjoy the good weather. The first place plenty of people will head to? The beach.

Whether it’s sunnier shores in another country or right here on our lovely British coasts, the beach is always a great place to go. Even with all the sand getting everywhere. But what does this mean for your allergies? Here are some you need to be mindful of this summer.

The sun

As strange as it sounds, people can be “allergic” to the sun. There are a couple of ways this could come about, but we want to highlight one in particular: polymorphic light eruption. This is a scientific way of describing a rash on your skin after being exposed to the sun, very similar to an allergy.

Symptoms include an itchy or burning rash which can happen in mere hours, but can also take up to 2 to 3 days to turn up. And this can last for up to 2 weeks. It happens when the UV light touches our skin. The thought is that it alters something on the surface, which our immune system then reacts to. To combat it, stay in the shade when you can.

Sun cream

You could also protect yourself with sun cream, but this may cause issues itself. This will be a form of dermatitis – when your skin reacts to something it doesn’t agree with. It can be caused by an allergy. You might be allergic to something in the sun cream, causing your skin to break out in a rash or aggressive red patches.

Alternatively, it could be irritant contact dermatitis, which is more common in people with a history of eczema or sensitive skin. Symptoms will be similar and are more of a reaction to the sun cream as a whole rather than any one ingredient.

Pollen

Yes, pollen can still affect you at the beach. Many people assume that the coast is pollen-free. It is true that the sea breeze is more likely to blow it away, and the moisture in the air is going to give it less room to travel. But that doesn’t mean it’s gone for good.

Ragweed pollen has been found 400 miles out to sea. And up to two miles up in the air! It’s impossible to escape it forever. So don’t think you can skip out on your antihistamine this time.

Insects

We talked about insects not too long ago, and they’re just as likely to turn up at the beach. You also have beach-specific insects that live in the sand. If you’re lying on a towel on the ground, you may come into contact with them, and their bites might trigger your symptoms.

Not to mention the fact that people love to bring packed lunches with them to the beach, attracting wasps and bees who want a taste. If you know you have an insect allergy, don’t drop your guard and be as vigilant as you would usually be.

With all this said, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy your day at the beach. Have fun, get some sun, and eat an ice cream for us. Just make sure you’re doing it in the safest way possible.

If you ever have any allergy concerns, you can always talk to one of our allergy specialists. We can help you navigate the ins and outs of your condition and allow you to live the best life possible. Just call us on 02031 433 449 or register as a new patient here.

Unusual symptoms that might be linked to your hay fever

21st June 2023

Unusual symptoms that might be linked to your hay fever

The past couple of weeks have been tough for people in the UK with hay fever. High levels of pollen combined with the hot, still weather means it’s been hard to escape the symptoms. All you have to do is step outside for 5 minutes and you start to feel miserable. It’s hard to enjoy the nice weather when you’re blowing your nose constantly or itching your eyes.

These are the symptoms we all know and absolutely do not love. Other common ones include an itchy throat and endless sneezing. But there are some less common symptoms that you might not realise are part of your hay fever. If you know where they come from, you might have an easier time dealing with them. Let’s look at three unusual examples…

Headaches and face pain

The last thing you want when you’re dealing with hay fever is a nasty headache – or even a migraine. But did you know the two could be linked? That stuffy nose and constant sniffling can lead to a sinus blockage and inflammation. And when this happens, it creates a pressure build-up that can present as a headache.

You’ll know it’s a sinus headache if you feel the pressure particularly around the upper part of your nose and behind your eyes. This may extend down your face; you could even feel it as low as your jaw. Nasal decongestant medication could help alleviate this. 

There’s a chance the headache could be a coincidence. It is summer after all, so it could be a sign of dehydration. So make sure you’re drinking enough water, too.

Loss of smell and taste

It’s not the only unusual symptom caused by sinus blockages. That build-up can also lead to a temporary loss of smell and – by association – taste. The inflammation in the nasal passages, which happens to keep pollen out, limits our ability to smell. And since smell and taste go hand in hand, you may also notice food isn’t as nice to eat.

This loss is known as ‘anosmia’ and is also a key symptom of COVID-19. This can make it tricky to figure out the cause. But if you know you have hay fever and it’s that time of year – and if you have other symptoms such as a blocked nose – then you can probably cross COVID off the list of suspects.

Excessive sweating

It’s summer; you’re going to sweat. But if you’re sitting in a cool room away from the sun and you’re still sweating, then it could be a part of your hay fever. Now, it isn’t a direct symptom of hay fever in the sense that sneezing or coughing is. Rather, it’s your body reacting to the changes that hay fever has put you through.

Let’s explain it further. When your body goes through a stressful or painful situation, it releases a number of chemicals to cope. It could be adrenaline or cortisol – whatever it needs to do to keep your body going. But these chemicals put your body through some strain, which can increase sweating.

While hay fever is rarely fatal, it is often inconvenient. And this lengthy list of symptoms is part of what makes it such a pain to live with. But if you know what to expect, you can figure out how to fight back. If your symptoms are affecting your quality of life, and if over-the-counter medication isn’t doing enough, then talk to your doctor about your next steps.

Or go one step further and find a dedicated allergist who can listen to your worries and find the best course of action for you. Our team is always here to help anyone dealing with life-altering allergic conditions. Reach out to us on 02031 433 449 or register as a new patient here.

Insect sting allergies in the UK: what you need to know

17th May 2023

Insect sting allergies in the UK: what you need to know

Of all the creatures in the animal world, there may be none more overlooked than insects. Over 1 million individual species have been discovered, but some estimate there could be as many as 10 million. And for each person on Earth, there are a staggering 1.4 billion insects. That’s crazy to even think about.

They’re small and incredibly significant. And dare we say a bit annoying? As important as they are to our ecosystem, we’re sure that many of you have had a run-in with a bug that you’d rather forget. That ant infestation that pops up every summer. That one time you woke up to a spider on your pillow. Or even when you were stung by a wasp.

Today, we want to focus on that last one. There are some insects with the capacity to sting, so can you be allergic to them? How common is it? And what can you do to avoid them?

The truth about insect sting allergies

First of all, yes, it is possible to be allergic to an insect’s sting. In the UK, the most common culprits are going to be bees and wasps. The main difference between the two is that bees leave their stingers (and a venom sac) behind, while wasps don’t. They can sting as much as they like.

But while insect sting allergies exist, they are rare. Especially severe life-threatening cases, which only occur in 0.4% of people. Some people may think they have had an allergic reaction to a sting, but this is more likely to be a standard reaction to the venom, which in most cases, is not going to be life-threatening.

Also, it’s very unlikely that a child has an insect sting allergy. The way an allergy works is that our immune system overreacts to an allergen the first time it’s exposed to it. Since insect stings aren’t overly common, it’s not likely that a child will have the multiple stings needed to build up that allergic response. In other words, it won’t be an allergic reaction if it’s their first sting. So this is something to monitor.

Symptoms of insect sting allergies

The symptoms of a regular sting reaction and an allergic reaction can be similar, making it a difficult condition to diagnose. But the simplest way to differentiate between the two is to monitor how big the reaction is.

A normal reaction is usually localised to the site of the sting. In an allergic reaction, it can extend beyond that. For example, if you’re stung on the hand and the symptoms run across your whole arm, that could be an allergic response.

You might notice symptoms similar to what you’d see in dermatitis cases: hives, swelling, and itchy red patches across the skin. But you can also experience stomach cramps, intense nausea, and even vomiting.

In the most extreme cases, it may cause anaphylaxis. This is life-threatening and needs immediate treatment (note that any allergic reaction needs immediate treatment, but anaphylaxis is a special cause for concern). Symptoms of this include a tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, and a feeling that you’re going to faint.

How to avoid insect stings

In the UK, it’s really only bees and wasps that sting. Others might bite, but venomous stings are typically found in these species. The problem with them is two-fold: they’re small and they can fly. As such, they can get places you don’t want them to be.

In the summer, consider keeping windows and doors closed so they can’t fly in. An alternative is to invest in mesh screens you can place over windows, allowing you to still circulate air through without inviting wasps and bees inside. When you go outside, cover up as much of yourself as you can and avoid loose-fitting clothing they could get caught in. Don’t walk around barefoot or with sandals on.

Food and strong smells attract them, too. So avoid eating outside, and when you’re out and about, stay away from open bins. Avoid using perfumes or other cosmetics with a strong smell as these can attract wasps and bees. And if you ever find one of their nests on your property, call an expert to deal with it as soon as possible.

As we said before, insect sting allergies are incredibly rare. But that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. 0.4% of the UK population is still around 280,000. Keep this advice in mind, ensure you always have an EpiPen to hand for emergencies, and talk to an allergy specialist about your next steps. And, as always, stay safe and stay healthy.

If you need to talk to an expert about your allergies, feel free to reach out to us today. For clear advice on how to live your best life, register as a new patient or call us on 02031 433 449.

Why you shouldn’t ignore your seasonal allergies

19th April 2023

Why you shouldn’t ignore your seasonal allergies

We’ve spent a lot of time talking about seasonal allergies – or, as they’re also known, hay fever or allergic rhinitis. There are plenty of blogs on this very site talking about dos and don’ts, what you can do to make them better, and even how climate change can make them worse.

But still, it’s only hay fever, right? What’s the worst that can happen from a sniffly nose or itchy eyes? It’s not as if it’s life or death. Having such a blasé approach to your allergies can do more harm than good – even for a mild seasonal allergy. Let’s look at how you could be making your life more difficult by ignoring yours.

It’s not going to get better

While the symptoms might be annoying at the start, some people think they can just get used to them. They’ll go away on their own eventually, so why bother worrying about it now? Except our body isn’t going to magically heal or grow tolerant of the pollen. That’s the reason it’s reacting in the first place.

Even if you wait, you might be waiting for a long time. Due to climate change, pollen seasons seem to be starting earlier and lasting longer. In one study, they increased by 20 days between 1990 and 2018. And pollen concentrations have gone up 21% over that same time period.

It’s not something to ignore because it’s going to be constantly reminding you it’s there. Ask yourself, do you really want to be dealing with this for months and months?

In fact, it might get worse

As we said, allergies don’t just disappear. You might notice your seasonal allergies affect you less depending on where you are in the world, but your body’s intolerance to them won’t go away. They might do the complete opposite.

People can develop allergies at any age, and it stands to reason that they can get increasingly worse over time, too. Why this happens is hard to pin down, though some speculate repeated exposure to an allergen has its negative effects over the years. So while you try to ignore your allergies, they won’t be going anywhere. And the more you avoid taking the steps to address them, the more chance you give them to develop.

It’s not going to be nice

There can be a tendency with seasonal allergies to “wait out the storm”, as it were. After all, pollen season only lasts so long. Give it enough time and the symptoms will subside. But, as we said, this could be months and months of suffering. Do you want to wake up every morning with a blocked nose? A constant sore throat? Eyes watering at the most inopportune moments?

Even if you decide you can deal with them, why would you want to? As much as you may want to avoid the doctor’s clinic or remember to take an antihistamine every day, the alternative is infinitely more trying.

While seasonal allergies can be annoying, ignoring them will never be the solution. You save yourself a lot of the hassle by being proactive and taking care of any symptoms before they even appear. It’s also not something you have to deal with alone. Talk to a professional today to take some of the burden off your shoulders and enjoy your springtime.

If you ever need advice about your seasonal allergies, get in touch with our team of allergists today. Simply call us on 02031 433 449 or register as a new patient here.

5 seasonal allergy dos and don’ts for this summer

27th March 2023

5 seasonal allergy dos and don’ts for this summer

It’s that time of year for around a quarter of people in the UK. Yes, it’s time for seasonal allergies. Call it hay fever or allergic rhinitis, it’s all the same: runny noses, scratchy throats, and itchy eyes. It makes the spring and summer months almost unbearable for some, depending on the severity of their symptoms.

And every year you might end up asking yourself the same questions. What’s the pollen count? Is it worth going outside? Should I take an antihistamine now or later? Oh the joys. So to stop your fretting, we’ve put together some essential seasonal allergy dos and don’ts. Let’s look at how you can make your summer that little bit easier.

Don’t: Leave the windows open

We’ll start with a basic tip. As you’ll likely already know, it’s the pollen in the air that aggravates our hay fever and sets us off. So if you leave your window open, you’re practically inviting it into your home.

This goes double at nighttime. If you leave the windows open in your bedroom while you sleep, not only do you let the pollen inside, you let it affect you while you don’t even notice. Next thing you know, you’ll wake up with a stuffy nose and dry throat, getting your day off to the worst possible start!

Do: Take more frequent showers

It’s inevitable that, at some point, you’re going to have to leave your home and go outside. And when you do, you’re walking amongst the pollen in the air. It will stick to your clothes, in your hair, and on your pets (if you have any).

So when you get home, make it a habit of first changing clothes (to avoid spreading the pollen on your furniture) and preferably have a shower too. This way, you wash any pollen off your skin and out of your hair. Pets can’t escape this either. Give them more frequent baths to get rid of any pollen clinging to them.

Don’t: Dry your clothes outside

Sometimes, there’s nothing better than putting on fresh, air-dried clothes. Other times, there’s nothing worse. The pollen that sticks to you when you go for a walk is just as likely to stick to any clothes you hang up outside.

If you don’t have a tumble dryer, you’re better off doing them inside in a cool room. You may want to invest in a dehumidifier to draw out some of that excess moisture and prevent it from affecting your room.

Do: Keep up your exercise routine

From our tips so far, you might think you’re better off just avoiding going outside altogether. But that’s excessive – you can still enjoy the outdoors, just with a little extra caution. And this still applies if you like to go for a jog.

If your idea of exercise involves heading outdoors, you can still do that as long as you change when you go out. Pollen levels are, typically, higher in the morning and evening. So instead of that 6am stroll, maybe move it to your lunch break.

Don’t: Overmedicate

Antihistamines are an over-the-counter medication you can buy at any good supermarket or chemist. And they’re almost essential for people with hay fever as it greatly reduces the severity of symptoms. So, to some people, it may make sense to have one or two more than the recommended dose.

You should never do this. Always follow the advice on the box and talk to your doctor before you take any extra self-medication steps. Those guidelines are there for a reason, and overmedication can do more harm than good. Talk to your GP or an allergy specialist if you find antihistamines aren’t doing enough for you. They may be able to prescribe a stronger alternative.

And those are our seasonal allergy dos and don’ts! Some of them are common sense but just might not occur to you in your day-to-day life. But now that you know them, you can spend more of your summer enjoying the weather than blowing your nose.

If your seasonal allergies are interfering with your life, then get in touch. Our allergists can help you with your hay fever and ensure you don’t have to suffer more than necessary. Reach out on 02031 433 449 or register as a new patient today.

Is hay fever worse in 2022? And what is thunder fever?

6th July 2022

Is hay fever worse in 2022? And what is thunder fever?

We’ve talked at length about how annoying hay fever can be. When you just want to enjoy the summer sun, the last thing you want is a runny nose, scratchy throat, and itchy eyes. And if you ask some people, this year has been a particularly bad one.

But is there anything to it? Has 2022 been especially filled with pollen? Let’s take a look at what the Met Office has been saying, why some people keep talking about ‘thunder fever’, and if there’s anything you can do about it.

Is hay fever worse this year?

The short answer is yes and no. No because, according to the Met Office, this year’s pollen levels haven’t been noteworthy. Not compared to previous years at least. 

Instead, they attribute increasing hay fever symptoms to the weather. Because we had a warm spring – and a wet one too – the pollen may be more “potent”. And the sunny weather we’ve been having recently will encourage plants to release this potent pollen.

Dr Luke Powles of Bupa also threw out the theory that COVID restrictions could have played a part. By staying indoors more, we’ve had less contact with pollen, which means our body hasn’t built up a bit of immunity to it.

What about thunder fever?

You might have seen stories about ‘thunder fever’ and how this might also exacerbate allergies. So what is it? Thunder fever refers to the event when thunderstorms and high pollen levels combine. The wild winds of the thunderstorm whip up pollen into the air, dispersing it around. 

Thunder fever also affects people with asthma as the humid weather and high levels of pollen make it harder to breathe. The name comes from a spate of people dying from asthma attacks during thunderstorms in Australia in 2017.

Another term you might see combined with this in the media is ‘super pollen’. This is referring to the thunderstorms breaking up the potent pollen into smaller particles, thus making symptoms even worse. The Met Office stresses that super pollen – and thunder fever – aren’t scientific terms and are still being researched. So take these stories with a good pinch of salt.

Advice for treating your hay fever

Pollen is the culprit causing your hay fever, so you want to avoid it where possible. In your home, this means opening your windows less frequently – especially while you sleep. We know this sounds unbearable, but leaving your windows open is an invitation for pollen. And when it gets inside, it’s going to stick to your furniture.

Speaking of which, cleaning more is also a good idea. Vacuum and dust everything frequently to keep the pollen at bay. If you have a cat or dog that’s been outside, they might have pollen stuck to them. So keep them off the furniture, at least until you’ve given them a bath.

Other than that, standard antihistamines will help. Though if you are unsure, consult your GP – or an allergy specialist – first. This year might feel bad for hay fever sufferers, but hopefully arming yourself with this information will make it easier to avoid any allergy outbreaks.

If you have any questions about your hay fever (or other conditions such as asthma), reach out to our team on 02031 433 449. You can also register with us as a new patient here.

Seasonal allergies getting you down? Here’s how to exercise outdoors this summer

18th May 2022

Seasonal allergies getting you down? Here’s how to exercise outdoors this summer

It’s nearly summer. Which can only mean one thing: we’re going to get some sun. Well, hopefully. When the sun does eventually come out, it’s a great opportunity to spend more time outdoors, work on our tan, and – for some – get some exercise. Why waste the money on a gym membership when the whole world can be your gym?

If you have seasonal allergies, like hay fever, the gym probably sounds like the better option. Because with summer comes a lot of pollen. And with pollen comes a lot of scratchy throats, blocked noses, and itchy eyes. But if you’re determined to work on that summer body by getting some much-needed outdoor exercise in, is there a way to keep those allergies at bay?

What time of day to exercise

One way to avoid as much of the pollen as possible is to change when you exercise. This is likely going to be either early in the morning or later in the evening. Though this will depend on the type of pollen you’re allergic to.

For example, grass releases its pollen early in the morning, so it won’t be as prominent in the air until later on. So if you get out at the same time – around 7 a.m. – you can potentially avoid the worst of it. The same goes for later on once the pollen has settled – around 7 p.m.

What weather to look out for

The perfect part of exercising outdoors in summer is that you get to bask in the warmth of the sun. But this might be bad for your allergies. When the weather is nicer, plants are more likely to open up and release their pollen, meaning there’s more of it in the air. And if there’s a breeze, this moves the pollen around, meaning you’re more likely to run into it.

Ideally, you’d want to go for a jog when it’s raining. The rain will typically suppress the pollen so it doesn’t get to travel as far. But going outside in that kind of weather isn’t something people tend to like. Instead, go for your run after the rain has stopped. This way, the pollen is still pushed down and you don’t have to get wet.

The easiest way to keep track is to look at the weather report. They always have pollen counts which will give you an idea of what to expect that day. And over-the-counter antihistamines can help with your symptoms if you’re safe to take them. If you’re ever in doubt, talk to your GP or an allergy specialist about your condition.

For when you need someone to talk to about your allergies, get in touch with our team of allergists. We can help you navigate your seasonal woes. Register as a new patient or call us on 02031 433 449.

Five insect allergies that might pop up this summer

16th June 2021

Five insect allergies that might pop up this summer

Warmer temperatures, longer days, barbecues, and ice creams are some of the best parts of summer. But there’s always something to come along and ruin it. And when it comes to warmer weather, it’s the insects that turn up invited.

Summer creates the perfect environment for many insects, bringing them out of hiding and into our gardens and homes. Unfortunately, some people have insect allergies, making it that much worse. Here’s our list of five insects that can set your allergies off that you might not know about. 

Bees and wasps

Let’s start with a two-for-one. Bee and wasp sting allergies are fairly common knowledge. But you might not know that a person can be allergic to one and not the other. In fact, it’s rare for someone to be allergic to both. That’s because their venoms are different, even though they both contain allergens. 

What’s interesting is that you won’t necessarily have an allergic reaction from the first sting from a wasp, but ‘sensitisation’ may cause you to become allergic to future ones. Other stinging insects that can cause allergic reactions include hornets and fire ants. 

Asian ladybirds

As harmless and pretty as a ladybird may seem, scientists have discovered that ladybird blood, which they release whenever they’re agitated, can trigger an allergic reaction. In some places, like West Virginia, positive allergy tests to the Asian ladybird are as high as 21%, almost the same level as cockroach allergies. 

Cockroaches

Those nasty, seemingly indestructible creatures that eat almost anything (even their own kind!) can cause year-round allergy symptoms and also trigger asthma. Studies even show that children who are allergic to cockroaches and are exposed to them need to go to the hospital for their asthma more often than other asthmatic children. But it’s not the bug itself that causes reactions, it’s their feces, saliva, and shedding body parts. 

Crickets

Crickets are arthropods, much like prawns, crabs, and lobsters. So they contain some of the same proteins. This means if you’re allergic to shellfish, there’s a good chance you could develop an allergy to crickets too. They also contain some of the same proteins as cockroaches, so if cockroaches make your nose stuffy, crickets may as well. Although, most reactions are from actually eating the cricket.  

This is just the tip of the iceberg – many insects can trigger allergic reactions. That’s not a surprise since there are over one million discovered species hopping around. So as summer creeps up on us, it’s important to be aware of any insects and get a test if you believe you have an allergy. 

If you think you might have an allergy, don’t wait around. Book your allergy test today with the London Allergy and Immunology Centre. Call us today on 02031 433 449.

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.

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.