Beat Early Hay Fever Symptoms
Hay fever usually strikes in late spring or early summer, but for one in four sufferers, March can mark the start of symptoms with tree pollens causing an early onset of hay fever. There is no cure for hay fever, but there are many ways sufferers can reduce or prevent the debilitating symptoms.
Airborne allergies expert and creator of HayMax allergen barrier balms, Max Wiseberg, offers some tips and advice for what he terms ‘Early Season Hay Fever’:
The main allergen producing trees in the UK are the birch, alder, horse chestnut and hazel. The peaks of their pollen production are from March to May, and most UK Early Season Hay Fever sufferers are allergic to the pollen of these trees.
Avoiding the allergen is always key with any allergy, and Early Season Hay Fever is no different; less allergen, less reaction.
- Try an organic drug-free allergen barrier balm, such as HayMax. It is suitable for children and pregnant and breast-feeding mums, and doesn’t cause drowsy side-effects.
- Reduce the amount of pollen getting into your home. Vacuum the house regularly, especially beds, fabrics and cuddly toys to remove pollen particles. Close windows and use an air conditioner with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Arresting) filter to capture the pollen. Wash bedding very regularly to remove any allergens.
- Dry clothes indoors rather than on a clothes line to prevent pollen particles being blown onto the clothes by the outside wind. If you own a pet, ensure that it is groomed and shampooed as often as possible to remove pollen particles.
- Tie your hair up and wear a hat when outside to prevent pollen particles being caught in your hair, and wear wrap-around sunglasses to prevent pollen particles coming in contact with your eyes.
- Wash your face as soon as you get indoors on high pollen count days. This will wash away pollen particles so that they can’t cause a reaction, and a cool compress will soothe sore eyes.
- A shower at night before sleeping helps to remove pollen particles from the hair and body.