Hayfever sufferers have been told to expect possible “flare-ups” in the coming weeks.
It comes as the UK is set to be hit with a “pollen bomb” this April, with pollen counts rising each day.
Hayfever sufferers are being warned against a possible ‘pollen bomb’
PA
A spokesperson for beauty and wellness marketplace, Fresha, said: “Around 44 per cent of all British adults are impacted by allergies, and hay fever is one of the most common allergies, reportedly affecting up to 49 per cent of the UK population.
“Allergies cause inflammation in the body, which can lead to swelling and skin irritation. When an allergen enters your system, the immune system overreacts and prompts the release of histamine, causing symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and wheezing.
“However, that reaction inside your body can impact your skin, and most of the time, skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and hives are likely to flare up at the same time your allergies do.
“This is because they are all connected to the immune system. This flare-up will cause dryness, redness, irritation of the skin and sometimes puffiness around the eyes.”
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Home improvement expert Anthony Threlfall, from Everest, has shared his top tips on how to prepare yourself for this year’s hay fever season, so hay fever sufferers can try to cope the best they can.
He said: “Despite the temptation to throw open your windows and enjoy that fresh spring air, this is also a bad idea for hay fever sufferers. During the day is when pollen counts are at their highest. You should aim to keep all windows shut during the day for this reason, and only let fresh air in at night when pollen levels are lower.
“When spring arrives and flowers are blooming, it is so tempting for someone in a household to bring home some fresh cut flowers to make the house look beautiful. However, for anyone already starting to suffer hay fever, with their airways already inflamed and reactive, this can add an unwelcome amount of suffering to someone.
“Now is the time to prepare your home for spring by ensuring all the dust and cobwebs are taken care of whilst you can. A thorough top to bottom clean of your home, wearing a facemask to protect against dust if you are the one who suffers is highly recommended.”
Meanwhile, research shows that 14 per cent of motorists have admitted that hay fever symptoms affect their driving in the summer. Potential symptoms could include having itchy eyes or even sneezing at the wheel, both of which could increase the risk of an accident.
If these symptoms result in the driver failing to have proper control of the vehicle or fuel view off the road and traffic ahead of them, they could face consequences.
This could include a massive £1,000 fine and three penalty points on their driving licence.
Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
