HAY FEVER sufferers have been warned that the pollen count is set to soar in Scotland.
The warmer weather will allow birch trees to offload pollen into the air, which will keep people sneezing for several days.
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Birch is the main pollen type across Scotland, with ash too in southern and central regions.
Many hay fever sufferers start to experience symptoms when the count reaches ‘medium’.
Pollen levels have remained ‘medium’ around in all regions across Scotland this week, apart from the Highlands, Orkney and Shetland.
It’s estimated that half the British population suffer from hay fever symptoms, according to Allergy UK.
Most people tend to be allergic to grass pollen, which strikes in late spring and early summer.
But up to 25 per cent of hay fever sufferers are allergic to tree pollen, which tends to start circulating in spring.
Airborne allergens expert Max Wiseberg, of HayMax allergen barrier balms, has advised hay fever sufferers what measures and precautions to take to help reduce the effects of the pollen.
Max added: “Avoiding the allergen is always key with any allergy, whatever it might be.
“If you’re allergic to dairy, you avoid dairy products. And it’s the same with pollen if you get hay fever.
“Only it’s a little more difficult with pollen as it’s in the air we breathe.
“However, there are a number of practical ways you can reduce the amount of pollen getting in your body.”
There are a number of things both indoors and outdoors you can do to help prevent hay fever symptoms.
When you’re outdoors, Max advises: “Prevention is better than cure. Use an organic, drug-free allergen barrier balm such as HayMax, both at home and when you’re outdoors.
“Apply to the nostrils and around the bones of the eyes in the morning, throughout the day and at night. Independent university studies show that HayMax traps over a third of pollen before it enters the body. Less allergen, less reaction.
“Tie your hair up and wear a hat, cap or other head cover when outside to prevent pollen particles being caught in your hair.
“Wear wraparound sunglasses when outdoors to prevent pollen particles coming in contact with your eyes.
As the sun starts to shine – here are some of the top allergy remedies that should make your time outside easier
1. Go to your pharmacist – they can help with the right treatment for you
2. Wear sunglasses – this stops pollen getting in
3. Take a shower – this stops pollen sticking to you
4. Use a balm – this creates a pollen block
5. Have a pollen-free space
6. Enjoy coastal areas – try and stick to places that are less grassy
“Avoid going out if possible when pollen counts are at their highest – in the early morning and early evening.”
There are even some things you can do in your home to prevent hay fever symptoms.
Max added: “Wash your face (or your child’s face) as soon as you get home on high pollen count days. This will wash away allergens so that they can’t cause a reaction, and a cool compress will soothe sore eyes.
“Vacuum your home regularly, especially beds and fabrics to remove pollen. And damp dust surfaces – damp dusting removes pollen particles without dispersing them back into the air.
“Dry your clothes indoors rather than on an outdoor clothes line or dryer to prevent pollen particles being blown on to your clothes by the outside wind.
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“If you own a pet then ensure that it is well groomed and shampooed as often as possible to remove pollen particles from its fur. It may be best to get someone to do this for you.
“Shower at night before sleeping to remove pollen particles from your hair and body. Hay fever can lead to tiredness, fatigue, exhaustion and can also affect how you sleep and cause sleep disturbance and difficulty getting to sleep. These symptoms can in turn zap your energy levels leaving you feeling low and sluggish. So a good night’s sleep is important.”