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Pharmacist Warns Against One Common Hay Fever Habit That Could Lead To More Serious Eye Problems
Hay fever is an allergy to pollen or dust (Getty Images)
A pharmacist has said that frequently rubbing your eyes can lead to more serious eye issues.
Symptoms of hay fever, which is an allergic reaction to pollen, include sneezing, coughing, rashes, blocked noses, headaches, and itchy red eyes meaning it is natural to want to touch and rub your eyes in moments of discomfort.
But community pharmacist Sultan Dajani, from eyecare brand Golden Eye, told The Mirror how allergies can cause more serious eye problems.
Dajani said: "When we encounter an allergen, either from inhaling, swallowing, or simply by the skin coming into contact with it, the body goes into fighting mode and the immune system overreacts to the substance.
"A protein known as IgE is produced to go after the allergen, and a chemical called histamine is released into the blood – and it is this that creates the symptoms commonly experienced.
"So, in fact when we have these types of symptoms the body is functioning and doing its job to get rid of the allergen.
"Though we need our body to react in this way, the symptoms themselves can really affect our general wellbeing, lowering our immune system and interrupting everyday activities."
Dajani explained that frequently touching our eyes can open up the possibility for further eye problems or infections such as styes, conjunctivitis, or blepharitis.
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen or dust (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
"Our hands come into contact with most things, from people to surfaces, making it easy to transfer bacteria and germs to our faces – and if we are reaching for our eyes, it's easy for a simple rubbing of the eyes to develop into something else."
Issues that could arise from this include a stye, which is a swollen lump on the eyelid or near the eyelashes.
Dajani explained: "People tend to get more styes during allergy season. Allergies are known risk factors for styes. With the experience of itchy eye symptoms it can feel impossible not to rub them.
One problem that could also be related to rubbing eyes is conjunctivitis, which is an infection of the eye often caused by a virus or bacteria.
Blepharitis, when oil glands near the base of the eyelashes become clogged, leading to irritation and redness of the eyes, can also be triggered by continuous touching or rubbing of the eyes, Dajani said.
Why Do We Get Hay Fever And What Are The Symptoms?
© Getty Images/iStockphoto hayfever.Jpg A runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing – whatever your hay fever symptoms, it's no surprise if you've had a flare-up recently.
During spring, both tree and grass pollen is released into the air.
If you're allergic to the proteins they contain, your nose, eyes, throat and sinuses can become swollen, irritated and inflamed.
"Many people are suffering from hay fever just now because the pollen count is high, thanks in part to climate change," says Dr Nisa Aslam, GP from Typharm's Skin Life Sciences Foundation. "Plus the pollen season is getting longer."
The immune function plays an important role in an allergic reactions, she explains. "People who suffer from hay fever often have a family history of not just hay fever, but also skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, which can often be borne out of problems with the immune system."
The weather can also be a contributing factor in how badly you're affected.
"Some hay fever sufferers may be experiencing a sudden spike in their symptoms a bit earlier than usual, this may be due to the recent prolonged wet and windy weather," says Claire Nevinson, superintendent pharmacist at Boots.
"On a daily basis, rainfall tends to decrease pollen, but over a period of months, intermittent wet days tend to produce a more severe hay fever season overall."
Conditions could be about to get even worse. A recent study by the University of Worcester, published in the Science of The Total Environment journal, warned that it could be one of the worst seasons for birch pollen on record.
The severity is due to two things. "Firstly, higher than average temperatures last June, when the pollen is produced, allowed greater potential for high pollen levels," says Dr Beverley Adams-Groom, senior pollen forecaster at the university.
"Secondly, birch trees have a biennial pattern of pollen production, one mild year and one severe year, and this year was already expected to be a high year."
So what can you do if your hay fever is much worse than usual at the moment?
The first step is to avoid exposure to the pollen that affects you the most.
"Allergens responsible for hay fever include grass pollens and tree pollens [spring and summer], weed pollens and fungal mould spores," says Dr Aslam.
"Watch the daily pollen forecasts. Don't go outside when the pollen count is high and keep all windows shut."
Preventive medicines can help to reduce symptoms if you know in advance when you're going to be exposed to pollen.
"This can be a steroid nasal spray one to two weeks before symptoms start," says Dr Aslam.
Alternatively, natural nasal sprays "can help to prevent the symptoms of hayfever and other types of allergic rhinitis by forming a protective film in our inner nose, stopping allergens that we breathe in from trying to enter our respiratory system", she says.
Similarly, ointments like Vaseline can act as a pollen trap.
"Apply a barrier balm of petroleum jelly around your nose to trap the pollen and help relieve dry and uncomfortable skin from repetitive nose blowing," Ms Nevinson says.
"Shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash pollen off and wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes."
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Can My Pet Get Hay Fever And What Are The Symptoms And Treatments?
As the summer weather is slowly creeping upon us, this unfortunately brings allergy season.
Many who struggle with hay fever will be stocking up on antihistamines and making sure there's a pack of tissues to hand when out and about – but did you know it's not just humans who suffer from high pollen counts?
Pets can also have hay fever, as during warm weather, flowers, trees, and grasses start producing pollen which can cause your pet's skin to get sore and itchy.
Here are the symptoms and the best treatments for pets with hay fever, as advised by Dr Karlien Heyrman, Head of Pets at Pets at Home.
What are the symptoms of hay fever in dogs and cats?Dr Heyrman said: "A very common symptom is itching, so it's important to watch out for any excessive scratching, nibbling, and licking on areas including their paws, eyes, ears, mouth.
"This can cause your pet's skin to appear red, sore, or flaky and, in very severe cases, can lead to the skin getting infected and them losing patches of fur. Make sure to seek advice from your vet if the skin becomes particularly inflamed.
"It's also worth remembering that different kinds of pollen can trigger hay fever in your pet, so keeping a diary of their symptoms can help you identify the most probable cause."
What's the best way to treat a pet's hay fever?Dr Heyrman said: "Although there's no cure for hay fever there are things you can do to help treat the symptoms and make your pet more comfortable.
"It's always best to speak to your vet to understand whether your pet's symptoms are hay fever and then determine which treatments would suit them best.
"This could include medicated creams, sprays, and shampoos for irritated skin, as well as ear, eye, or nasal drops in the rarer case that it's causing their nose or eyes to run. In more serious reactions, the vet may recommend other medications or injections to help with their discomfort.
"It's important to remember that skin irritation can also be caused by other conditions, including allergies to something other than pollen, such as fleas, house dust mites or something your pet has eaten.
"If you're unsure, or if you have any questions about hay fever, it's always best to book an appointment with your vet."
How can I reduce the impact of hay fever?
Dr Heyrman said: "While you can't prevent hay fever entirely, there are steps you can take that can help decrease your pet's exposure to pollen.
"If possible, avoid going outdoors when the pollen count is at its highest, which is usually around midday in the months between late March and September.
"It's best to go for walks early in the morning or late at night instead, when the pollen count is lower – the Met Office shares the latest pollen count on its website."
Dr Heyrman added: "Gently wiping your pet's coat and feet after they've been outside will help to remove some of the pollen, regularly washing their bedding and vacuuming is beneficial, there's also supplements for cats and dogs which should help to boost their skin barrier and reduce sensitivities.
"It's also important to keep up to date with their flea and worm treatments. It's worth setting a monthly reminder on your phone or consider a subscription service to get flea treatments delivered directly to your door."
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