Health

Hay fever RASH and 3 other unusual symptoms of pollen allergies revealed


IF you’re one of the millions of hay fever sufferers in the UK then you’re probably all too familiar with the symptoms.

Most problems relate to breathing in pollens or other allergens, so sneezing, watery eyes and congestion are all really common.

 Hay fever sufferers might have noticed they've also flared up in a rash

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Hay fever sufferers might have noticed they’ve also flared up in a rashCredit: Getty – Contributor

As they’re so typical, there are individual treatments to ease those particular reactions, including antihistamine tablets, nasal sprays and eye drops.

But there are some side-effects that get a little less attention.

And with pollen levels reaching their peak in Britain at the moment, it’s probably worth understanding some of the lesser known symptoms.

1. Hay fever rash

Hay fever rashes are often traced to allergens coming in direct contact with the skin.

So, if you’ve been touching plants or flowers in the garden then you might notice some skin irritation.

It’s something that might be especially noticeable if you’ve been potting new plants as you may have stirred up some pollens while digging in the flowerbeds.

The first symptom you’ll notice is some itchiness and possible some red patches on the skin, according to Healthline.

These may look more like welts than bumps, with edges that are clearly defined, and the surface of the skin will appear swollen – almost like you’ve been scalded.

As time goes on, the spots may increase in size, or disappear and reappear later.

Not all rashes from being outdoors will be caused by hay fever – you may have unintentionally come into contact with a poisonous plant.

Or, and particularly at this time of year, you may be suffering from a heat rash.

It could of course be an allergic reaction to something else entirely, such as a laundry detergent, soap or perfume.

Just keep in mind that hay fever can cause itchiness in general, so while it may look like you have a rash, it could actually be some redness from scratching.

Antihistamines that contain diphenhydramine can help to reduce that itchy feeling and reduce skin irritation.

2. ‘Allergic shiners’

Another lesser-known symptom is “allergic shiners” – or dark circles that appear under the eyes and usually resemble bruises.

They tend to be caused by nasal congestion which can cause blood to pool in the tiny vessels under the eyes.

These swollen veins dilate and darken, creating dark circles and puffiness.

Allergic shiners are usually accompanied by other symptoms like watery, red, itchy eyes, a blocked or runny nose, sinus pressure and sneezing.

And it’s not just hay fever that can cause them to flare – indoor allergens like dust mites, mould and pets or other irritants including cigarette smoke, pollution and perfumes can lead to allergic shiners.

Other conditions can lead to dark circles under the eyes so it’s important to see a GP to get an accurate diagnosis.

How to deal with hay fever

Experts have come up with a number of ways of tackling hay fever.

Specsavers clinical spokesperson, Dr Nigel Best says: “Hay fever sufferers who wear contact lenses may notice the vision through their lenses can appear smeary and eyes can generally feel uncomfortable.

“However, there are some things contact lens wearers can try to help reduce the irritation.

Use drops or ditch the contact lenses

“Contact lens-friendly eye drops can help to calm down any itchiness and wearing prescription glasses (particularly wraparound sunglasses) can prevent pollen from getting into your eyes.

“Those suffering with hay fever could also try daily disposable lenses during the summer months.”

Stay inside

Dr Best also recommends: ‘While it’s not always possible, staying inside when pollen count is high will help to avoid irritation or showering and changing your clothes when you get home will also help to remove pollen from skin and hair.’

Use Vaseline

But, it is not just eyes which are affected, hay fever can also cause your ears to become itchy or inflamed.

Specsavers’ chief audiologist Gordon Harrison says: “Allergic reactions can cause the outer ear to itch or swell.

“The middle ear contains the Eustachian tube, which acts as a drainage tube, but when mucus clogs the middle ear it affects that drainage. This leads to a build-up in pressure, which can cause discomfort, popping in the ears or earache.

“To avoid irritation, try putting Vaseline around the nose to trap pollen, vacuum and dust regularly or you can try over the counter pain relief.

Shower and change clothes often

Showering and changing after being outside will help remove pollen and antihistamines decongestants can help relieve symptoms.

3. Painful sex

Experts say the medication taken to ease hay fever might actually make sex excruciatingly painful for women.

Histamine is a chemical released when the body detects something harmful, such as an infection, and causes the blood vessels to expand to protect the body.
But in people with allergies, the body mistakes something harmless – such as pollen – as a threat and starts producing histamine, which can cause a rash, runny nose or sneezing.

To counter that, antihistamines can be taken to block the receptors that cause this reaction by drying out the mucous membrane lining the ear, nose and throat.

But a side-effect can sometimes lead to them also causing dryness in the vagina mucosa.

Dr Anne Henderson, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist on behalf of Canesten, said: “Antihistamine medication works on cells in the mucous membrane throughout the body to reduce secretions.

“Whilst they are targeted at the mucous production in the upper respiratory tract – the nose, throat and eyes – the impact is non-selective and other similar mucous-producing tissues, such as those in the vagina and cervix in women, are also affected to a varying degree.”

4. Brain fog

Scientists claim that some hay fever sufferers might actually experience memory problems.

One study examining how allergic reactions affect cognitive function showed that the brain compensates in the short term, but over time it significantly decreases.

Basically, the experts say allergies can strain the brain – and key functions from attention to memory can diminish the longer you battle with reactions.

Another study, published in in the journal Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, examined the brains of mice who were exposed to grass pollen.

The researchers found heightened activity in the memory part of the brain – the allergens had triggered growth of new neurons.

But, to their surprise, at the same time there had been the opposite effect on the immune cells in the brain, called microglia, which had been deactivated.

 This chart shows the different types of pollen and when they peak throughout the year

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This chart shows the different types of pollen and when they peak throughout the year

While these results weren’t exactly conclusive, what they do tell us is that the way the brain responds to allergens isn’t straightforward.

Further studies have also pointed out a connection between allergies and mood, including depression.

Some evidence suggests heightened inflammation triggers neurochemical changes leading to depressive episodes.

What is a pollen bomb, how has UK weather created it and does it make hay fever symptoms worse?


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