According to the NHS website an allergy is a reaction the body has to a particular food or substance. The effects of an allergy can range from nasal to skin disturbances as a result of various components including animals, dust, pollen, beauty products, washing powders, food and cleaning products to name a few. The level of allergy can range from mild to severe depending on the individual.

My own experience

I have what can be described on the scale as highly moderate allergies. It started with classic hay fever every summer and spring with the stuffed, runny nose and itchy eyes. It has since developed to the same stuffed, runny nose and itchy eyes in relation to animals, dust, smoke, perfume, deodorants, and plants. In addition my classic ‘hay fevered’ symptoms have now moved on to skin allergies too. This is where certain items can make my skin itch and sore with sometimes a rash like appearance. This includes make-up, shaving creams, bubble baths, washing powder and the newest recruit plasters.

My top tips for mild allergies – As always check with your doctor or specialist before trying any new tips and ideas including more information on severe allergies.

• Check, Check, Check – Always check a product before using it to check for any ingredients that might set you off. You can also start to make links between certain things that affect you by keeping an eye on what is used in each item.

• Avoid, Avoid, Avoid – If you have issues with a stuffed, runny nose try to avoid products which have a strong scent that lingers including perfumes, creams and deodorants.

• Speak to a pharmacist – Popping into your local pharmacy you can get advice on hay fever/allergy medication such as antihistamines or decongestants. Remember to tell the pharmacist about your different symptoms and what seems to trigger it off, for them to be able to give you the best advice for your situation.

• Take precautions outside – If you have hay fever take care when outside by wearing sunglasses, carrying tissues, avoiding grassy areas when the pollen count is high, avoiding rubbing your eyes and transferring any pollen on to your eye lids and avoiding going near freshly mowed grass.

• Use allergy mattress cover – If you are allergic to dust mites then try allergy mattress and pillow covers. These can give you a barrier to any dust mites when you sleep.

For more advice on specific allergies take a look at the NHS website and Allergy UK.

Next week’s symptom – Bladder issues