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As the unwelcome hay fever season descends on the estimated 950,000+ sufferers living in Ireland, Boots are myth-busting some common hay fever misconceptions – including the fact that hay fever is worse in the countryside than cities.

Heather Feeney, Pharmacist at Boots Ireland says: “While many people associate hay fever with the countryside, the truth is that urban areas stay warmer longer and hold pollen in the air. Aggregated further by car fumes and city air quality, hay fever symptoms can in fact be more aggressive in the city than in the countryside.”

She continues: “Hay fever is continuing to grow, and symptoms including sinus inflammation, runny nose and eyes, coughing and sneezing are all really impactful on everyday life, so we want to encourage sufferers to understand the causes and to be prepared ahead of the peak season.”

Image result for hay fever gif

In addition to the city hay fever insights, other myth-busting tips highlighted by Boots Ireland include:

1) Hay fever season is just summer: while hay fever is usually a midsummer problem, it can start earlier and last until late autumn, depending on which pollen you are allergic to. There are three main types of pollen; tree pollen which is released during spring; grass pollen released during spring and summer; and weed pollen released in autumn.

2) You only develop hay fever as a child: while most people develop hay fever during childhood or as a teenager, it can in fact develop at any stage. If you are experiencing hay fever like symptoms for the first time, you can visit your pharmacist for advice.

3) Hay fever is caused by flowers: the majority of people in Ireland who suffer from hay fever are allergic to grass pollen. Pollen from flowers is not usually a trigger for hay fever sufferers.

4) Pollen levels are lower at night: converse to popular belief, there can be considerable risk of pollen at night. Throughout the day, pollen rises in the air and then descends over night as the temperature drops.

5) Anti-histamines will make you drowsy: Nowadays there are many different types of non-drowsy antihistamines available. Talking to your pharmacist can help you find the right medication to treat symptoms of hay fever.

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With the summer approaching, Boots are encouraging people to take note of its three-step hay fever management plan; protect, treat and relieve; to manage symptoms and make the most of the long-awaited sunny season.

Heather Feeney shares her top tips for managing hay fever to make the most of the summer season, both in the towns and the countryside:

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  • Wear wraparound sunglasses to help protect eyes from dust and pollen.
  • To relieve and sooth irritated and itchy eyes try eye drops or an eye mist like Boots Allergy Eye Mist (only €12.79).
  • Using petroleum jelly inside lower nostril to stop pollen entering the nasal passage.
  • Taking antihistamines like Clarityn Allergy Tablets (only €12.99) which last a full day and are non-drowsy or something like Anti-Hist Allergy tablets (only €8.99) can help relieve symptoms and allow hay fever sufferers to continue with normal day to day activities.
  • Try using a nasal spray like the Nasacort Allergy Spray (€14.99) which helps with symptoms like sneezing, itching and a stuffy or runny nose or Sudafed Nasal Spray (only €4.79) which works in minutes and lasts up to 12 hours to clear blocked noses caused by hay fever.
  • Keep a hay fever diary, tracking when and where symptoms occur. Doing this each year can help develop patterns, allowing sufferers to be more prepared in the future;
  • Lastly, be prepared for hay fever by talking to your local Boots pharmacist about medication and products to help prevent and relieve symptoms.
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It's been a gloriously hot few days, but sometimes your skin can take a turn for the worse after too much sun exposure.

Here are a few quick and easy remedies for sunburn that we'll be needing if this glorious weather continues. 

7. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a key ingredient when it comes to saving searingly hot skin. 

The plant is an herbal remedy that has been used for thousands of years in ancient and modern medicine for a variety of conditions, including sunburn. 

You can snap a stalk off the plant itself and apply the gel, or seek out an after sun product with the ingredient. 

 

6. Hydration station 

If you get really burnt, you need to replenish your body with liquids.

Water is your best friend at this point, 

5. Cool yoghurt

Applying cool (but not cold) yoghurt to red-hot skin causes a natural cooling sensation to bring some relief to your painful skin.

Rinse off with cool water and pat skin dry afterwards.

4. Cool teabags

Fell asleep in the sun and burnt your eyelids?

Try placing two cool, drained but moist teabags over them.

The tannic acid in black tea can reportedly help draw heat from sunburned skin, and aid in restoring the pH balance according to Medicine Net. 

3. Witch Hazel

Remember the stuff you used to dab on teenage spots?

Well witch hazel is said to have long-lasting anti-inflammatory relief, according to Fredric Haberman, MD. 

Apply little ad often for some sweet sweet relief. 

2. Avoid soap

While you're in your cool shower seeking some relief for your burnt skin, resist the urge to reach for the soap to cleanse your skin. 

The suds in the soap can cause further dryness in already scorched skin and lead to higher levels of irritation. 

1. After sun, after sun, after sun

If all else fails, then slathering yourself with some hydrating after sun is the only way to go. 

If you're not up for emptying the contents of your fridge in pursuit of a cure, then a handy bottle of after sun can be the only saviour.  

Garnier Ambre Solaire After Sun Hydrating Tan Maintainer

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Many of us lust for long, shiny and manageable hair – but it’s not always easy to get or to maintain.

Elements like the weather, what products you use and your environment can all impact your hair. Here are some natural remedies for whatever your hair issue may be!

For…dry hair
Try: Olive oil

So it’s not going to be clean or easy, but look on the bright side, we could have said mayonnaise. Brush out your hair and pour some olive oil into your palms and rub throughout your hair. If the bottom of your hair needs more attention, concentrate there. Afterwards, wrap your head in a flannel scarf or towel and leave overnight.

For…dull hair
Try: Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar will not only give your hair great shine but will also encourage growth and will smoothen your hair’s cuticles. In a spray bottle mix half vinegar with half water and spray throughout your hair. Use the spray in between shampooing and conditioning and leave for 5-6 mins before moving onto your next step.

For…hair that won’t grow
Try: Egg whites

Crack some eggs into a bowl, using only the egg whites and combine lightly. Apply as a hair mask and watch your tresses get stronger and longer.

For…split ends
Try: Vitamin E capsules

For split ends in between cuts, simply break open some Vit E capsules and apply to the ends of your hair.

For…frizzy hair
Try: Avocado

Avocado has great essential fats for healthy skin, nails and hair when we eat it– but it works a treat applied to hair also! For frizzy hair, apply mashed avocado throughout your hair and leave for an hour or so. Then shampoo and condition as normal. The oil in the avocado will add moisture to your hair and reduce frizz levels. 

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