Chapped Lips, Runny Nose and Itchy Eyes
Hay fever, caused by pollen, can be managed with treatments available at Allied Pharmacy
Written by Olivia Marshall
Approved by our pharmacist:
Abdul Sharief
When the sun is shining and the pollen count is high, many people start experiencing health issues. These can often manifest physically as a runny nose, itchy eyes, or dry lips.
Medically, this condition is known as allergic rhinitis, or more commonly, hay fever. Hay fever is caused by outdoor allergens like pollen or dust. According to Allergy UK, the symptoms of hay fever impact 26% of adults in the UK - nearly a quarter of the population!
When an allergy like this causes these physical reactions, it’s important to address the following questions:
Chapped lips are a common issue, especially during the hay fever season, and can be worsened by mouth breathing due to nasal congestion. While chapped lips can occur regardless of the temperature, they are more common when allergens trigger a runny nose, forcing people to breathe through their mouths.
Chapped or dry lips can also be caused by dehydration, using shared lip products, or a lack of vitamins and minerals in your diet. To mitigate this symptom, it’s commonly recommended to drink more water, and many people turn to Vaseline or petroleum jelly.
This trusty tin can help lock in the moisture already present in the lips, which can prevent further drying out. Applying a thin layer of Vaseline to your lips before the hay fever season can be a good preventative measure.
However, Vaseline doesn’t hydrate lips on its own. If you’re looking for a more hydrating treatment, you can use natural humectants like honey, shea butter, or aloe, which draw moisture from the air into the lips. If these remedies don’t work, a pharmacist can recommend other treatments.
A runny or blocked nose is one of the most common and annoying symptoms of hay fever. Fortunately, it is also one of the most treatable symptoms.
Alongside a tissue, you can visit your local pharmacy to get a nasal steroid spray or other decongestants, which can be effective treatments. Steroid nasal sprays are particularly helpful when used as a preventative measure, typically around 1 to 2 weeks before you expect hay fever symptoms to appear. This allows the nasal spray to act as a long-term treatment, reducing inflammation and preventing congestion.
Antihistamines are another option for managing hay fever symptoms, including a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. They work by blocking histamine, a substance released during allergic reactions. They are often used to relieve symptoms, and many are available over the counter at pharmacies.
Important note: Always speak to a pharmacist or healthcare professional before starting any treatment. Make sure to read the medical leaflet that comes with your medication.
While itchy skin is not a common symptom of hay fever, many people experience itchiness in the eyes, throat, nose, and sometimes the ears due to allergic reactions. This happens when allergens, like pollen, encounter these sensitive areas.
The urge to scratch can be overwhelming, but it is important to resist to avoid further irritation or infection.
To help prevent this sensation, here are some useful tips:
Medical methods are available to ease symptoms of itching. A pharmacist can recommend antihistamines that can reduce the allergic reaction. Additionally, some lotions and creams can help soothe irritated skin, although they are more effective for treating rashes or irritation rather than the underlying cause of itching from hay fever.
Hay fever can be a nuisance, but it’s highly treatable with the right approach. If you’re struggling to manage your symptoms, visit your local Allied Pharmacy to consult with a healthcare professional and find the best treatment for you.