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Scottish Sun
14-07-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
5 laundry hacks to help with hay fever as pollen count soars this week – including ditching fabric softener in your wash
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE POLLEN count is set to soar this week, leaving many with itchy, red eyes and a runny nose. Hayfever affects almost 10 million people in the UK and leaves many unable to enjoy the glorious summer weather. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Hay fever can ruin many people's summers 2 Hanging your laundry outside can lead to pollen falling on to clothes Credit: Getty Pollen levels will each their highest on Thursday this week, so before then, it's a good idea to do all that you can to try and mitigate the problem. 1. Deep clean your washing machine Pollen can get inside your washing machine, redepositing allergens back on to your clean clothes. Therefore, it is important to regularly clean your machine, by running it on a hot cycle. Simply, place a detox tablet into your washing machine, run it on the hottest possible setting, and then make sure to wipe down the door deal and filter. 2. Dry clothes inside Although it may seem like common sense to dry your clothes outside in the hot dry weather, pollen from your garden can end up sticking on your dry clothing. To avoid this, try drying your clothes inside instead. 3. Ditch fabric softener Fabric softeners may make your clothes silky soft, but they also make it easier for pollen to lodge deep inside the structure of your clothes. The heavy fragrance in the products also contains chemicals, which can irritate the skin and lead to respiratory problems. 4. Buy anti-allergy bedding Anti-allergy bedding is a great way to be able to ensure you can still have a great night's sleep if you suffer from allergies. Depending on which type of bedding you buy, it can work in two ways. Woman missed her brother's wedding because of 'life-ruining' hay fever symptoms Firstly, the bedding can work to trap dust and pollen within the duvet, so it can't be dispersed and irritate your allergies. Or, natural materials work to repel dust and pollen, so they can't become trapped in your bedding. Home Bargains is currently selling an anti-allergy duvet for just £7.99. Wash bedding every week Normally, it is recommended to wash your bedding every one to two weeks. Hay fever first aid kit Analyse your symptoms and find the best medication kit for you... Antihistamines Antihistamines (cetirizine or loratadine) work by blocking histamine in the body, which is released when the body detects something it thinks is harmful. Histamine causes blood vessels to expand and the skin to swell, but in people with hay fever, also causes an allergic reaction. That's the watering eyes, blocked nose, rashes and so on. Max Wiseberg, airborne allergens expert and creator of HayMax, says that many antihistamines are available on prescription, such as Telfast, which you can see your GP for or get through an online doctor, such as LloydsPharmacy. Telfast, and other prescription-only antihistamine tablets, work in the same way as over-the-counter antihistamines, but are stronger and intended to help with more severe symptoms. 'Get your prescription in advance of the season so you have your medication in time to start taking it at the right time,' he says. 'Some are best taken at least one month before the hay fever season starts." Nasal sprays A nasal spray can be effective in controlling congestion and stuffiness. Pharmacists can advise on nasal sprays (sodium cromoglicate, ipratropium bromide or decongestant), and eye drops, too. Nasal sprays can also help with other symptoms of hay fever 'because the medicine is targeted directly to the nose, which is where the vast majority of allergens enter the body', Max says. Independent pharmacist Rita Ghelani says: 'Try Xlear nasal spray, which contains xylitol, and has anti-bacterial properties and keeps the nasal lining moist. 'If symptoms are more severe, then try an anti-inflammatory nasal spray – sometimes referred to as a steroid nasal spray – which can take a few days to work. 'Start with one that contains beclomethasone, which is used twice a day, in the morning and at night.' Rita also advises cleaning the nose with a saline nasal spray before a steroid spray, saying: 'It will remove sticky mucus from the nasal passage, thus improving the effectiveness of the medication.' Eye drops If itchy eyes are your primary concern, Rita says: 'Try using sodium cromoglicate eye drops. "These make the eyes less sensitive to allergens such as pollen and reduce irritation. "They need to be used four times a day to keep the levels of the active ingredient high enough to be effective. "Keep using them even if symptoms improve. 'Using a good eye drop to lubricate the eyes may also help with dry eyes during the summer months.' However, if you suffer from allergies, you should make sure to do it every week. Pollen can easily become trapped in your bedding and build up, leading to severe symptoms and lack of sleep. For the best results, wash your bedding at 60 degrees, and wait until its completely dry before putting it back on your bed.
The Irish Sun
14-07-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
5 laundry hacks to help with hay fever as pollen count soars this week – including ditching fabric softener in your wash
THE POLLEN count is set to soar this week, leaving many with itchy, red eyes and a runny nose. Hayfever affects almost 10 million people in the UK and leaves many unable to enjoy the 2 Hay fever can ruin many people's summers 2 Hanging your laundry outside can lead to pollen falling on to clothes Credit: Getty 1. Deep clean your washing machine Pollen can get inside your washing machine, redepositing allergens back on to your clean clothes. Therefore, it is important to regularly clean your machine, by running it on a hot cycle. Simply, place a detox tablet into your washing machine, run it on the hottest possible setting, and then make sure to wipe down the door deal and filter. Read more hay fever stories 2. Dry clothes inside Although it may seem like common sense to dry your clothes outside in the hot dry weather, pollen from your garden can end up sticking on your dry clothing. To avoid this, try drying your clothes inside instead. 3. Ditch fabric softener The heavy fragrance in the products also contains chemicals, which can irritate the skin and lead to respiratory problems. Most read in Fabulous 4. Buy anti-allergy bedding Anti-allergy bedding is a great way to be able to ensure you can still have a great night's sleep if you suffer from allergies. Depending on which type of bedding you buy, it can work in two ways. Woman missed her brother's wedding because of 'life-ruining' hay fever symptoms Firstly, the bedding can work to trap dust and pollen within the duvet, so it can't be dispersed and irritate your allergies. Or, natural materials work to repel dust and pollen, so they can't become trapped in your bedding. Home Bargains is currently selling an Wash bedding every week Normally, it is recommended to wash your bedding every one to two weeks. Hay fever first aid kit Analyse your symptoms and find the best medication kit for you... Antihistamines Antihistamines (cetirizine or loratadine) work by blocking histamine in the body, which is released when the body detects something it thinks is harmful. Histamine causes blood vessels to expand and the skin to swell, but in people with hay fever, also causes an allergic reaction. That's the watering eyes, blocked nose, rashes and so on. Max Wiseberg, airborne allergens expert and creator of HayMax, says that many antihistamines are available on prescription, such as Telfast, which you can see your GP for or get through an online doctor, such as LloydsPharmacy. Telfast, and other prescription-only antihistamine tablets, work in the same way as over-the-counter antihistamines, but are stronger and intended to help with more severe symptoms. 'Get your prescription in advance of the season so you have your medication in time to start taking it at the right time,' he says. 'Some are best taken at least one month before the hay fever season starts." Nasal sprays A nasal spray can be effective in controlling congestion and stuffiness. Pharmacists can advise on nasal sprays (sodium cromoglicate, ipratropium bromide or decongestant), and eye drops, too. Nasal sprays can also help with other symptoms of hay fever 'because the medicine is targeted directly to the nose, which is where the vast majority of allergens enter the body', Max says. Independent pharmacist Rita Ghelani says: 'Try Xlear nasal spray, which contains xylitol, and has anti-bacterial properties and keeps the nasal lining moist. 'If symptoms are more severe, then try an anti-inflammatory nasal spray – sometimes referred to as a steroid nasal spray – which can take a few days to work. 'Start with one that contains beclomethasone, which is used twice a day, in the morning and at night.' Rita also advises cleaning the nose with a saline nasal spray before a steroid spray, saying: 'It will remove sticky mucus from the nasal passage, thus improving the effectiveness of the medication.' Eye drops If itchy eyes are your primary concern, Rita says: 'Try using sodium cromoglicate eye drops. "These make the eyes less sensitive to allergens such as pollen and reduce irritation. "They need to be used four times a day to keep the levels of the active ingredient high enough to be effective. "Keep using them even if symptoms improve. 'Using a good eye drop to lubricate the eyes may also help with dry eyes during the summer months.' However, if you suffer from allergies, you should make sure to do it every week. Pollen can easily become trapped in your bedding and build up, leading to severe symptoms and lack of sleep. For the best results, wash your bedding at 60 degrees, and wait until its completely dry before putting it back on your bed.
Dublin Live
30-06-2025
- Health
- Dublin Live
Pharmacist shares six medications you should pack before going on holiday
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Packing for a holiday abroad can be a bit of a headache. It's easy to remember the basics like clothes and toiletries, but what about those unexpected situations? Planning for every possible scenario isn't always simple, and sometimes you might find yourself needing something that's not readily at hand. According to one pharmacist, there are certain medicines you should think about packing from home to avoid any unnecessary stress while on holiday. Irish Pharmacist Ashley O Dubhain, also known as Ash the Pharmacist on social media platforms, revealed that he often gets asked "in the summer months" which medicines people should pack. While he reassures holidaymakers not to "freak out", as chemists will be available at their destination, he does suggest six items to consider based on his "own experience" and knowledge of what's available overseas. If you're heading to a destination with a hotter and more humid climate than you're used to, Ashley suggests packing some electrolytes, regardless of the brand. Electrolytes are vital for maintaining fluid balance and ensuring muscles and nerves function properly. As we lose electrolytes through sweat, it's important to replenish the sodium lost, especially if you're sweating heavily. Furthermore, he recommends bringing along an antihistamine such as Zirtek, Telfast, Clarityn or any other brand that suits your body. Ashley emphasised the virtues of a widely advocated remedy: "This will be good for insect bites but also if you take a reaction to food or the sun, for example. It can help with that heat rash." Ashley also underscored for those jet-setters not quite up to snuff with exotic nosh, to keep Imodium handy, an indispensable over-the-counter fix to rapidly quell the runs and "stop" any untoward results. For treating insect bites, Ashley's go-to is often prescribing Fucibet, but you can get hydrocortisone cream over-the-counter, such as Cortopin. However, Ashley cautions: "Ask your pharmacist if you're allowed to take it, as not everyone is. If steroid creams aren't suitable for you, you can get some Anthisan cream." You can also consider taking some probiotics, and start taking them for a few weeks before you go away, especially if it's somewhere where you "know the food and the water could make you sick". Probiotics are thought to help restore the natural balance and bacteria in your gut, according to the NHS. Lastly, he recommends bringing some painkillers such as paracetamol, Panadol, Nurofen or ibuprofen. It's important to speak to your doctor or a pharmacist if you're unsure before taking any medication, as what's suitable for others might not be for you.
The Irish Sun
17-06-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Over 13million Brits urged to wipe their windowsills for 30 seconds every day this week
A SIZZLING heatwave is on the horizon for Brits this month, which will please most sun lovers. And many people will love the chance to get Advertisement 2 Brits are being urged to spare a mere 30 seconds to wipe down their windowsills this week after keeping them open Credit: Getty 2 Over 13 million people suffer from hay fever in the UK But Brits are being urged to spare a mere 30 seconds to wipe down their windowsills this week after keeping them open . With an estimated 13 million hay fever sufferers in the UK plagued with itchy eyes, a runny nose, sneezing or fatigue, it's vital to be mindful of indoor allergens. It can also aggravate lung conditions such as asthma, which affects 7.2million people in the UK, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which affects 1.2million. Advertisement Health Tiny articles of pollen can stick to everything including your and clothes and once it gets inside your home it can settle on sofas, carpets, and bedding. Home cleaning specialist and "But not wiping the sills afterwards is basically inviting pollen to settle and linger in your home." Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Pollen can easily settle on smooth surfaces like window sills, frames, and blinds, particularly when windows remain open during peak pollen times. Once in your home, these particles can be stirred back into the air by everyday actions such as opening or closing blinds, or simply walking past. Change your car air filter and have your A/C checked if you suffer from hayfever Regularly wiping these areas before pollen has the opportunity to disperse can prevent it from getting on bedding, sofas, and carpets. Nigel advises: "Just use a damp microfibre cloth once a day. It takes 30 seconds, costs nothing, and can genuinely reduce your hay fever flare-ups indoors." Advertisement Dr Lindsay Browning, psychologist, neuroscientist and sleep expert at , provided other tips on how to keep hay fever at Elsewhere, an allergy expert recently revealed the 8 things all hay fever sufferers need to do. Hay fever first aid kit Analyse your symptoms and find the best medication kit for you... Antihistamines Antihistamines (cetirizine or loratadine) work by blocking histamine in the body, which is released when the body detects something it thinks is harmful. Histamine causes blood vessels to expand and the skin to swell, but in people with hay fever, also causes an allergic reaction. That's the watering eyes, blocked nose, rashes and so on. Max Wiseberg, airborne allergens expert and creator of HayMax, says that many antihistamines are available on prescription, such as Telfast, which you can see your GP for or get through an online doctor, such as LloydsPharmacy. Telfast, and other prescription-only antihistamine tablets, work in the same way as over-the-counter antihistamines, but are stronger and intended to help with more severe symptoms. 'Get your prescription in advance of the season so you have your medication in time to start taking it at the right time,' he says. 'Some are best taken at least one month before the hay fever season starts." Nasal sprays A nasal spray can be effective in controlling congestion and stuffiness. Pharmacists can advise on nasal sprays (sodium cromoglicate, ipratropium bromide or decongestant), and eye drops, too. Nasal sprays can also help with other symptoms of hay fever 'because the medicine is targeted directly to the nose, which is where the vast majority of allergens enter the body', Max says. Independent pharmacist Rita Ghelani says: 'Try Xlear nasal spray, which contains xylitol, and has anti-bacterial properties and keeps the nasal lining moist. 'If symptoms are more severe, then try an anti-inflammatory nasal spray – sometimes referred to as a steroid nasal spray – which can take a few days to work. 'Start with one that contains beclomethasone, which is used twice a day, in the morning and at night.' Rita also advises cleaning the nose with a saline nasal spray before a steroid spray, saying: 'It will remove sticky mucus from the nasal passage, thus improving the effectiveness of the medication.' Eye drops If itchy eyes are your primary concern, Rita says: 'Try using sodium cromoglicate eye drops. "These make the eyes less sensitive to allergens such as pollen and reduce irritation. "They need to be used four times a day to keep the levels of the active ingredient high enough to be effective. "Keep using them even if symptoms improve. 'Using a good eye drop to lubricate the eyes may also help with dry eyes during the summer months.' And Hay fever sufferers have been warned not to buy super-strong injections online as demand has soared for a banned drug. Instead, here are four cheap tricks to beat hay fever season without breaking the bank. Advertisement And finally, the 6p supplement that will help prevent the agonising symptoms of hay fever.
Daily Record
11-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Pharmacist says there are six medications you should pack on holiday
Pharmacist Ashley O Dubhain has shared the six medications he always packs when travelling abroad - and that you should too Preparing for an overseas holiday can often lead to a packing conundrum. While the essentials like clothing and toiletries are no-brainers, it's the unforeseen circumstances that can catch you off guard. It's not easy to anticipate every need, and there may be times when you're caught short without something essential. One pharmacist has highlighted a few key medicines to pack from home to ensure a stress-free vacation. Irish Pharmacist Ashley O Dubhain, known as Ash the Pharmacist on social media, notes that he's frequently asked "in the summer months" about essential travel medicines. He advises travellers not to panic, reminding them that pharmacies will be available at their destination, but he does recommend six particular items based on his "own experience" and understanding of what might be harder to find abroad. For those travelling to hotter, more humid climates, Ashley emphasises the importance of bringing electrolytes with you, and it doesn't matter about the brand. Electrolytes play a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance and supporting muscle and nerve function. Since we lose electrolytes through perspiration, it's critical to replace the sodium lost, particularly if you're prone to heavy sweating. Additionally, he suggests packing an antihistamine such as Zirtek, Telfast, Clarityn, or whichever brand you prefer. Ashley highlighted the benefits of a popular treatment, saying: "This will be good for insect bites but also if you take a reaction to food or the sun, for example. It can help with that heat rash." For those travelling and unaccustomed to foreign cuisine, Ashley suggests keeping Imodium at hand, a crucial over-the-counter remedy to swiftly halt diarrhoea and "stop" any adverse effects. When it comes to insect stings, Ashley often recommends Fucibet, but hydrocortisone cream is available without prescription, such as Cortopin. Yet, Ashley warns: "Ask your pharmacist if you're allowed to take it, as not everyone is. If steroid creams aren't suitable for you, you can get some Anthisan cream." Considering probiotics is another tip from Ashley; start them a few weeks before your trip, particularly if you're heading somewhere the "know the food and the water could make you sick". Probiotics are thought to help restore the natural balance and bacteria in your gut, according to the NHS. Lastly, he recommends bringing some painkillers such as paracetamol, Panadol, Nurofen or ibuprofen. It's important to speak to your doctor or a pharmacist if you're unsure before taking any medication, as what's suitable for others might not be for you.
