Edit Hayfever Spring

<p><strong>Try not to stress</strong></p> <p>Sometimes, it's easier said than done, but stress is one of the biggest triggers of skin problems.</p> <p>When stressed, your body releases 'stress hormones', such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones impact different bodily functions, including the flow of blood to your skin. </p> <p>Typically, a common sign of stress is skin irritation or a rash. Therefore, to prevent skin problems, try to do stress-relieving activities such as yoga, meditation, reading, listening to music or socialising with friends.</p> <p><strong>What to do if your skin flares up?</strong></p> <p><em>If your skin does become inflamed, try the following treatments:</em></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Step 1- Antihistamine</strong></em></span></p> <p>If you haven’t already, taking an antihistamine is recommended. As it says in the name, antihistamine helps to decrease your body's natural production of histamine, which occurs when an allergen comes into contact. </p> <p>Antihistamines, such as fexofenadine and diphenhydramine, can help relieve itching and are a standard treatment for hives. The majority of antihistamines can be bought over the counter. </p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Step 2- Cooling compress</strong></em></span></p> <p>For red, itchy and inflamed skin, try to cool it by applying either a cold flannel, aloe vera or calamine lotion. </p> <p>If none of these work, try a colloidal oatmeal bath. Research has shown oatmeal baths can have potent anti-inflammatory, anti-itch, and antioxidant benefits for the skin, and the only thing you need is colloidal oatmeal.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Step 3- Topical steroid creams</strong></em></span></p> <p>If the skin is still inflamed, over-the-counter products such as hydrocortisone, desonide and clobetasol creams are most commonly used to treat eczema and allergic contact dermatitis.</p> <p>All topical steroids should be used sparingly on your face, which is normally the most sensitive part of the body, and avoid applying around the delicate parts of your eyes.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Step 4 - Allergen avoidance</strong></em></span></p> <p>For further flare-ups, if you know for sure you have specific allergies, avoid them, as this could significantly reduce your hay fever symptoms.</p> <p>If you suspect you have more allergies apart from hay fever, you should go for allergy testing with your local GP.</p>

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