April 2019
Pollen Calendar: A Guide to the Types of Pollen and Allergies
If you suffer from hay fever, you may have already investigated what is making you suffer through spring and summer. While the pollen allergy symptoms for hay fever are very familiar for hay fever suffers (sneezing, itchy eyes, dry skin, itchy nose), hay fever is an umbrella term for different pollen allergies. A grass pollen allergy might be the root of one person’s symptoms but might not be the source of someone else’s. Below is a chronological guide through the months to give you some clues as to what might be causing your symptoms.
March
Alder: You could argue that Alder starts blooming well before March; however, it’s at the height of its potency in February and most of March.
Birch: This tall, pale tree begins to blossom in March, but those who really suffer from a birch pollen allergy should pay close attention to April when it reaches its peak pollen count.
Willow: This tree starts pollinating in March but can keep going for as long as three months.
April
Ash: This starts blooming around late March, but it starts releasing far more pollen in April.
Sycamore: This one is actually in bloom from March to May, so if you are experiencing tree pollen allergy symptomsaround this period, Sycamore could be the culprit!
Oil seedrape: The vibrant yellow fields signify the peak season of this ubiquitous crop flower.
"Lime trees thrive in the summer, and their peak month is June, although you may still be affected in July."
May
Oak: This iconic British tree starts blooming during most of May.
Pine: Certain parts of Britain are densely populatedwith pine trees, so do pay close attention to your allergies at the end of April and all of May for this tree pollen allergy.
June
Lime tree: Lime trees thrive in the summer, and their peak month is June, although you may still be affected in July.
Grass: Found almost everywhere in Britain, you’ll know if this sets you off as your allergies will be at their worst throughout June, and perhaps a little before and after.
Nettle: Although these plants are more known for their sting, they can cause hay fever between late June and early July.
July
Mugwort: If you find that your allergies are still flaring up during the summertime, then Mugwort is one of the last plants to bloom,and may bethe cause of your hay fever.
Allergies
Hopefully,this pollen allergy charthas given you a little insight into what might be causing the worst of your symptoms and some pointers on when to start your medications. Allergy UK recommends that you begin taking your medication several weeks before the high-season of your allergies.
While many of us are all too familiar with the typicalsymptoms of a pollen allergy, often when we start sneezing, we may forget the other side-effects that can appear, particularly for badpollen allergies.Dry skin around eyesand the nose can occur and be the cause of significant discomfort for pollen allergy sufferers. Those who wear makeup may also find it stressful to apply foundations and concealers on top of patches of very dry skin. Investing in a good cream specifically designed to help soothe and add moisturise to these patches is always recommended.
Many dread the knowledge that their peak hay fever season is just around the corner, but by preparing yourself, you can help lessen the symptoms. Keeping skin moisturisedand your medicine cabinet well-stocked are both great measures to take before the season rolls around. If symptoms still persist, seeking advice from your local pharmacist or your GP is recommended.
