Suffer from hay fever? 5 top-rated products to help ease symptoms
The most effective hay fever products.
Hay fever season is in full swing for 2023, and we're keen for ways to reduce symptoms and make any discomfort more manageable.
Also known as allergic rhinitis, hay fever is a common allergic reaction to pollen, and it's becoming more prevalent. According to Allergy UK, up to to 37% of people are developing symptoms for the first time in the last five years.
These include itchy eyes and throat, a blocked nose, watery eyes, headaches, tiredness and mucus in the back of the throat.
As a result, it's no wonder that Boots has seen sales of hay fever treatments surge by 32% in the last week. The retailer also revealed that the Boots Online Doctor Hay Fever Treatment Service, which provides prescription hay fever medicine to help ease symptoms, saw an increase in orders by 224% last week.
However, it doesn't help that there are so many over-the-counter and prescription options on the market, and finding the best combination that works for you, whether that's nasal sprays, eye drops or antihistamines, isn't always easy as it should be.
Fortunately Claire Nevinson, Superintendent Pharmacist at Boots has shared her top tips and treatment advice on what products to use and why they're effective. Read on to find out her top five summer essentials.
5 top-rated hay fever treatments
Boots Hayfever & Allergy Relief 10mg Tablets (30 Tablets) | £5.49
Nevinson recommends using these tablets as a great all-rounder for the summer. "For general hay fever management, a hay fever relief tablet targets more than one hay fever symptom. These contain antihistamines which provide symptomatic relief of hay fever, hives and pet allergies," she says.
Boots Children’s Allergy Relief Antihistamine 2 mg/5 ml Syrup | £4.04 (Was £4.49)
If your children are struggling with hay fever, this syrup option is a must-have. "A hay fever syrup is a good alternative for someone who may suffer with difficulty swallowing pills – especially children. The use of a syringe also allows for dosing according to the patient's weight and age, and with children who require lower dosages."
Beconase Hayfever Relief for Adults Nasal Spray - 100 Sprays | £6.80
"If you're experiencing nasal congestion or sneezing as your main hay fever symptom, a nasal spray is a good choice, because it provides rapid, targeted action and easy administration," says Nevinson.
Boots Hayfever Relief 2% w/v Eye Drops | £4.55
"For anyone suffering with itchy and watery eyes due to hay fever, eye drops can provide targeted relief. Be mindful that eye drops can be difficult to administer and can take some time to get used to," recommends Nevinson. However if you wear contact lenses, she explains that they may not be suitable as they can stain the lens.
Boots Skin Allergy Relief 2% w/w Cream | £4.49
Lastly, if your pollen allergy is presenting on your skin, try a cream like this one. "If hay fever is causing skin itchiness, irritation or rashes, a good quality cream is a staple to keep with you during the summer months. Look out for a product containing diphenhydramine hydrochloride, which can provide topical anti-histaminic relief. This should not be applied on broken skin or large areas of skin."
Watch: Five natural ways to help treat hay fever
