Summer Allergies? Here’s How to Beat Them

Allergies and skin rashes are a spring thing, right?

Nope! 

Itchy skin, snuffly noses, and seasonal allergy symptoms can strike whenever your body reacts to something in the environment. That can include pollen, the sun, the heat, pollen, bugs, animal hair - and much more! 

Allergies like hay fever most often occur during spring when plants are pollinating, but with New Zealand’s unpredictable weather patterns, many people are now finding their symptoms crop up in summer, too. In fact, some trees may not finish pollinating until later in the summer, especially in the southern parts of New Zealand. Some unlucky individuals who are sensitive to grass or weed pollen may find that their symptoms may go on for much longer, as some species of grass plants pollinate from late winter right through summer. And if you’re allergic to the common weed plantain, you might find yourself suffering for almost 10 months of the year! 

But plants and weather aren’t the only causes of summer allergies. Dust mites, moulds, and animal dander can trigger symptoms at any time of the year - especially if you’ve taken a wee break from your housekeeping chores (which some of us are quite tempted to do over the holiday season!)

Good news: you don’t have to spend summer hiding away from the wind, trees, and the family cat. Just head to Bargain Chemist!

Nasal Relief 

A stuffy, itchy, runny nose really takes the fun out of summer. While pollen or grass seed are the most often to blame, dry air can set off symptoms as well. Sleeping under a fan or air-con on those hot summer nights can dry out the nasal cavity, increasing your sensitivity to airborne irritants, viruses and bacteria. That’s when a nasal spray can come in handy. 

Flo Travel Nasal Spray is great to keep on your bedside table or in your handbag. It contains carrageenan (red seaweed extract), which binds to nasal tissues and supports moisture in the nose for hours. Carrageenan also supports the body’s immune defences. And when the little ones have the snuffles, Flo Kids Saline Nasal Spray helps to gently clear the nose and make breathing easier again. Designed with parents in mind, this nifty little product can be sprayed at any angle - which makes blocked noses much easier to deal with!

Hayfever Relief

When pollen is getting up your nose (and in your eyes and lungs!) grab yourself some Loraclear® Hayfever Relief. One of our bestselling non-drowsy antihistamines, Loraclear helps to relieve allergy symptoms in one easy daily dose. Take as directed for relief from sneezing, nasal discharge and itching, as well as itchy, watery eyes. Loraclear® can also be taken to support allergic skin disorders such as chronic urticaria (hives).

Dr Schuessler Combination Hayfever 6X Tissue Salts are based on the principles of traditional homeopathic medicine. They’re designed to support normal healing processes by regulating mineral levels in the body’s cells. An easy way to support the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes and upper respiratory tract during those sensitive periods.  

Skin Creams

Sore, itchy skin got you all hot and bothered? Skin rashes are common in summer thanks to heat, sunburn, sunlight, insect bites, or just plain old sweating. Heat rash - also known as prickly heat - can strike when your sweat ducts are blocked and become inflamed, resulting in spots, itching, and mild swelling. Heat rash usually shows up in those hidden, sweaty areas - your armpits, elbow creases, groin, under the breasts, and behind your knees. Then there’s sun rash, which looks like a dry or blistering rash on skin that’s seen a bit too much sun.

Topical creams that contain zinc can be helpful for skin rashes because zinc supports the skin’s healing processes. SUDOCREM Healing Cream is a gentle emollient cream made with 15% Zinc Oxide to help soothe minor skin irritations such as mild eczema, dermatitis and other abrasions. 

As any parent will know, nappy rash is rampant in summer due to heat and humidity - and it’s no fun for anyone! Keep a tube of Daktozin Nappy Rash Ointment on hand. Daktozin contains 15% zinc oxide, which helps to reduce redness and irritation. It acts as a barrier on the skin and won’t rub off when the nappy is replaced. 

Let’s not forget bites and stings! Insects are quite busy in summer - especially when they have lots of humans to attack all day and evening. Itching and pain from mosquito bites and bee stings can quickly turn a great day into a great annoyance. 

Weleda Burns & Bites Cooling Gel is a calming herbal gel for insect bites, stings, burns, sunburn, and other skin rashes. It contains natural extracts of echinacea, aloe vera, and arnica to help ease the pain of skin irritations and support normal healing. A must for any family first-aid kit! 

Along with the products we’ve mentioned, it’s also a good idea to minimize your exposure to allergy triggers as much as possible. Check the pollen count on the weather report each day, wear sunscreen EVERY time you go outdoors, and slather on insect repellent when the bugs are about. A little prevention can go a long way! You’ll find everything you need at Bargain Chemist - your one-stop shop for keeping summer allergies and irritations at bay.  

Always read the label and use as directed. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.