People are being told by the NHS to rub Vaseline around their nose ahead of a wave of Met Office ‘Very High’ alerts across the country. Certain areas will fall under the highest warning for pollen, triggering allergies for millions across the UK.
The full forecast shows that from Friday, June 19, the wave of ‘red’ alerts spreads from isolated areas to cover almost all of England, as well as the entire regions of Wales and Northern Ireland. As levels reach their peak, people are being reminded to prepare in advance by stocking up on medication and avoiding certain habits during the worst of the ‘pollen bomb’.
The NHS has reminded people of a technique of using Vaseline that could help the millions of people suffering this week. In its online guidance, the NHS is telling people to try putting petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) around their nostrils.
Applying a thin layer of Vaseline around your nostrils creates a sticky, physical barrier. This barrier traps airborne pollen.
It can stop it in its tracks before it enters your nasal passages, effectively preventing the allergens from triggering a reaction. For the best results, apply a light smear before you go outdoors, especially on high-pollen-count days.
If you have to wipe your nose or sneeze, you will need to reapply it. Also, if you have sensitive skin, consider using an unscented petroleum jelly to avoid irritation.
What else does the NHS suggest?
- Wear wraparound sunglasses, a mask or a wide-brimmed hat to stop pollen from getting into your nose and eyes
- Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible
- Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth
- Try to use a pollen filter in the air vents of your car, if you have one, and a HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner
The NHS also claims that people should shower and change their clothes as soon as they get home. Showering washes away pollen that has accumulated on your skin and scalp before it can provoke an allergic reaction.
By changing your clothes, you can prevent pollen from settling on soft indoor surfaces like sofas and carpets, significantly reducing your overall allergen exposure at home. Avoid taking a bath, as the water can trap floating pollen at the surface, redepositing it onto your skin.
Although the warmer weather might feel like an ideal time to air your laundry outside instead of waiting for clothes to dry indoors, this can also create problems for hay fever sufferers – even if those clothes are not worn outside.
Laundry fibres, particularly cotton, linen, towels and clothing, can readily trap pollen when hung on washing lines, balconies and garden drying racks, all of which are exposed to airborne pollen, particularly on warm, breezy days. Pollen absorbed by laundry can also worsen hay fever symptoms once brought indoors, even several hours after initial exposure.
For more help and advice on dealing with hay fever, go to the NHS website here.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
