UK households are being urged to shower twice a day until this Sunday as a bout of hot weather arrives.
The Met Office says much of the country will be in heatwave conditions by this weekend, with temperatures on Saturday forecast to reach highs of 34C in eastern England. The hot weather brings with it unpleasant conditions for hay fever sufferers, with the Met Office forecasting “very high” levels across most of the country on Friday and Saturday, followed by “high” and “medium” levels on Sunday.
The UK is currently in the middle of grass pollen season – the type the majority of people with hay fever are allergic to – so the upcoming heatwave means symptoms are likely going to worsen for sufferers over the coming days
As there is no cure for hay fever, experts recommend taking preventative measures to keep symptoms at bay and advise showering twice a day to remove pollen particles from your skin and hair.
Pollen particles are very sticky and can cling to you when you’re outside, so by showering in the morning and at night this removes the pollen from your body and prevents it from spreading around your home, which can make symptoms worse indoors.
It’s especially beneficial to shower before going to bed, particularly if you have been outside during the day, to ensure any pollen particles aren’t transferred to your bedding as this can trigger symptoms and result in a disturbed night of sleep.
But if you’re leaving your windows and doors open during the night to allow some cool air to flow inside, then it’s also important to shower again in the morning to remove any particles that may have drifted in.
Most people shower in the morning, according to a survey by the Sleep Foundation. But hay fever advice tells people to shower when they get home from work, so for most people that will mean taking two showers per day.
Forefront Dermatology says: “If you have hay fever that is triggered by outdoor allergens, it is extremely important to shower immediately after being outside.
“When pollen levels are high, pollen can become intertwined with your hair and rest on your skin. Showering will help eliminate those allergens, preventing a nighttime attack.”
Allergy UK adds: “On high pollen days, shower, wash your hair and change your clothes, especially your outer layer of clothing, when you arrive home.
“Keep windows closed – this is most important in the early mornings, when pollen is being released, and in the evening when the air cools.”