Specialists are warning that this year pollen counts are going to be at their highest levels for 50 years due to the exceptionally late Spring this year.

The sudden pollen surge is predicted for June and doctors say it will be the worst June since 1962 for the UK’s 16 million hay fever sufferers.

The cold March has delayed the normal pollen burst production, meaning that May and June will see much higher pollen counts than normal, with tree pollen from earlier pollen bursts combining with flower and grass pollen in what is set to be a massive mixed pollen burst in late May and early June.

Most hay fever products are only for the actual eyes themselves, but very few products are available or suggested for the skin that typically becomes inflamed and dry around the eyes and on the eye lids of hay fever sufferers.

Dry, itchy skin around the eyes is a common side effect of hay fever. The constant tears typical of hay fever coupled with frequent eye rubbing due to itchiness in the eyes causes the skin around the eye to become dry, itchy and inflamed. Sufferers often describe the skin around the eye as ‘burning’.

Typical treatment for hay fever are anti-histamines and eye drops, however very little is offered to treat the skin around the eye. Anti-histamine eye drops also have a very drying and irritant effect on the skin around the eye, which can add to the problem

Skin Shop’s Dry Eye Gel is a light natural gel that contains a plant extract of Cardiospermum. Two recent UK trials and more than 12 published research trials have been carried out on cardiospermum due to its medicinal effects on inflammatory skin conditions. In one recent double blind study carried out in Germany Cardiospermum was found to have a significant anti-inflammatory effect without any side effects.

How best to protect yourself against hay fever attacks and lower your reliance on anti-histamine medications

• Wear wrap-around sunglasses when outside to reduce pollen dust getting into the eyes
• Change clothes and shower after being outside
• Wash hands after every outdoor excursion.
• Try to keep windows in house closed during windy days to avoid pollen entering the house
• Avoid walking or lying in long grass or in areas of dense vegetation
• Put Vasaline up nostrils to try and prevent pollen dust entering the nasal passages
• Do regular facial steams with eucalyptus infused water to try and keep airways clear
• Use a salt water nasal spray regularly to keep nasal passages clear and cleansed
• Avoid wearing contact lenses when pollen count is very high
• Use an anti-inflammatory and anti-itch eye product around the eyes to reduce swelling and itchiness of eyes and prevent eye rubbing and redness.

Dry Eye Gel costs 6.95 for 15ml and is available from at? www.skinshop.co.uk