From furiously rubbing my eyes in the school playground to battling sneezes in the office, I've suffered from hay fever for as long as I can remember.
Over the years, I've relied on antihistamines for temporary relief, but side effects including headaches and drowsiness left me wanting a more natural cure.
So, I tried an £8 'miracle hack' I spotted on TikTok - and now I'll never leave the house without it.
£8.49
What does hay fever barrier balm do?
Hay fever reportedly affects one in four people in the UK with symptoms ranging from sore eyes and an itchy throat to a runny nose.
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A drug-free alternative to antihistamines, hay fever balm is applied around the nostrils to trap pollen, dust, and pet allergens before they enter the body.
In turn, the balm can help prevent common symptoms that make it difficult to go about your day.
One of the most popular options doing the rounds on TikTok right now is the £8 HayMax Allergen Barrier Balm.
Hailed a 'life saver' by hay fever sufferers, you simply apply the balm around the rim of each nostril and under the eyes using your finger or a cotton bud.
You can re-apply throughout the day or whenever you feel a bit sniffly.
“Hay fever balms work differently to traditional allergy medications," Dr. Amel Imam, GP and Medical Director at Pharmulous, explains. "When applied around the nostrils, the balms create a physical barrier to trap pollen particles before they enter the nasal passages. This can reduce the amount of allergen exposure and, in turn, lessen symptoms.
“For some people with mild hay fever, this reduction in pollen exposure can reduce hay fever symptoms, without the need for traditional treatments, such as antihistamines, that target the body’s allergic response to pollen."
Did it really work?
After years of relying on antihistamines, I was sceptical that a hay fever balm could be as effective, but I was proven wrong.
Last weekend, London hit 20 degrees with 'high tree pollen levels' reported across the capital.
Like every other Brit, I spent most of my time in the beer garden or at the park.
Freshly cut grass is my biggest enemy, so I braced for the worst, slathering the balm around my nostrils and under the eyes.
It didn't fix the problem entirely, as I still had the odd sneeze, but it wasn't enough to make my mascara run.
Whenever I felt a sniffle coming on, I simply reapplied the balm as I would sunscreen, and it didn't ruin my make-up.
I'll still take an antihistamine for hikes and long summer days spent at the park, but the balm is perfect for the odd barbecue or walk to work.
"Antihistamines inhibit the action of histamine, the chemical responsible for symptoms like sneezing, itching and watery eyes," Dr. Amel Imam says. "Because of this, antihistamines are generally more reliable and effective for moderate to severe symptoms.
“Hay fever balms offer an alternative hay fever treatment for people with mild hay fever or those who prefer a drug-free, non-drowsy option. They can also be used alongside antihistamines or nasal sprays as part of a combined approach.
"In the right context, particularly for mild symptoms or prevention, balms are a useful option for managing hay fever."
Topics: Health
Danielle Fowler