Hayfever and Eczema: How They’re Connected and How to Fight Back
If you struggle with both hayfever and eczema, you’re not alone. Many people who suffer from eczema also deal with seasonal allergies — especially in spring and summer when pollen levels are high. But did you know that hayfever can actually make your eczema worse?
Let’s look at how hayfever and eczema are linked, how hayfever triggers flare-ups, and what you can do to fight back.
What Is Hayfever?
Hay fever (also called allergic rhinitis) is an allergic reaction to pollen from trees, grass, or weeds. Common symptoms include:
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Sneezing and runny nose
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Itchy, watery eyes
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Blocked or irritated sinuses
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Itchy throat or ears
For people with eczema, hayfever doesn’t just cause sniffles — it can trigger itchy skin, inflammation, and full-blown eczema flare-ups.
How Hayfever Affects Eczema
Here’s how hayfever makes eczema worse:
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1. Overactive Immune Response
Both eczema and hayfever are caused by an overactive immune system. When your body reacts to pollen, it releases histamines and other chemicals that increase inflammation — including in your skin.
2. More Itching and Scratching
Hayfever can make your eyes, nose, and skin itchier, especially around the face, neck, and eyes. This leads to more scratching, which damages the skin barrier and triggers flare-ups.
3. Pollen on Skin and Clothes
Pollen doesn’t just go up your nose — it sticks to your clothes, hair, and skin. This can directly irritate eczema-prone skin and cause patches to worsen, especially after being outside.
How to Fight Hayfever and Protect Your Skin
Here are practical ways to manage hayfever and keep eczema under control:
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1. Limit Pollen Exposure
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Check pollen forecasts and try to stay indoors on high pollen days.
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Shower and change clothes after coming in from outside to remove pollen.
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Keep windows closed, especially in the morning and evening when pollen counts are highest.
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Dry clothes indoors during high pollen season to avoid pollen sticking to fabrics.
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2. Use Antihistamines
Over-the-counter antihistamines (like cetirizine or loratadine) can help reduce both hayfever symptoms and eczema-related itching. Some people take them daily during hayfever season.
Always speak to a pharmacist or GP before starting any medication, especially for children.
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3. Moisturise Regularly
During pollen season, skin tends to dry out faster. Moisturising helps strengthen your skin barrier and keeps allergens from entering.
Use fragrance-free emollients or creams with ingredients like:
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Shea butter
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Ceramides
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Colloidal oatmeal
Apply at least twice a day — and always after washing or being outdoors.
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4. Soothe Itchy Eyes and Face
Use cool compresses, eye drops, or gentle, hypoallergenic face creams to calm irritation. Avoid rubbing your eyes or face, as this can worsen eczema.
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5. Try a Barrier Balm
Applying a thin layer of barrier balm (like petroleum jelly or eczema-safe balm) around the nostrils and eyes may help trap pollen and prevent irritation in sensitive areas.
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6. Keep Indoor Air Clean
Use a HEPA filter or air purifier to trap pollen indoors. Regularly vacuum using a machine with an allergy filter and wipe down surfaces to reduce allergens.
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Final Thoughts
Hayfever and eczema often go hand in hand — and when one flares up, the other usually follows. But with the right protection and daily care, you can fight both. From reducing pollen exposure to strengthening your skin barrier, small changes make a big difference.
At Eczema Eaze, we share helpful tips, advice, and product recommendations to support eczema sufferers through every season. Explore our top-rated allergy-friendly products from trusted retailers like Amazon, Boots, and more — because eczema relief starts at home.