Hay fever and hives outbreaks often spoil your life? Sprays, tablets or ointment treatments to calm allergic reactions and relieve symptoms quickly.
Repeated sneezing, itching, tingling nose, eyes … sometimes the allergies triggered by the inhalation of trees (birch, alder, hornbeam …) pollens, grasses (wheat, oats …) or herbs (ragweed, wild flowers …) affect about 30% of French.
These symptoms are caused by an overreaction of the immune system that produces large amounts of histamine, the substance involved in allergic reactions.
Histamine is also the source of local irritation or hives caused some plants (nettle, cedar, ivy …) or animals (armyworms, jellyfish, insects …).
Treatments available in self-medication used to quickly alleviate this discomfort. If there is no improvement within 48 hours or if symptoms worsen, consult a doctor.
AGAINST HAY FEVER
PREVENTIVE
Bional Medical Allergy (Omega Pharma), about € 10.50 nasal spray (140 doses).
Composition: a gel formed oils (spearmint and sesame) and emulsifiers (clay and xanthan gum) which becomes liquid by agitation and forms a protective film on the nasal mucosa.
The +: the protective film prevents allergens from entering into contact with the nasal mucosa. Efficiency confirmed by two tests (16 and 18 people).
The -: insufficient effect once the allergic reaction triggered.
In what cases? For prevention before the onset of symptoms. From 12 years.
In practice: one spray in each nostril 2 to 3 times per day.
Your pharmacist’s advice: to be effective, treatment should be started before exposure to the allergen.
SOOTHING
Alairgix allergic rhinitis (Cooper), approximately € 5.10 nasal spray bottle of 15 ml (about 100 sprays).
Composition of sodium cromoglycate, a molecule that blocks the release of histamine, substance causing allergic reaction.
The +: a well-tolerated molecule, frequently prescribed for the treatment of allergic background people.
The -: a moderate share in case of insufficient very bothersome symptoms.
In what case? To relieve symptoms of mild to moderate allergic rhinitis (itching, sneezing…). From 6 years.
In practice: to spray in each nostril four times a day.
Your pharmacist’s advice: a more effective treatment that is taken early, the first signs of allergy (itchy nose …). Used in prevention throughout the pollination period.
INTENSIVE
Humex Hay fever (Urgo), about € 6.45 bottle of 20 ml Nasal Spray (100 sprays).
Composition: beclomethasone, cortisone derivative.
The +: the only treatment with cortisone available without a prescription, indicated for hay fever.
The -: topical corticosteroids sometimes have drawbacks: irritation, nose bleed … They cannot be taken over a long period without medical advice.
In what case? To relieve symptoms of moderate to severe allergic rhinitis: obstruction, runny nose, sneezing … or repeated in case of failure of local treatment with cromolyn sodium. From 15 years.
In practice: one spray in each nostril four times a day.
Your pharmacist’s advice: after 2-3 days to feel the effects. No more than 6 weeks of use.
LITTLE SEDATIVE
DoliAllergie (Sanofi Aventis), about € 5 Box 7 tablets.
Composition: loratadine, an antihistamine. Generic drug Clarityne.
The +: studies have shown that loratadine causes even less somnolence as cetirizine, another sedative antihistamine reference bit (in ZyrtecSet or Actifed Allergy cetirizine).
The -: no originality in the formulation, it is a conventional tablet to swallow.
In what case? To relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. From 12 years old and in children over 30 kg.
In practice: one tablet daily for 7 days.
Your pharmacist’s advice: use associated with a nasal spray, at the onset of symptoms. To be renewed thereafter in case of recovery of the manifestations of allergy.
TEXTURE GEL
Butix gel (Pierre Fabre), about € 6.30 30 g tube.
Composition: diphenhydramine, an antihistamine.
The +: antihistamines have proven effective to reduce itching associated with allergic manifestations. An easy to apply gel that penetrates and texture.
The -: the photosensitizing molecule is: risk of sunburn even in low sun exposure.
In what case? If itching (hives) related to animal bites or plant. From 36 months.
In Practice: 2-3 applications per day on injuries for a week.
Your pharmacist’s advice: when exposed to sunlight, provide a covering garment on the affected area or apply a high protection sunscreen few minutes after applying the gel.
Against outbreaks of hives
CALMANT
Onctose (Merck Medication Family), about € 5.90 48 g tube.
Composition: lidocaine, a local anesthetic, the méfénidramium, an antihistamine.
The +: lidocaine associated with antihistamine quickly relieves itching.
The -: local anesthetics are sometimes cause allergic skin reactions.
In what case? If such intense itching associated with hives.
In practice: 2-3 applications per day at the affected area for maximum 7 days.
Your pharmacist’s advice: if the itching does not decrease rapidly or worsen, stop applications. It may be local anesthetic intolerance.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Cortisédermyl 0.5% cream (Cooper), about € 4.75 15 g tube.
Composition: hydrocortisone, a corticosteroid.
The +: an action on the local itching and swelling in case of puncture.
The -: topical corticosteroids are not trivial. Must comply with the instructions of application. In children, not before six years.
In what case? To calm important and / or to reduce itching edema following local injections of plants or animals.
In practice: no more than 2 applications per day, morning and evening. Facial skin, fine enough is avoided. Treatment is limited to 3 days.
Your pharmacist’s advice: not applicable under occlusion, this will boost the effect of too much corticosteroid. Increase the frequency of application does not accelerate healing, but can cause side effects (irritation …).
A SUCK
Drill Allergy (Pierre Fabre), about € 7 Box 7 lozenges.
Composition of cetirizine, an antihistamine.
The +: possible without taking water from one of the reference molecules in the treatment of patients with allergic manifestation. Rapid action.
The -: a low risk of drowsiness may occur in susceptible individuals.
In what case? In any type of allergic reactions (allergic rhinitis, urticaria). From 12 years.
In practice: suck one tablet daily for 7 days. It is also possible to dissolve the tablet in a little water.
Board pharmacist formulations presented in scored tablets to swallow (Actifed Allergy Cetirizine, ZyrtecSet) suitable for children over 6 years.
