Allergies cannot be cured. The best way to manage allergies is to avoid the triggers that set them off in the first place. For instance, wearing wraparound sunglasses can help hayfever sufferers when out and about, and keeping windows and doors closed can stop pollen entering the house and aggravating a person's hayfever.

People who are allergic to house dust mites and pets should be encouraged to wash their bedding regularly. Anti-dust mite bed coverings might also be a good idea. Frequent dusting and vacuuming with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter (very effective at removing tiny particles from the air) will also help to keep the allergens at bay. Pets should be kept out of bedrooms and off sofas and soft furnishings. They should also be washed and combed regularly, if appropriate, to reduce fur and dander shedding.

If an allergic reaction does occur, OTC treatments are available to deal with symptoms.

Antihistamines

These products work by blocking the effect of histamine, which relieves most allergy symptoms. They work quickly and many people opt for them because they can be taken when symptoms are noticeable, rather than on a daily basis.

Oral antihistamines are usually split into two groups €“ older products and newer ones. Chlorphenamine is an example of an older product. It is available as tablets and as syrup, which is suitable for children from one year.

Older antihistamines are effective treatments, but one of their main drawbacks is that they may cause drowsiness. Anyone buying one of these products should be warned about this. Examples: Piriton Syrup, Piriton Allergy Tablets.

Drowsiness is not normally a problem with the newer antihistamines, such as acrivastine, cetirizine and loratadine. A longer duration of action means that these products can be taken less frequently. Make sure you check the age of younger sufferers as some of these products are not suitable for children under 12 years. Examples: Benadryl Allergy Relief, Zirtek Allergy Tablets, Clarityn Allergy Tablets.

Diphenhydramine and mepyramine are available for skin allergies. Examples: Anthisan Bite & Sting Cream, Benadryl Skin Allergy Relief Cream.