Allergy levels are on the rise with an estimated 1 in 4 Brits suffering from an allergy at some point in their lives

Research has identified an increasing trend of people suffering with allergies, with hay fever, skin allergies and rashes the most common problems faced. Experts have seen numbers of allergy sufferers grow in the last two decades, with an annual rise of approximately 5%.

Currently, 20% of children have allergy issues and a child is twice as likely to suffer if their mother is allergic. Dr Pixie McKenna, the UK’s leading female medic, encourages early diagnosis and correct management of the allergy: “When we think about allergies, we often think of the great outdoors and this is undoubtedly where the majority of contact with potential triggers occurs. However, it’s important to consider the impact of indoor allergens like dust mite, pet hair and pollen particles that can find their way indoors. “

“Thankfully, gone are the days when we had to rely solely on elbow grease to tackle allergens in the home; now there are some fantastic products on the market including Hotpoint’s vacuum cleaners, steam mops, washing machines and tumble dryers which carry the UK Allergy seal of approval.”

Providing one explanation for this rapid growth in allergies, Dr Pixie said: “It is well known that early exposure to bacteria and microorganisms in childhood primes our immune system and current thinking holds that our environment has become so sterile that we are missing out on exposure to both bad and good germs. This isn’t of course to say that we should revert back to a world without sanitation, but as researchers, we need to challenge ourselves to understand why early exposure to microbes makes us less likely to be allergic. We need to harness their USP to help us reduce global allergy rates”

Allergens can find their way into the home from outdoors and Brits are making basic mistakes that are increasing their chances of suffering from allergies. Spending a day outdoors causes pollens and other allergens to stick to clothing, so experts suggest putting all clothes into the washing machine as soon as possible to avoid bedding down with pollen. There is no quick fix when it comes to allergies, but a proactive approach to managing an allergy is the best solution.