Although tree blossoms, pretty flowers and lush lawns are a welcome sight in Spring and Summer, for some this image also carries the dread of hay fever.

Hay fever is caused by pollen, the fine powder produced by flowers and plants and trees. Symptoms can vary from itchy nose, a blocked nose, sneezing, itchy and watery red eyes, itchy throat, loss of smell, face pain, sweats, and headaches. The condition can start as early as February with tree pollen, which can be quite aggressive.

Here are some tips to help you against hay fever.

1. You can apply petroleum jelly under the nose - which can catch pollen before you breath it in.

2. Pollen rises in the afternoon and evening, so keep windows closed during this time.

3. Wear wrap around glasses to prevent eye irritation.

4. Use cold tea bags to relieve swollen or puffy eyes.

5. After being outdoors, remove clothing away from the bedroom to prevent spreading the pollen to rooms.

6. Take a shower before going to bed to remove any pollen from your hair and body.

7. Take trips to costal areas where the pollen count is lower.

8. When travelling in a car, keep windows closed. You can buy pollen filters for the car.

9. If you have to cut the lawn, wear a disposable face mask.

10. At night, sleep with the windows closed.

Your doctor or chemist can prescribe antihistamine or nasal sprays to relieve the suffering caused by the allergy to pollen.

Have a good pollen free Riviera Summer!