Allergies and insect bites
Antihistamine tablets
When you get an allergic reaction to something your body produces a chemical called histamine. That's why you need an antihistamine to get rid of it. The kind of allergy you have will influence what type of antihistamine you need and it's a good idea to check with a pharmacist.
If you're pregnant, look for antihistamines containing chlorphenamine as they are the safest, although they can make you drowsy so speak to a doctor first. Find out more about pregnancy and medication
Most allergy medicines will tackle hayfever, pet allergies, insect bites, stings and skin allergies.
You can get one-a-day tablets and they can either be drowsy or non-drowsy. Many tablets will also contain a decongestant to relieve the symptoms of hayfever or pet allergies.
If you know you're going to suffer with an allergy, for example if you get hayfever every year or you know you're allergic to a friend's cat, then you can take the tablets beforehand to try and prevent you having a reaction.
Syrups
You can also get allergy relief syrups. These work in the same way and are good for kids or people who don't like taking tablets.
Eye drops
Some eye drops will just re-hydrate your eyes and others will have medication in them to get rid of redness, swelling or itching. Like the tablets, you can start using drops before the symptoms start and most can be used every day.
Nasal sprays
These act in the same way as the tablets and eye drops and the spray is good if you need a quick relief from the symptoms.
Hydrocortisone cream
This cream reduces inflammation caused by insect bites or stings and it can also help with itching and redness. It is also good for eczema.
Next:
Read on for information about medicines for cuts, grazes, burns and small wounds
Where next?
- More information about health conditions
- Kid's health
- Give your body its very own MOT with our health check
- Do you really need to see the doctor? Find out who else could help
- Old wives' tales? Fact or fiction
- Foods that are better than medicine
- When do I need antibiotics?
- Ten symptoms you should never ignore
- How well are you? Take our immune system quiz to find out
- Top tips for boosting your immune system
By Vicky Woollaston
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