Pollen, allergies and itchy skin

QV Shop
Ego Brands
EN
Current location and language options: (EN)
EN
Current location and language options: (EN)
Ego Brands
Pollen, allergies and itchy skin: breaking the atopic triad cycle

Understanding  |  Allergies |  Protective Role 

author-generic-thumbnail

Written by the QV science community.

Updated on May 29, 2026

The onset of spring often signals the start of seasonal allergies. Those with eczema are more likely to be sensitive to pollen, which increases the risk of common hay fever symptoms such as watery eyes and nasal congestion.1

Although conditions like eczema, asthma, and hay fever can develop independently, they often occur together.1 This combination is known as the “atopic triad” and is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.2,3

Research suggests that eczema often appears earliest and can increase the risk of developing asthma and allergies later.4 This occurs because a weakened skin barrier allows allergens to enter the body, potentially triggering allergic reactions elsewhere. This progression is known as the atopic march.1

It is therefore important to maintain a healthy skin barrier by using emollients regularly and effectively managing exposure to environmental triggers.2,5

Understanding the atopic triad

Atopy, which means 'strange disease', describes an exaggerated reaction to allergens.6,7 It affects about 20-30% of the general population and causes allergic conditions such as asthma, eczema (atopic dermatitis), food allergies, and hay fever (allergic rhinitis).8

Healthcare professionals do not fully understand the causes of the atopic triad and why these conditions coexist. It is believed that inflammation and elevated Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels can contribute.6 In some cases, IgE may mistakenly recognise harmless substances, such as pollen, as threats, triggering allergic hypersensitivity responses.

Not everyone with atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis develops other allergies, and the timing, age of onset, and risk level can vary with eczema severity.,4

How allergies and pollen affect the skin

Pollen is a fine, powdery substance transported by the wind, and there are over 30 different types that cause hay fever. Grass, tree and weed pollen allergies are the most common, and factors such as temperature, wind, rain, and sunshine can affect pollen levels.9,10,11

Exposure to pollen in people with allergies can trigger a cascade of immune reactions, including the release of histamine, which stimulates glands to secrete substances that irritate nerve cells.9,10

This is why classic hay fever symptoms include a runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, and sneezing, similar to those of the common cold.9,10 There is also a range of less well-known symptoms, from an itchy throat and ears to headaches and sinus pressure. In addition, quality of life can be affected by brain fog, fatigue, and poor sleep.9

People with atopic triad often face extra challenges, experiencing more severe asthma symptoms such as chest tightness, wheezing, breathlessness, and cough.11 This can be on top of managing dry, itchy skin and eczema flare-ups.12

Protective role of emollients in allergy and eczema management

The function of the skin barrier, also known as the stratum corneum, is to act as the body’s first line of defence against the outside world, keeping beneficial substances like moisture in and harmful substances like irritants and allergens out.

Up to 30% of people with eczema have a weakened skin barrier due to mutations in the filaggrin gene, which helps strengthen skin cells and maintain hydration.13 These mutations can cause a "leaky" barrier and disrupt the skin’s pH, allowing abnormal bacterial growth that can trigger immune responses such as inflammation.14

An impaired skin barrier also allows moisture to escape, leading to dryness and cracks that allow irritants and allergens to enter. This can lead to sensitive skin, resulting in increased redness, itchiness, and discomfort.14

Emollients, such as QV Intensive Ointment and QV cream, can help repair and protect the skin barrier by forming an oily layer that traps moisture and seals it in, helping reduce water loss and filling gaps between skin cells. They also encourage hydration within the stratum corneum, which helps soothe and relieve the itch caused by dry atopic skin.

For best results during allergy season, they should be applied frequently.15 They can also be used alongside other prescribed medications such as topical corticosteroids and antihistamines to manage itch and soothe flare-ups.15

Other top tips during allergy season include:

  • Using emollients that contain one or more efficacious moisturising ingredients such as glycerin, which mimics the action of the skin’s natural moisturising factor and occludents, which help form a near-waterproof coating on the skin to reduce water loss and increase skin hydration.16
  • Avoiding common skincare ingredients such as fragrance and colour, as these can cause irritation in some people.17
  • Gently cleansing skin with non-soap products like QV Gentle Wash after outdoor exposure to remove pollen.
  • Using the "soak and seal" method, which involves bathing with products like QV Bath Oil in lukewarm water for a short time and then immediately applying an emollient.
  • When out and about, use a high SPF sunscreen, preferably with moisturising ingredients to keep the skin hydrated.18
  • Keeping windows closed during high-pollen days to prevent it from settling indoors, and washing bedding and pillowcases frequently to remove trapped allergens.
  • Switching to a lighter emollient in warmer weather, such as QV Lotion.

Allergic conditions like eczema have risen worldwide in recent years. Researchers argue that this increase cannot be explained solely by genetics and propose that environmental changes might activate or worsen the disease in those who are genetically susceptible.2

As there is a strong connection between the skin’s protective barrier and whole-body immune responses, boosting the skin barrier is therefore a vital line of defence against allergen exposure.14

Research is still ongoing into how to halt the atopic march, but some insights suggest that early intervention with emollients can help support the skin barrier from birth. Strengthening the skin barrier helps prevent irritants, allergens, and bacteria from penetrating the skin and reducing the risk of triggering further allergies.1

You Might Be Interested In

QV UK Subscription Form

Your Inbox, Tailored to Your Skin

We’d love to know more about your interests so we can send you personalised advice and exclusive offers – no spam, just things you’ll love.

References

  1. https://www.healthline.com/health/skin-disorders/winter-eczema-treatment
  2. https://www.psoriasis-association.org.uk/news/cold-weather-tips
  3. https://eczema.org/information-and-advice/triggers-for-eczema/weather-and-eczema
  4. Matsui T, Amagai M. Dissecting the formation, structure and barrier function of the stratum corneum. Int Immunol 2015;27(6):269–80.
  5. Hui-Beckman JW, Goleva E, Leung DYM, Kim BE. The impact of temperature on the skin barrier and atopic dermatitis. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2023 Dec;131(6):713-719.
  6. Holbrook KA, Odland GF. Regional Differences in the Thickness (Cell Layers) of the Human Stratum Corneum: An Ultrastructural Analysis. J Invest Dermatol 1974;62(4):415–22.
  7. https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/psoriasis-guide-for-all-seasons
  8. Johansen J. Fragrance contact allergy: A clinical review. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology 2003;4(11):789–798.
  9. Mayer RL. Aromatic Amines and Azo-Dyes in Allergy and Cancer. Journal of Investigative Dermatology 1948;10(5):389–96.
  10. https://eczema.org/information-and-advice/triggers-for-eczema/stress-and-eczema/
  11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6464068/
  12. Engebretsen KA, Johansen JD, Kezic S, Linneberg A, Thyssen JP. The effect of environmental humidity and temperature on skin barrier function and dermatitis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2016 Feb;30(2):223-49.
  13. Agrawal R, Woodfolk JA. Skin Barrier Defects in Atopic Dermatitis. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2014;14(5):433.