Do you suffer from hay fever this time of year? Haytox could be the semi-permanent solution you’ve been looking for.
Spring in Australia is a beautiful time – flowers bloom, the sun comes out and iced lattes shoot into the top spot for coffee orders.
It’s a season marked by rampant change and renewal, and for the most part, that’s a wonderful thing. However, for those who suffer from allergies, spring is not so much a time to cherish as it is a time to dread.
Flowers growing and leaves unfurling means there’s a whole heap of pollen and debris in the air – and anyone who lives in Sydney will be all too familiar with the fear of plane trees and their destructive fluffy spores. Add a hint of smoke from back burning or bushfires, a light breeze and it’s a perfect storm for hay fever, asthma and a litany of other forms of respiratory irritation.
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If you suffer from hay fever, you’ll know all too well about the plight of clean sinuses, a non-itchy throat and eyes that don’t water. Every second person has a favourite chemist antihistamines or home remedy they claim will stop the symptoms of springs, but for many sufferers, it’s more a matter of riding it out.
However, some people have had enough, and are turning to alternate methods to put an end to their sniffles – namely needles, and the use of Botox, or ‘Haytox.’
Here’s everything you need to know.
What is hay fever?
Formally known as allergic rhinitis, “Hay fever arises when the immune system becomes hypersensitive to common allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander,” Dr Tanya Unni, GP, cosmetic care specialist and founder of Dr Tanya Skincare tells Body+Soul.
While many people will experience irritation from dust or debris in the air, as part of their immune response, a heightened reaction can be influenced by genetics, “Sensitisation to allergens over time, age-related immune system changes, and certain occupations involving allergen exposure”.
“For some, hay fever is seasonal, while others may experience symptoms year-round due to indoor allergens,” says Unni. However, she agrees that Spring is certainly the worst time for hay fever sufferers, as “This period corresponds to the flowering and pollination of various grasses, weeds, and trees, releasing large amounts of pollen into the air.”
Common hay fever symptoms include throat itchiness, nasal congestion, irritated eyes and a runny nose, she says, which “can impact one’s overall wellbeing.”
What is Haytox?
Since hay fever can be so severe at this time of year, some people are turning to semi-permanent solutions.
‘Haytox’ is a kind of hay fever treatment that involves applying anti-wrinkle toxins into the nasal cavity to block receptors.
“The nasal receptors in your nasal cavity are remarkably minuscule, with an estimated count of about 10 million within this confined area,” says Dr Unni. “By applying anti-wrinkle product to the thin lining of your nasal cavity topically, the nerve receptors quickly absorb it – blocking them from being triggered by allergens.”
While Botox is usually applied via an injection, Haytox requires only local application, says Unni, but it still needs to be done by a doctor or cosmetic nurse.
“Haytox is commonly performed by spraying a small amount of anti-wrinkle product into each nostril, or nasal mucosa,” she tells Body+Soul. “The treatment itself only takes five to 10 minutes, with the benefits being felt within a few hours, if not straight away.”
Does Haytox actually work?
Long story short, yes. By blocking over-active receptors, you can bypass your body’s immune response – thus avoiding unnecessary hay fever symptoms.
However, much like Botox, it’s not a cure, as much as it is a method of keeping symptoms under control.
“It is ideal for those who feel like they have tried everything, and dread hay fever season,” says Dr Unni. “Another benefit of Haytox is that results generally mean individuals aren’t having to rely on using antihistamines or nose sprays daily to manage their Hay fever symptoms.
How long does Haytox last?
While Haytox can be highly effective in the short term, it doesn’t last forever.
“Generally, the benefits of HayTox can last up to 3-4 months. If the first treatment doesn’t feel effective enough, individuals may come back at least four weeks after their initial treatment for a top up,” says Dr Unni.
How much does Haytox cost?
One treatment of Haytox in Australia can cost anywhere between $250-600, but you may also be eligible for a financial rebate (just as at your consultation).
It’s not a cheap treatment, but since Haytox lasts for around one full season, just one application may be enough to keep you protected all year long. For many, that’s a cost worth paying if it means breathing freely.
To find out if Haytox is right for you, Dr Unni suggests booking in for a consultation with a trusted medical professional, who can assess your individual circumstances.