lifestyle

Stores stock up on products to fight hay fever

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Spring is almost upon us in Japan, which means it is hay fever season.

Anyone who suffers from “kafunsho” as hay fever is known in Japan, doesn’t need to be told how miserable their lives become. Sufferers will try anything to ease the effect.

In response, an array of products is on the market. Many department stores, drugstores, convenience stores and other shops have corners dedicated to “kafunsho” goods, ranging from tissues, surgical masks and eye drops to special goggles.

Here are some of the products on shelves this year.

Masks

The “Nose Mask Pit” from Bio-International is an attractive product for those frustrated at wearing a mask that messes up a woman’s makeup or fogs up glasses. It is a small compact type of mask placed inside the nostrils. It is not noticeable and filters out pollen and dust. It costs 500 yen for three pieces.

Also new are black surgical masks that bamboo charcoals are kneaded into. The charcoals not only emit negative ions but also have higher antibacterial effects and odor elimination effects. (¥362 + tax for 5)

OST-Rich AIR Rich Shower

This spray contains extract from ostrich eggs that absorbs house dust to minimize harmful effects. Ostrich eggs are full of antibodies. Yasuhiro Tsukamoto, a doctor of veterinarian medicine, says the extract is effective not only against influenza but also pollen from Japanese cypress. You can spray it in the air, on sofas, curtains, clothes and futons to reduce the amount of small particles such as dust and pollen in the air. (¥2500+tax for 200ml) You can also try the Mask infiltrated with Ostrich-eggs anti-body extract. Ostrich-eggs anti-body masks (¥427 + tax for 3 sheets)

Alelblock Pollen Guard plus Spray & Sheets

These are products to eliminate static electricity that collect pollen, PM2.5 and multiple viruses. The spray can be applied over your makeup and hair, as well as directly to your face. (Spray ¥908 + tax, Sheets ¥598 + tax)

Goggles and glasses

There is a variety of hay fever prevention glasses and goggles. “Squacy Smart” stylish glasses come in a variety of colors and designs, and are supposed to protect eyes from pollen, house dust and ultraviolet rays as well.

Other products

“Nasal Guard” is a transparent mask which prevents heavy sneezing, sniffling and nasal congestion. It is a jell put inside the nostrils, catching dust and pollen.

A Swedish product called “Nasaline” is also effective to clean the inside of the nose where dust and pollen can cause inflammation. It can be easily used at home with salt water and causes no discomfort.

“Koaland” by NARIS UP COSMETICS is a moisturized cream containing with eucalyptus oil, which prevents chapped skin around the nose. It can be also used on makeup. Look for the cute koala bear on the package.

“Kafun Block Spray” by Daisan prevents bedding from accumulating pollen or attracting ticks. It contains silver ions suppressing sweat smell and sebum that draw ticks.

“Hana Clean S” is a compact-sized nose washer that children can easily use. It is used with a special detergent and lukewarm water.

“Eye Cup” is useful for alleviating itchy eyes. It is an eye wash, bottle-push style, shooting out water.

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Here's an idea - why don't they just cut down the offending trees producing all this unwanted pollen? No good?

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