British College of Aesthetic Medicine Warns Against Hay Fever Steroid Injections

The British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) has launched a public awareness campaign warning people about the potential dangers of steroid injections marketed as a treatment for hay fever.

As pollen levels rise and demand for seasonal allergy treatments increases, BCAM is urging the public to think carefully before opting for long-acting steroid injections, such as Kenalog (triamcinolone), describing them as a treatment that is “not worth the risk.”

The College highlights that the NHS does not recommend routine steroid injections for the treatment of hay fever. Instead, patients are advised to use evidence-based treatments including antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays, eye drops and practical pollen avoidance measures.

Kenalog is not licensed in the UK for the treatment of hay fever, despite continuing to be offered by some providers.

The organisation warns that steroid injections are not a harmless seasonal remedy. Because the medication circulates throughout the body rather than targeting the nose or eyes, it may carry a range of potential side effects, including suppression of the immune system, an increased risk of infection, changes in blood sugar levels and, in rare cases, more serious complications affecting bones, joints and vision.

The College says that while some patients may experience temporary symptom relief, the injections are not clinically proven as an appropriate routine treatment for hay fever, and the potential risks may outweigh the benefits.

Instead, BCAM is encouraging patients whose symptoms remain severe despite standard treatments to seek further medical assessment. The NHS recommends that GPs consider referring patients with persistent, severe hay fever to an allergy specialist, who can assess whether allergen immunotherapy may be appropriate. Unlike steroid injections, immunotherapy aims to treat the underlying allergy rather than simply suppress symptoms.

BCAM is encouraging patients to ask questions before agreeing to any treatment and to ensure they understand both the benefits and the potential risks.

The campaign carries the message: “A quick fix isn’t always the safest fix. Always Vet It Before You Get It.”

Through the initiative, BCAM hopes to increase public awareness of safe, evidence-based hay fever treatments and discourage the routine use of steroid injections that may expose patients to unnecessary health risks.