NEW YORK (CBS 2) — This is an especially tough and brutal time for many people with allergies. Even with medicine and other remedies, people do things every day that could be making their allergies even worse.

We’re right in the middle of tree pollen season and the stuff is everywhere, making people sneeze and causing running noses. The season normally ends in mid June, but allergists said with roller coaster weather in the area, it may go even longer this year.

Allergist Dr. Nathanael Horne said many people are attracting pollen with common items, such as sticky hair products.

“Hair gel and hair spray are going to make your hair stickier and they’re going to hold onto more pollen. And you’re going to take that home with you and it’s going to end up in your bed if you don’t wash your hair right away,” Horne told CBS 2′s Cindy Hsu.

Long and loose hair will also gather lots of pollen so it’s better to wear it up. Wearing a hat also adds even more protection. Horne also advises cutting down on the makeup.

“Some people even get rashes because they’re so sensitive to pollen particularly around the eyes, so minimizing makeup may also a good idea for some allergy sufferers,” he said.

Horne said contacts lenses can also be a problem during allergy season, so glasses may be the way to go. If you’re running or biking, sunglasses may also help guard against a head-on rush into a soup of pollen.

Pets can also be pollen sponges, so experts advise to be aware of the dog factor and give them plenty of washing.

SOUND-OFF: How Are You Dealing With Allergies This Season?  Share Your Thoughts In The Comments Section Below…