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You can be bitten by a variety of insects, including midges, mosquitoes, horseflies, wasps, bees and ants. Some people react more badly to bites and stings than others. The area of the bite may swell and appear red, or be itchy or painful.

Redness or swelling usually clears quickly, but some people are very sensitive to stings and can develop a severe allergic reaction.

If you have a very severe reaction – difficulty in breathing, dizziness, vomiting, or swelling of the face – seek medical attention immediately.

Treatment:

Wash the area with soap and water and apply an antiseptic cream.

Do not scratch insect bites, as this may increase the risk of infection.

A wide range of sprays, creams and lotions can be used to help ease a bite or sting.

Painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, can also be used to reduce the pain.

If you have a bad reaction to an insect bite, ask your pharmacist for tablets containing an antihistamine.

Try using an insect repellent to protect yourself from insect bites, especially when sitting outside on summer evenings. Look for repellents containing DEET.

Here comessummer!Just ask at your pharmacy for advice on:

first aid

skincare protection

bites and stings

hay fever and allergies

traveller’s sickness and diarrhoea

Whether you are going away abroad or locally, make sure your child’s childhood vaccinations are up to date. Check with your local community pharmacist for any vaccinations you may need before you go abroad on holiday. Ensure you take a first aid kit, including anti-diarrhoea tablets and fluid replacement powders for upset stomachs. Also make sure you have enough sunscreen for you and your family.

Hay fever is a common allergy that occurs between the early spring and autumn. Usual symptoms are:

a blocked or runny nose

red, itchy and watery eyes

frequent sneezing

itching of the roof of the mouth

loss of smell and taste.

Treatment

A wide range of effective treatments are available including nasal sprays, antihistamine tablets and eye drops. Ask your pharmacist for further advice.

HOLIDAY HEALTH

HAY FEVER

This leaflet has been adapted for use throughout Scotland from the ‘Let the sun shine!’ leaflet produced by NHS Fife.

BITES AND STINGS

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Most people look forward to the arrival of warmer weather, but it is important to think about how to enjoy the summer safely. Summer can bring a number of ailments – from sunburn to insect bites and stings. There are a range of remedies available in pharmacies that can help relieve your symptoms.

If you need any help with summer ailments, just ask your pharmacist for advice.

Avoid the sun between 11 am and 3 pm – this is when the sun’s UV rays are most harmful.

Take care never to burn. Sunburn, especially during childhood, can significantly increase your risk of certain types of skin cancer.

Wear a high factor sunscreen on exposed skin (at least SPF 15) and reapply frequently. No sunscreen – no matter how high the factor – can offer 100% protection.

Wear tightly woven clothing – holding the material up to the light is a good way to see how much light and how many UV rays will get through. When clothing gets wet, it stretches and allows more UV rays through to your skin; therefore a wet T-shirt may only offer half the protection of a dry one.

SAFETY IN THE SUN

Cover up with a shirt, hat and sunglasses – this gives you shade when there is no shade available. Sunglasses should meet the British standard or offer 100% UVA protection.

Use the shade to protect you from the sun where possible – either from umbrellas or buildings.

Take regular drinks of water to keep cool and hydrated.

Take extra care of babies’ and small children’s delicate skin – all children, no matter whether they tan easily or not, should be protected from the sun throughout the day.

Check your skin regularly and report any unusual changes (for example, changes to moles) to your doctor without delay.

What should I look for in a sunscreen?

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 with a high star rating – the higher the SPF, the better the protection.

Protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

Water resistant – it is less likely to wash off or be sweated off .

A valid ‘use by’ date.

How do I use sunscreen properly?

Apply sunscreen at least 15–30 minutes before going out in the sun.

Apply to clean, dry skin and only rub in lightly – there is no need to rub the cream into the skin as it should form a barrier.

Use generous amounts – golf ball sized quantities for small children.

Reapply frequently – every two hours or more frequently if washed, rubbed or sweated off.

Put on sunscreen before make-up, moisturiser or insect repellent.

Do not store sunscreens in very hot places, as extreme heat can ruin their protective chemicals.

Most people love the feel of the sun on their skin but too much sun can lead to sunburn, which is extremely painful.

Excess exposure to the sun increases your risk of developing skin cancer, and if you have skin that burns rather than tans, pale skin, or work outside, you are more at risk. Babies and young children are especially vulnerable because of their delicate skins.

If you do develop sunburn, take a cool shower, and apply an aftersun cream, a simple moisturiser, or calamine cream to the affected areas. Stay out of the sun until your skin is completely better.

Drink plenty of water to replace the fluid lost through sweating and to cool down. Don’t drink alcohol because it will dehydrate you further.

If your sunburn is severe and your skin is blistered, see your pharmacist or doctor.

SUNBURN

Contact sites: www.sunsmart.org.uk

www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk www.nhs24.com