SUMMER HEALTH FIXES

TROUBLESHOOT COMMON HOLIDAY PROBLEMS WITH THIS EXPERT ADVICE, SAYS MICHELLE O’CONNOR

PRICKLY HEAT

This rash is an allergic reaction to sunlight, which causes your body to produce histamine as a response, explains Abbas Kanani, pharmacist at Chemist Click.

“The most effective course of action is to take an antihistamine,” he advises. Cool showers, air conditioning and loose cotton clothing can help too. Try calamine lotion to soothe the itch and use a sunscreen for sensitive skin.

COLD SORES

UV rays from the sun can trigger the herpes simplex virus, resulting in a cold sore, says Abbas, who advises using an SPF lip balm to protect your lips.

If you do develop a sore, there’s a whole range of creams and patches available from pharmacies.

The Herpes Viruses Association suggests applying a salve or cream containing lemon balm mint at the telltale tingling stage. This plant contains molecules which prevent the virus getting into skin cells.

Try Lomaherpan cream, £6.50, herpes.org.uk. Alternatively, Herpotherm, £34.99, Boots, is a lipstick-sized device that uses heat on the affected area, killing the virus beneath the skin before the blister appears.

SUN-INDUCED HEADACHES

High temperatures and bright sunlight can combine to trigger a suninduced headache, explains Abbas. Keep fluid levels high to ensure you’re hydrated and wear a hat or a cap to avoid the sun hitting your head directly. Sunglasses, particularly polarised ones, can be a big relief when it comes to sun glare and intense light. If you get a headache take painkillers promptly and apply a cold compress to the forehead.

BITES AND STINGS

During the summer months, there are more insects around, increasing your chances of getting bitten or stung, warns Abbas. Don’t scratch as this will make it worse and can cause the wound to bleed, increasing the risk of infection, he says. “Take an antihistamine if the bite or sting is causing discomfort.

“You can also use hydrocortisone cream to help bring down inflammation.”

SWIMMER’S EAR

When you’re dipping in and out of the water all day, your outer ear can stay moist for long periods of time, resulting in water becoming trapped inside, explains Abbas.

“It usually resolves by itself, but lying down on the affected ear can help to get rid of the discomfort by encouraging water to drain out. If you experience pain, see a doctor as this could be a sign of infection.”

Thoroughly dry ears after a swim and, if you’re spending a lot of time in water, consider ear plugs.

TRAVEL SICKNESS

“Travel sickness is caused by motion,” says Abbas. The nausea is caused by a mismatch between the signals sent to your brain by your inner ear, and what your eyes are seeing.

Your internal system senses movement but your eyes see the fixed interior of the car, plane or ferry. Get fresh air and don’t read or play video games – focus on the surroundings outside.

Avoid fatty foods and too much dairy, as they’re harder to digest and, if you do suffer, try an overthe-counter anti-sickness tablet or acupressure bands on your wrists.