Five health ailments that could ruin your summer

As the mercury rises, these warmweather health concerns can be more common. With barbecues, pub gardens and days out on the horizon over the coming weeks, it’s easy to forget that warmer weather can lead to a whole host of bugs and sun-specific ailments. Sure, some carefree summer fun might be just what we all need, but it’s still worth being mindful of common seasonal health concerns, like these ...

1. Dehydration

With temperatures already hotting up, dehydration can be a real threat to your summer fun – and it can be dangerous too. “Dehydration occurs when there is a deficiency of fluid in the body, caused by not drinking enough water,” explains Dr Joshua Berkowitz, medical director at IV Boost UK (ivboost.uk). “About 60 per cent of the body is made of water, but we lose fluids constantly throughout the day via sweat, urine and regular bodily functions such as breathing.”

According to Berkowitz, symptoms of dehydration can include excessive thirst, dark-coloured urine, muscle tiredness, dizziness and light-headedness.

2. Insect bites and stings

Summer means embracing the great outdoors, but many insects love the heat, which means you’re more likely to encounter mosquitoes, bees and wasps.

“Most insect bites and stings cause small localised reactions,” explains Dr Stephanie Ooi (@the_gp_mum). “You may notice the area becomes red, raised and feels itchy, so use a cold compress over the area to reduce the swelling.”

Easier said than done, but try not to scratch the area as any breaks in the skin may cause an infection to develop.

Ticks, meanwhile, should be removed as soon as possible to reduce the risk of getting an infection like Lyme disease. “For this, a pair of tweezers or tick removal tool is helpful,” she adds. “Try to grab the tick as close to the skin as possible and firmly pull straight up, then wash with soap and water or antiseptic afterwards.”

3. Sunburn

Getting sunburnt just once every two years can triple your chances of developing skin cancer, according to Cancer Research UK, so take extra care to cover up with sunscreen, hats and clothing. Dr Susan Mayou, consultant dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic (cadoganclinic.com) says: “Severe cases of sunburn may result in second-degree burns, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, secondary infection and shock.”

The best way to approach sunburn? Avoid getting it by taking all necessary sun safety measures. If it does happen, Mayou suggests: “Take a cool shower and apply a cold compress to the affected area for immediate relief.” Keep the skin hydrated with moisturiser too.

4. Allergies

If you have hay fever, your allergies will be worse when the pollen count is high, so try to plan ahead. “It’s also advisable to avoid grassy areas, particularly in the early morning, evening or night, when the pollen count is highest,” says LloydsPharmacy pharmacist Anshu Kaura (lloydspharmacy.com).

“If you experience a number of symptoms, an antihistamine tablet may be the best course of action. These stop the action of histamine, which is released during inflammatory process and causes the onset of symptoms.”

5. Food poisoning

Rates of food poisoning increase in summer, because bacteria grow faster in warmer weather and foods can quickly spoil. Plus, it’s easy to undercook meats on the barbecue.

“Food poisoning can cause vomiting, diarrhoea or a combination of the two,” says GP Dr Rachel Ward (@drrachelwardgp). The most important management of food poisoning is remaining well hydrated.