Safe Guide for Sun Holidays

Make sure to bring along an adequate supply of any prescription medication you may be taking on holidays with you. Prescribed medication should only be taken by the patient they have been prescribed for.
Asthma sufferers should make sure they have their preventative inhalers. Carry an inhaler with you at all times and make sure you have an ample supply.
Anyone with an allergy to any prescription medicine, such as penicillin, should wear a bracelet or necklace which states this fact. In the case of an emergency, medical personnel will be made aware of your allergy and will know the correct medication to administer without putting your life in danger.

Apply high sun protection factor (SPF) 20 minutes before you go out into the sun and reapply regularly (every 2 hours, more often if you have been swimming or sweating).
Wear a hat and sunglasses.
Apply lip balm with sun protection.
Stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm.
Babies and children under 3 years of age must be kept out of direct sunlight at all times. If children need to be in the sun, use complete sunblock/high factor and make sure they have clothes with sun protection.

Below is a list of some important steps to follow if you do have sunburn.

Stay out of the sun completely until the redness has disappeared.
Go to your pharmacy for a sunburn treatment.
Drink plenty of water.
When the pain begins to disappear, apply a moisturising cream to keep the burnt area moist.
If you have severe sunburn, headaches, nausea, vomiting or dizziness, go to your GP.

Stomach upsets can be very common on holidays as peoples’ normal dietary routine is interrupted. Ask your pharmacist about the appropriate over-the-counter medicines should this happen.
To avoid food poisoning, check that food is cooked thoroughly and do not eat any food that has been left un-refrigerated or in direct sunlight.
It is important to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration if you are suffering from diarrhoea. In some cases rehydration sachets may be necessary.

Most insect bites and stings only cause local reactions, including redness, swelling pain and itching. Make sure you bring some insect repellent to prevent this happening.
If stung by a wasp, make sure to remove the sting as soon as you can. Don’t use tweezers or squeeze it out as this can result in release more “poison”. Use a bank card or a dull blade to scrape it out. Thoroughly wash the area with soap and water. A cool compress or calamine lotion can help cool down the affected area. Apply some antiseptic cream to avoid infection.
Some people can suffer severe reactions, such as anaphylactic reactions, which need to be treated immediately by a doctor or A&E department, depending on the severity of the reaction.