Summer is great – but sunshine, holidays and outdoor living can bring their own problems sometime The hay fever season has been in full swing for a while now, but if you're still suffering, why not visit your pharmacist to help with over-the-counter remedies?

Pharmacists, as trained medical professionals, can use their clinical expertise to advise you on the best course of action to treat all sorts of summer-related ailments.

Bites and stings can easily ruin outdoor activities, whether it's the kids, or the adults acting like big kids.

Usually it's just the shock of the sting or the itchiness of a bite that is the problem and this will pass quickly. But bite and sting relief cream can help relieve these inconvenient symptoms.

Occasionally bites and stings can cause a mild allergic reaction and antihistamines can deal with this. If the bite or sting is red and swollen for example, your pharmacist will be able to tell you if you require further medical attention.

If someone has been stung and they are having difficulty breathing or have a swollen face and, or mouth, have nausea and dizziness or lose consciousness, dial 999 immediately.

Dr Buk Dhadda is GP at Swadlincote Surgery and governing body member of NHS Southern Derbyshire CCG
Dr Buk Dhadda is GP at Swadlincote Surgery and governing body member of NHS Southern Derbyshire CCG

Bumps and scrapes can be worrying, especially when it’s a knock to the head. Whether your child has been tearing around in the garden, or you or your other half has been injured doing a spot of DIY, a minor bump will usually be fine as long as the person is conscious and awake, and there are no deep cuts.

If you are concerned, your pharmacist can take a look to ease any concerns and they will be able to tell you whether you need to see your GP.

For head injuries look out for these symptoms as they could mean a much more serious injury has occurred and requires immediate attention:

  • unconscious
  • sleepy
  • having trouble speaking or they’re slurring their words
  • vomiting.

Other symptoms of something more serious can include bleeding or clear fluid leaking from the ears, weakness, fits, difficulty walking and problems with vision. Again, immediately seek advice if you are concerned by any of these by calling NHS 111.

Even the most careful of us can sometimes be caught out by too much sun. Try to avoid it by applying sun cream regularly and staying out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, but if you do get caught out, minor sunburn is best treated at home by gently sponging with cool water and applying soothing after sun or calamine lotion.

Your local pharmacy can advise on the best over the counter treatment to help ease symptoms and reduce inflammation.

When going on holiday, it can be easy to forget the medication when you’re busy packing the kitchen sink. If you have a long-term condition that requires medication, speak to your pharmacist to ensure you have enough with you, or if you need to take a repeat prescription with you.

And remember you can make life easier for yourself by requesting repeat prescriptions online from your GP practice. If you’re not already signed up for GP online services all you need to do is take two forms of photo ID into your practice to register.

A basic first aid kit can help with minor illnesses and injuries while you're away and your local pharmacist can advise you on what to pack. For more health information visit www.nhs.uk

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