Are you ready for summer?
Be self care aware and speak to your Pharmacist for help & advice on managing your summer health symptoms (and non-seasonal related common conditions).
Travel sickness
Your Pharmacist can help with motion sickness and pharmacies commonly sell over-the-counter (OTC) remedies* to help prevent it. These include:
- Tablets (dissolvable versions are available)
- Patches (these can be used by anyone over 10 years old)
- Acupressure bands (although these don't work for everyone)
Your Pharmacist will be able to recommend the most suitable remedy including the proper timing to use it before travel and checking its interaction with other medications. You don't need an appointment for travel nausea advice.
*We hope all of our patients will help the NHS use resources sensibly. A GP is unlikely to prescribe medication for OTC remedies - it is likely that these are to treat minor health concerns, therefore the healthcare professionals at your Pharmacy can offer help & advice surrounding these; if your symptoms suggest that your concerns are more serious, they can ensure you are signposted to the correct service and get you the care you need.
Sunburn and sun protection
A tan or sunburn are signs of skin damage and can increase your risk of skin cancer.
If you are sunburnt, your Pharmacist can recommend treatments (such as using hydrocortisone cream on the affected area for a few days as this can help to reduce inflammation).
Some tips for keeping your skin safe in the sun:
1) Wear protective clothing - cover up exposed skin by wearing 'UPF' clothing; wear a wide-brimmed hat; wear sunglasses with 100% 'UV' protection.
2) Apply strong sunscreen - use 'SPF 30' or above & 'UVA 4 stars' sunscreen on exposed skin; reapply this at least every two hours or after swimming / sweating etc..
3) Stay in the shade - the 'UV index' is highest between 11.00am & 3.00pm, so try and stay in the shade during those times; babies & young children should be kept out of direct sunlight.
More info. about how to protect your skin in the summer is available at:
- https://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/resources/categories/skin-information
- https://careinthesun.org/
The surgery have produced a display in the waiting room, highlighting the above Summer Self Care tips:
Your Pharmacy may be part of the 'Community Pharmacy Consultation Service'.