HOW TO KEEP WELL IN SUMMER

Insect bites and stings are common and usually only cause minor irritation. However, some stings can be painful and trigger a serious allergic reaction.

In the UK, insects that bite include midges, mosquitoes, fleas, bedbugs and, although not strictly insects, spiders, mites and ticks, which are arachnids. Insects that sting include bees, wasps and hornets. An insect bites you by making a hole in your skin to feed. Most insects sting as a defence by injecting venom into your skin.

WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL HELP

See your GP if you’ve been bitten or stung and there’s a lot of swelling and blistering or if there is pus, which indicates an infection.

Dial 999 and ask for an ambulance if you experience any of these symptoms after a bite or sting:

· Wheezing or difficulty breathing

· Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea

· A fast heart rate

· Dizziness or feeling faint

· Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

· Confusion, anxiety or agitation

TREATING INSECT BITES AND STINGS

Most bites and stings are treated by washing the affected area with soap and water, or by placing a cold compress over the area to reduce any swelling.

Try not to scratch the affected area to avoid infection. If you’re in pain or the area is swollen, take painkillers such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen.

If you have a more serious reaction, your GP may prescribe other medication or refer you to an allergy clinic for immunotherapy (desensitisation).

KEEP COVERED WHEN THE SUN SHINES!

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK and too much sun can increase your risk.

HOW DOES THE SUN DAMAGE SKIN?

UV rays penetrate deep into the skin and damage cells. These cells are then at risk of becoming cancerous. You can’t feel UV damaging your skin and it happens even when the sun doesn’t feel hot.

Getting sunburn causes the top layers of skin to release chemicals that make blood vessels swell and leak fluids. Skin turns red and feels hot and painful, and severe sunburn can lead to swelling and blisters.

Sunburn is dangerous at any age, but it’s especially harmful in children and young people. Sunburn in childhood can greatly increase your risk of developing skin cancer later in life.

After you’ve been sunburnt, the skin peels to get rid of damaged cells. Eventually it will heal and look healthy, but permanent damage may have been done. Some experts believe that just one episode of blistering sunburn before the age of 20 can double your chance of getting malignant melanoma.

WHO’S AT RISK?

Skin cancer can affect anyone, but people most at risk have:

· Fair skin that burns in strong sun

· Red or fair hair

· A lot of moles or freckles

· A personal or family history of skin cancer

· Already had sunburn, especially when young

People with naturally brown or black skin are less likely to get skin cancer as darker skin has some protection against UV rays. However, skin cancer can still occur.

CHECK MOLES FOR CHANGE

Keep an eye on any moles or freckles you have. If they change at all (for example, if they get bigger or bleed), see your GP as this can be an early sign of cancer.

The earlier skin cancer is caught, the easier it is to treat, so see your GP as soon as possible.

BE SAFE IN THE SUN

Sun damage doesn’t just happen when you’re on holiday in the sun. It can happen when you’re not expecting it, for example when you go for a walk or sit in your garden.

Sun protection is something you need to be aware of every day in the summer. Whether on holiday or at home, you can protect yourself by following the “Sun Smart” messages

· Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm

· Make sure you never burn

· Aim to cover up with a T-shirt, hat and sunglasses

· Remember to take extra care with children

· Use factor 15+ sunscreen

Always take special care of children’s skin. The best way to do this is to cover them up and keep them in the shade.

PROTECTING YOUR EYES

Long-term exposure to sunlight increases the risk of a type of cataract and is also linked to ptyergia (growths on the surface of the eye).

Another risk to the eyes is skin cancer, which can affect the eyelids and area around the eyes. Long-term exposure to the sun can increase the risk.

Wearing a wide brimmed hat can reduce the amount of UV rays that reach your face and eyes.

REMEMBER: SLIP, SLOP, SLAP!

SLIP on a shirt,