Summer should feel easy. But small health problems can quickly become frustrating when you are away from home, travelling with children, spending more time outdoors or trying to enjoy a holiday.
A little preparation can make a big difference.
You do not need to pack a full medicine cupboard. But having a simple summer health kit ready can help you deal with minor problems early, avoid unnecessary stress and know when to ask for advice.
Here are some useful things to think about before your next trip, day out or summer break.
Start with the medicines you already take.
Before going away, check that you have enough regular medication to last for the full trip, plus a little extra in case plans change. This is especially important if you take medicines for asthma, blood pressure, diabetes, pain, allergies, mental health, contraception or any long-term condition.
It is also worth checking:
Do not leave this until the day before you travel. If there is a problem with supply, dosage, storage or documentation, it is much easier to sort it out early.
A simple summer health kit should usually include suitable pain relief.
This may help with headaches, period pain, muscle aches, minor injuries, toothache or temperature. Choose products that are appropriate for you and your family, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
If you are unsure which pain relief is suitable, especially if you are pregnant, taking other medicines or have a long-term health condition, ask a pharmacist before buying or using it.
Summer can be difficult for people who suffer with hayfever or allergies.
Itchy eyes, sneezing, a blocked or runny nose and sinus pressure can make holidays, work, sleep and outdoor activities much harder than they need to be.
Useful items may include:
Some people need more than one type of treatment to control symptoms properly. If your usual hayfever treatment is not working, your local pharmacy can help you understand your options.
Sunburn can happen quickly, even in the UK.
Pack a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an appropriate SPF, and remember to reapply it regularly, especially after swimming, sweating or towel drying.
You may also want to pack:
Sun protection is especially important for children, older adults, people with fair skin and anyone taking medicines that can increase sensitivity to sunlight.
If you notice a new, changing or unusual mole or skin mark, do not ignore it. Ask for appropriate clinical advice.
Insect bites and stings are common in summer and are usually mild. But they can still be uncomfortable, itchy and irritating.
A useful kit may include:
Seek advice if swelling is severe, symptoms are spreading, there are signs of infection or you feel unwell.
Summer often means more walking, running, swimming, gardening, sports and outdoor activities.
Minor cuts, grazes, blisters and sprains are common, especially for children and active families.
Consider packing:
Clean minor wounds properly and cover them if needed. Ask for advice if a wound is deep, dirty, painful, not healing or showing signs of infection.
Changes in food, water, routine and temperature can affect digestion. This can happen on holiday abroad, during UK travel or even after a run of meals out and summer events.
Useful items may include:
For diarrhoea or vomiting, hydration is especially important. Seek advice if symptoms are severe, prolonged, include blood, involve a young child or older person, or if dehydration is a concern.
Blocked ears, ear discomfort and reduced hearing can become more noticeable in summer.
Swimming, flights, earwax, earphones and water in the ear can all contribute to irritation or blockage.
Avoid putting cotton buds or other objects into the ear canal. This can push wax further in or cause irritation.
Ask for advice if you have:
A pharmacy ear health service may be able to assess what is going on and advise on the best next step.
Sunlight, tiredness and travel stress can trigger cold sores for some people.
Heat, sweat and friction can also make some skin problems worse, especially around skin folds, feet, thighs and areas affected by rubbing.
You may want to pack:
Ask for advice if skin is painful, spreading, weeping, infected, recurrent or not improving.
One of the most useful things you can pack is not a product. It is a plan.
Before you travel, especially with children, older relatives or someone with a long-term condition, think about where you would go for help if something went wrong.
Your local pharmacy can support many minor health concerns and can also advise when another healthcare service is more appropriate.
Before a holiday, it is worth checking:
A summer health kit does not need to be complicated. The best kit is one that fits your plans, your health and the people travelling with you.
For a short UK break, you may only need a few basics. For overseas travel, young children, adventure activities or long-term conditions, you may need more preparation.
If you are not sure what to pack, ask your local Dears Pharmacy team. We can help you prepare for summer travel, outdoor activities and everyday seasonal health concerns across Lothian, Fife, Glasgow and Tayside.
Dears Pharmacy offers a range of Summer Health Services, including Travel Clinic support, Cryotherapy, Ear Health & Hearing Health Clinics and Weight Management Services.
Speak to your local Dears Pharmacy team or book online to get practical support before summer health problems interrupt your plans.
