JULY NEWSLETTER: Summer Skin

After the pain of being bitten or stung, there’s likely to be a small, swollen lump on the skin that may look red (though that is more difficult to see on black or brown skin). If there’s nothing left in your skin from the bite (like a stinger or tick), or you’ve removed it, wash your skin with soap and water to help lower the chance of infection. After that, you can:

• put an ice pack wrapped in a cloth, or a clean cloth soaked in cold water, on a swollen bite or sting for at least 20 minutes
• keep the area raised if possible
• take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if the sting is painful
• use antihistamines to relieve any itching (but not cream if you had caterpillar hairs on your skin)
• use a hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching and swelling

DO NOT scratch the bite or sting (broken skin could cause an infection) or use home remedies such as bicarbonate of soda.

Around one in ten insect bites can become infected if scratched or not kept clean and the skin around the bite will feel hot, look red and become painful. If the area looks swollen or there’s pus or fluid coming out of the bite or sting, you should get advice.

Anyone over one year old can see one of our pharmacists, who can recommend and prescribe treatments such as antihistamines and steroid creams, and give the same antibiotics as a GP. We can also give advice and direct you to other medical help if you need it.

SUMMER SKINCARE

Skin damage known as ‘sunburn’ isn’t just something that happens from sunbathing on beaches whilst on holiday – it can be caused by overexposure to UV rays, even if the weather is overcast and cloudy. Here are some top tips to help you look after your skin over the summer.

1. Don’t Trust the Tan       
   The colour of sun-kissed skin can look healthy and attractive, but a tan doesn’t provide protection against UV rays. There is no ‘safe’ or ‘healthy’ way to get a tan – it depends on exposure to the sun. 
2. Avoid Heat of the Day    
   The sun is at its most powerful between 11am and 3pm. It is always best to seek shade at this time of the day or keep cool indoors. 
3. Cover Up                         
   If you are out and about during the day, wear light, long clothing that can act as a barrier between your skin and the sun, wear a wide-brimmed sunhat and protect your eyes with sunglasses.  
4. Wear Sunscreen              
   As Baz Luhrmann said in his No.1 hit back in 1997, you should apply it to all exposed skin before heading outdoors. If you’re on holiday, a guide is 6 to 8 teaspoons to cover your body, and reapply every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.

If you have an instance of sunburn, apply cool water with a sponge or flannel to the affected area and then aftersun cream or spray, ideally containing the ingredient aloe vera. You can take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease pain and reduce inflammation, and keep out of the sun until all signs of redness and/or rash have gone. If you feel unwell, there is swelling or blistering, seek medical attention.