Unbelievably the end of the school year has arrived and with it comes the happy prospect of freedom, holidays and hopefully sunshine! Whether you intend to travel abroad, holiday in Ireland or simply enjoy the sun in your own back garden here are some useful first aid tips for everyone.

Sunbathing

The simplest and easiest remedy is to be careful! The harmful free radical damage caused to the skin by its exposure to direct sunlight is well documented at this stage .We all know of the sensibility of not exposing ourselves to the mid-day sun and of using appropriate sun protection when sunbathing. However even when obeying these rules many of us are inevitably caught out. It can be difficult at times, especially in a climate such as ours, to assess accurately the amount of sunshine you are actually being exposed to.

The body has its own natural defence mechanism for fighting free radical toxins. Substances called antioxidants neutralise free radicals thus helping to protect our cells from their damage. For those who wish to enjoy the sun and develop a tan with less risk of burning Beta-carotene is a very valuable nutrient. Beta carotene (a precursor to vitamin A) is an antioxidant well recognised for its ability to help protect the body from the harmful free radicals created specifically by UV rays on the skin. Beta-carotene is also a natural pigment and promotes a natural looking tan. Hence beta-carotene helps to reduce the risk of burning while increasing the level of tanning. Moreover because this nutrient helps the skin cope better when exposed to intense sunlight beta-carotene can be of use in the prevention and treatment of prickly heat. If holidaying abroad takes Beta-carotene for one week before travelling, while you are abroad and then for a few weeks when you return home to prolong the duration of your tan. If staying at home you can take Beta-carotene throughout the summer months so that whenever the sun does appear, you are ready for bathing.

Treating sunburn

Accidents do happen, even to those of us who endeavour to be careful in the sun. Most sunburns are first-degree burns, where the skin becomes red hot and tender and can be treated at home. Anything more serious such as swelling or blistering, fever, chill and sickness needs to be treated by a doctor.

For home treatment use creams or gels containing Aloe Vera and/or Lavender oil. These two natural remedies have wonderful cooling and healing properties and quickly ease the pain of sunburn. Apply the preparation regularly until healing occurs and obviously be careful not to expose the affected areas to the sun again for a few days.

The damage caused to sunburnt tissue results in the release of a large number of free radicals into the tissue and surrounding bloodstream. A rich supply of antioxidants in the bloodstream will help counteract the harmful effect of this free radical release. Beta-carotene is one of a number of potent antioxidants but interestingly if you are using beta-carotene to help prevent sunburn, it is a useful added benefit that it will also help treat sunburn if you are unfortunate enough to suffer it.

Prickly heat

Prickly heat can become a real holiday torture for those who are unfortunate enough to suffer it. This condition arises because the skin is not able to cope with the intense sunlight to which it is being exposed and becomes sensitive to it. Heat, itch and inflammation of the skin results-to varying degrees depending on the level of sensitivity. Symptoms may be localised or widespread. Beta-carotene may be a useful nutrient in helping prevent prickly heat because, as explained previous, it helps protect the skin cells against UV damage and so increases the skins ability to deal with the sun. Those who know they may be bothered with prickly heat are advised to take beta-carotene for at least one week before exposure. If you suffer from this condition at home then take beta-carotene throughout the summer months, as we are never really sure of when to expect the sun. Quercetin is a potent natural anti histamine and anti inflammatory agent and as such may be very useful in treating the symptoms of prickly heat should they arise.

Tummy upsets and diarrhoea

These are common complaints suffered by those travelling abroad - pathogenic bacteria picked up in local tap water or under cooked food can be enough to turn your holiday on its head. Obviously if you develop symptoms which are either sudden, severe or both, you need to seek medical help.

Probiotics such as acidophilus can be very useful in both protecting against holiday tummy upsets and in treating it if it occurs. Probiotics ensure a healthy colony of good gut bacteria. These bacteria can help to destroy or control the harmful organisms that can give rise to holiday tummy. Taking them for 2 weeks before travelling and throughout your trip could well prevent you falling prey to this often-debilitating condition.

Tormentil is a herbal mix of tormentil and avena sativa. It may provide fast and effective relief from diarrhoea. Tormentil prevents irritation of the wall of the bowel and encourages it to heal. Avena Sativa works on the smooth muscle of the bowel encouraging it to relax and reduce spasm. Take 15-20 drops in water every 2 hours until symptoms begin to subside. Then reduce the dose as you start to feel better.

Echinacea is a herb that many will not be caught out without-least of all while on holiday. Echinacea will help fight infection whether it is a bowel infection causing diarrhoea, a chest infection causing cold or flu or a urinary tract infection causing cystitis.

Hangover cure

Holidays for many of us are a time for over indulging in both rich food and alcohol. This can play hard on our liver and many of the symptoms of hangover are produced because our liver simply cannot keep up with the flow of toxins. Milk thistle is a great liver tonic, supporting the liver, regenerating injured liver cells, and protecting the liver from harmful toxins. A daily dose of milk thistle while on holiday could make waking up all the easier.

Co-enzyme Q10 is a supplement that helps oxygenate the body. It revitalises the body and provides a useful boost in energy levels. This supplement could prove useful for those who find that continuous intense sunshine depletes their energy levels leaving them tired and lethargic or for those who like to live it up while on holiday but find their stamina sometimes wavers! Co-enzyme Q10 is also very useful in the treatment of jet lag and in this instance is best taken for a few days before and after travelling on both sides of your trip.

Insect bites

Many different insects bite, including ants, mosquitoes and ticks. Most bites are relatively harmless but can be a nuisance causing localised itching and redness.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) may help to prevent bites. Thiamine releases a sulphur type smell through the skin, which causes the insect to recognise you as a vegetable rather than a human. You and those around you do not pick up on the smell, but insects do and stay well away. Take thiamine for a week before travelling and while you are on holiday. If you are prone to bites at home take thiamine throughout the summer months.

Alternatively a number of aromatherapy oils are reputed to repel insects- Citronella Peppermint, Camphor and Tea-tree, are all commonly used oils for this purpose. These can be burned at a barbeque for example or applied in base oil to exposed areas of skin.

In the event of you suffering from bites Quercetin is a potent natural antihistamine, which will get to work fast on the uncomfortable symptoms of itch and inflammation.

Cold sores

Intense sunshine will often activate the herpes virus producing cold sores. Lysine and vitamin B6 (sold as one combined product) may help suppress the virus, hence keeping cold sores away. Take the product for one week before travelling and while you are away. If you suffer from cold sores regularly take a course coming into the summer season and it could help keep this nasty virus at bay.