Sun protection
Even if you’re honeymooning in the UK (60% of sunburn cases happen here!) the sun can damage skin, leading to burns, peeling, premature ageing and even skin cancer. For really hot climates, go for high SPFs - 25 or 30 - and work down once you have a good base. Don’t drop below an SPF15. And don’t forget the tip of your ears and your feet. Get into the habit of wearing sunscreen every day, even in the shade, with Boots new Soltan Once, SPF25 (£8.99) which can be worn under make-up.
Sunburn remedies
If you burn, use a cooling lotion like Nivea Cooling Aftersun Spray with aloe vera or Boots Soltan Shimmering Aftersun Gel (£6.99).
Natural remedies for mild sunburn include yoghurt, cut tomatoes and sliced cucumber, which all have a basic cooling effect but for severe sunburn; 'yoghurt is NOT going to help and is rather a bad idea,' says Dr Bob Leckridge, for netdoctor.com. 'Get proper burn cream and/or burn dressings – consult a pharmacy first of all, but you may need to have it properly dressed.' If skin blisters, you may need an antiseptic burn cream to avoid infection.
Ice, not nice!
“Beware of ice in drinks (or foods such as salads and raw vegetables) that may have been washed in tap water,” says Boots pharmacist Angela Chalmers. According to the Health Protection Agency, 44% of ice sampled from buckets and machines contained coliform bacteria! If you are unsure drinking water is safe, the Department of Health recommends boiling it to sterilise it, using purification tablets or choosing bottled water (preferably fizzy). Don’t forget to use the same water when brushing your teeth!
Food nasties
Be careful what you eat from a buffet, especially in a hot country.
You might think fish and shellfish are the obvious things to watch,
but salad or desserts left uncovered too long can be just as iffy.
If you get a ‘funny tummy’ you should drink plenty of fluids as
diarrhoea can make you body lose water and you may get dehydrated.
Consider packing Boots Rehydration Treatment Sachets, £2.16 for 6
sachets, always read the label, which helps to treat diarrhoea and
prevent dehydration by restoring the body's natural salt and fluid
balance. If your symptoms persist, speak to your pharmacist about
the next course of action.
Dehydration
In hot climates, just walking around markets or strolling along the beach can take it out of you. Carry water everywhere and sip regularly. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Extreme dehydration can lead to heatstroke (sometimes called sunstroke although this is misleading because you don’t have to be in direct sunlight to get it).
Avoid heatstroke
To avoid overheating follow this advice from netdoctor.co.uk
* Drink salty liquids (at least three to five litres a day, but not alcohol). In very hot conditions you may need to drink more - start the day by drinking at least two litres!
* Supplement your salt intake (by eating crisps and/or taking salt tablets).
* Wear light, airy, loose-fitting clothing (light cotton).
* Be careful with physical exertion (such as sports or climbing if you fancy an activity-packed honeymoon)
* Stay in the shade or, if possible, in an air-conditioned environment.
*Take frequent dips in cool water (sea or pool), particularly if you are sunbathing a lot.
Insect bites
You can’t avoid mosquitoes, flies and other biting demons - from tropical destinations to hot spots closer to home such as Portugal and Greece – but you can minimise your exposure.
* Keep windows and doors closed, especially in the evening, and use fans to cool rooms. Use a plug-in mosquito repellent to release an odourless insecticide such as Jungle Formula (£9.49, thehtd.org/shop).
*Cover yourself with repellent, especially around wrists, ankles and knees and take a jacket or wrap if you’re dining al fresco, especially near trees
* Cover up with repellent during early evening walks around water.
*Carry wipes so that you can top up with repellent after swims. Try Boots Repel Insect Repellent Wipes Tropical Strength.
*If you’ve ever had a reaction to insect bites, ask your pharmacist for a suitable anti-histamine (tablets and cream) just in case.
Stings under the sea
Popular remedies for jellyfish stings include ammonia, vinegar and even urine, it’s best to have a pharmacist or doctor check it out to minimise the chance of infection. For stings by sea urchins, NHS Direct recommends bathing the wound in vinegar and removing any tentacles with sticky tape.
For fabulous honeymoon ideas, don''t miss the latest issue of You & Your Wedding, on sale now!
