Spending more time outdoors means more opportunities for family fun but it can also bring a few seasonal skin complaints. From nettle stings to insect bites, most can be treated at home with simple first aid.
Here are some practical tips based on NHS advice.
Nettle stings are a common summertime nuisance. The tiny hairs on nettle leaves release chemicals that cause a burning, itchy rash. Avoid rubbing the affected area, as this can make the irritation worse. Instead, wash the skin with soap and water, apply a cool compress, and ask your pharmacist about calamine lotion or an appropriate antihistamine treatment if the itching is bothersome.
Bee and wasp stings can be painful but are usually not serious. If you’ve been stung by a bee, gently scrape the sting out using a fingernail or the edge of a bank card – avoid using tweezers, as these can squeeze more
venom into the skin. Wash the area and apply a cold pack wrapped in a cloth for up to 20 minutes to help reduce pain and swelling. Age-appropriate pain relief may also help.
Insect bites, including those from mosquitoes and midges, often cause redness and itching. Wash the area with soap and water, try not to scratch, and speak to your pharmacist if you think an antihistamine treatment may help. Keeping children’s fingernails short can reduce the risk of infection caused by scratching.
Heat rash is another common summer complaint, especially in babies and young children. It appears as small red bumps, often in skin folds or under clothing. Keeping the skin cool, dressing children in loose cotton clothing and avoiding heavy creams usually helps it settle quickly.
Finally, don’t forget about sunburn. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can damage skin. Move into the shade, cool the skin with a lukewarm shower or damp cloth, drink plenty of fluids and apply a fragrance-free moisturiser or after-sun product to soothe the skin.
When to seek medical advice: Contact your GP, pharmacist or NHS 111 if a sting or bite becomes increasingly red, swollen or painful, shows signs of infection, or doesn’t improve. Call 999 immediately if someone develops difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, feels faint or collapses after a sting, as these could be signs of a severe allergic reaction.
