Pack up your troubles and forget those holiday woes

We wait all year to eagerly jet off to our favourite holiday location. But rather than the expected sun, sea and relaxation, the average British holidaymaker is likely to return home more stressed, battered and beleaguered than ever! A new survey carried out by summer first aid kit essential Anthisan Bite & Sting Cream has revealed Britain’s top holiday woes.

Britain’s Top Holiday Horrors

1. Sunburn
2. Diarrhoea/tummy troubles
3. Poor weather
4. Bad hotel
5. Delayed flights
6. Sunstroke
7. Travel sickness
8. Lost luggage
9. Insect Bites
10. Jet lag

The survey of 3,144 people across the UK found that 36% have had their holiday ruined by sunburn, 30% by diarrhoea and 10% by travel sickness. Insect bites were also a major cause of annoyance for British holidaymakers, who suffer an average of 8 bites per holiday. But that’s nothing compared with the unlucky 10% of people who revealed they have suffered from over 20 insects bites at any one time whilst away!

When asked what insect they feared the most, wasps topped the list with 35% fearing them, closely followed by the mosquito with 34%, and it would seem spiders are losing their fear factor with just 20% fearing them the most.

Dr Jane Zuckerman, Director of WHO Collaborating Centre for Travel Medicine, has put together a list of holiday first aid essentials we should all be packing this summer to help combat holiday health issues.

Pain killers
Mild aches and pains such as headaches can put a dampener on your holiday fun so pack some pain killers to keep them at bay. If you suffer from prolonged headaches while abroad, seek medical attention as it could be a sign of sunstroke

Oral Rehydration Therapy
Diarrhoea is the second most common cause of illness while travelling on holiday, where it can very quickly lead to dehydration and loss of essential body salts - a particular concern for children and the elderly. With the additional dehydrating effect of hot climates abroad, diarrhoea can make for a very uncomfortable combination. A good quality oral rehydration therapy which is suitable for both children and adults, should be a summer holiday essential for every family

Insect repellent
Prevention is always better than the cure. Make sure you pack a good insect repellent

Topical Antihistamine
No matter how well you apply repellent you might still get bitten. Pack a topical antihistamine cream to provide relief

Eye Drops
Swimming pools are a common cause of eye infection while abroad. Ask your pharmacist for suitable eye drops which could treat an infection

Sun protection lotion SPF 15 or higher
Sunburn is not only painful and unsightly but carries a very real risk of skin cancer. Cover up with loose fitting, long sleeved clothes and use a high factor sun screen to protect your skin

Aftersun lotion
If you do burn, apply an aftersun lotion to help soothe and cool the skin

Antiseptic cream, plasters and dressing
Cuts and scrapes can easily get infected so wash the wound, apply antiseptic and cover with a plaster to minimise the risk

Don’t forget to pack your regular medication, and remember to take enough supplies to last the duration of your stay

Anthisan 20g (Bite & Sting) retails at £3.35.

Dioralyte Standard is £3.55 for 6 sachets and Dioralyte Relief is £3.95 for 6 sachets.

Brolene Eye Drops 10 ml bottle cost £4.70.

All products are available from pharmacies nationwide.