Longer, hotter summers in Britain, driven by climate change, are introducing health hazards once associated with Mediterranean or tropical holidays. Mosquitoes carrying yellow fever and dengue fever are now found in southern parts of the UK. Hospital admissions for spider bites have doubled, and the risk of sunburn and dehydration is climbing with record high temperatures and more sunshine. Last month, temperatures reached 40°C in some parts of Britain, leading to school closures and travel warnings. Allergies are starting earlier, disease patterns for respiratory infections are changing, and issues such as headaches, heat rash, and acne are exacerbated by warmer weather.
Sunscreen: Essential Protection Against Skin Cancer
New research indicates that excessive sunlight triggers a genetic switch in skin cells, causing inflammation that increases cancer risk. Dr. Nisa Aslam advises: "This new research underlines the age-old advice to avoid skin damage. This means using a high factor UVA and UVB sunscreen, applying it liberally and re-applying it regularly — because most people don't use anywhere enough to get the SPF protection the labelling indicates." She recommends budget brands that are pleasant to use, as people are more likely to apply them liberally. For adults in swimwear or skimpy clothing, aim for around eight teaspoons of sunscreen per application. If sunburn occurs, cool the skin quickly, drink plenty of fluids, and apply a soothing moisturiser free of petroleum, benzocaine, or lidocaine. For pain, apply a mild (0.5% to 1%) hydrocortisone cream for up to 48 hours.
DEET-Free Insect Repellents: A Safer Choice
Travellers are often advised to use DEET-based insect repellents, but a recent study warns that mosquitoes are learning to associate the smell of DEET with food, potentially increasing bite risk. Professor Claudio Lazzari from the University of Tours in France explains: "If a mosquito bites someone who applied DEET to their skin several hours earlier and the concentration of the repellent is too low to repel the mosquito, but still strong enough for the insect to smell it, the mosquito may be more likely to bite people who smell of DEET." Pharmacist Noel Wicks adds that some people develop skin rashes, hives, or facial swelling from DEET, and it is known to disrupt sex hormones and has been linked to reduced bone density in children. He recommends products with eucalyptus citriodora oil or Icaridin (picardin). Puressentiel Tropical Strength Repellent Lotion is scientifically proven to protect against common mosquitoes for up to nine hours, sand flies for over six hours, and provides up to 8.5 hours protection against tropical and tiger mosquitoes now found in the UK. It also repels ticks, spiders, wasps, and hornets.
Tick Bites: Prevention and Removal
Ticks are a year-round issue, but the risk increases during summer when people spend more time outdoors in shorts and skimpy tops. In areas where ticks are common, use a DEET-free repellent and check skin regularly. Dr. Aslam advises: "If you are bitten, it is important to remove the tick as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of infections such as Lyme disease. If you spend a lot of time rambling or camping, it's worth investing in a specialist removal device; alternatively, use fine-toothed tweezers to gently grip the tick as close to the skin as possible and, without crushing it, steadily pull the whole insect away. If you develop a rash or fever, seek medical help."
Insect Stings and Bites: First Aid
Outdoor entertaining and exposed skin attract mosquitoes, wasps, hornets, and midges. Dr. Aslam says: "Prevention is far better than treatment, so always apply a DEET-free insect repellent. If you are bitten, resist the temptation to scratch mosquito bites as that will only increase the risk of skin irritation and potential infection. Instead, wash bites with soap and water and apply a cold compress." For faster relief, Puressentiel Bite and Sting Multi-Soothing Cream contains tea tree, clove, lavender, aloe vera, and calendula. It is suitable for children from 30 months and is free from cortisone, parabens, and synthetic fragrances.
Spider Bites: Rising Admissions
While no UK spiders are venomous enough to kill, false widow spiders can cause painful bites, nausea, and headaches. Noel Wicks notes: "False widow spiders are far more common than they were 50 years ago, and we are seeing a lot more people seeking advice on how to avoid and treat spider bites. Last year there were 100 hospital admissions due to spider bites – up from 47 in 2015." He recommends wearing gloves and using insect repellent when gardening or cleaning areas where spiders may lurk. For those with allergies, keep antihistamines or an epi-pen handy, and watch for redness or swelling that could indicate a secondary infection.
Heat Rash and Acne: Keeping Skin Cool
Heat and perspiration can cause heat rash (clogged sweat ducts) and acne (blocked hair follicles). Dr. Aslam advises: "In both cases, keeping skin clean and cool should be your starting point. Babies are particularly vulnerable to heat rash because their sweat ducts are still developing, but anyone can be affected during hot spells, particularly if you are physically active or wear a lot of synthetic fibres." Heat rash usually subsides when the skin cools down, so a cool shower or bath is often enough. If irritation persists, try calamine lotion or ask a pharmacist about oral antihistamines or hydrocortisone cream.
Respiratory Health: Managing Asthma and Allergies
Asthma and other respiratory issues are often worsened by hot, humid weather and high pollen levels. Heat also increases ozone and other pollutants. Dr. Aslam says: "If your doctor has prescribed a reliever inhaler, be sure to use it every day, not just when you are experiencing symptoms. And take a few minutes on the Asthma and Lung UK website to check you are using it properly — there is now a wide range of inhalers and the correct techniques for using them do vary." For congestion from summer colds or allergens, avoid nasal sprays with steroids or vasoconstrictors for more than three days, as they can cause rebound congestion and nosebleeds. Puressentiel's Respiratory Decongestant Nasal Spray contains seawater, organic rosemary floral water, and plant extracts to reduce congestion and cleanse nasal passages.
