Summer in East Yorkshire is short, and when it arrives most of us want to be outside making the most of it. But between the pollen, the mid-day sun and the insects that appear the moment the temperature rises, summer comes with its own set of pharmacy visits. Here is the practical advice we give most often at Hedon Pharmacy at this time of year.
Hay fever: don't wait until you're miserable
If you know you get hay fever every June, start your antihistamine a week or two before the pollen count spikes. Cetirizine and loratadine work well for most people and are available over the counter. If your eyes are the worst part, add sodium cromoglicate eye drops. And if you've tried the standard options and still can't function, come and speak to us. Under Pharmacy First we can prescribe stronger treatments where appropriate, with no GP appointment needed.
Sun safety is not just for holidays abroad
You can burn surprisingly quickly on a breezy day in Hull or Bridlington. Use SPF 30 as a minimum, apply it twenty minutes before you go out, and reapply every two hours or after swimming. Don't forget the back of your neck, the tops of your ears, and any bald patches. If you do burn, cool the skin with a damp cloth, drink plenty of water, and use an after-sun gel with aloe vera. We stock a range of sun care products at the counter.
Insect bites and stings
A friendly nudge
Need a pharmacist, not Google?
Pop into Hedon Pharmacy on St Augustines Gate, or book a service online.
Most insect bites are annoying rather than dangerous. Wash the area, apply a cold compress, and use a hydrocortisone cream or crotamiton lotion to stop the itching. If the swelling spreads, you develop a fever, or the bite is near your eye or throat, come and see us straight away. We can assess it under Pharmacy First and prescribe antibiotics if the bite has become infected.
- Start antihistamines early for hay fever, not when symptoms are full-blown
- SPF 30 minimum, reapplied every two hours
- Cool and soothe burns immediately, don't pop blisters
- Watch bites for spreading redness or fever
- Stay hydrated, especially if you're on medication that increases sun sensitivity
The best summer advice is the simplest: start early, reapply often, and ask us before it gets worse.
When to pop in
Come and see us if your hay fever tablets aren't touching your symptoms, if a bite is getting bigger rather than smaller after two days, or if you're travelling abroad and need advice on sun-sensitive medication. We're open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 9pm, and most summer problems can be sorted at the counter in under ten minutes.
