Travel

Our Travel Health tips are outlined below.

Diagnosis & Symptoms

The exact cause of motion sickness is not fully understood but is thought to occur due a conflict in the messages transmitted to the brain from structures in the ear which sense orientation and balance and those from the sensory system. This is brought about because the passive traveller experiences conflicting signals regarding movement.

Nausea and vomiting are the main symptoms but paleness, sweating, increased salivation, yawning, and hyperventilation may also occur.

Preventative Measures

On long journeys take regular breaks, if possible. Try to sit in a comfortable position, preferably, not crouched or cramped.
Ensure that you have good ventilation, fresh air if possible, and eat only light meals and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. This is particularly important when flying. Do not drink alcohol. Try to sit near a window with a view.

Non-prescription Treatments

Hyoscine (KWELLS, JUNIOR KWELLS ) is probably the most effective drug for the prevention of motion sickness. The exact dose depends on age. These medicines should be taken 20-30 minutes before travelling but are still effective if taken at the onset of nausea or after travelling. Side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth or even blurred vision, can occur. These effects are usually not severe, at the recommended dose are more frequent than with the antihistamine treatments. These medicines must not be taken by persons suffering from glaucoma.

A range of antihistamine medicines are available to prevent motion sickness. Cinnarizine (STUGERON) tablets are commonly recommended.

Alternative Therapies

Ginger has traditionally been used to alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness.

Wrist straps which apply pressure to acupressure points on the wrists have been used to alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness. The straps must be worn simultaneously on both wrists with the pressure point applied to a specific area of the wrist.

Further Information on the medicines listed above including dosage and contraindications are listed at www.medicines.ie

Diagnosis & Symptoms

We all know that the suns rays can be harmful, in particular to the fair-skin Celts. Of the sunrays, UVA rays are associated with tanning and aging, UVB with sunburn and UVC rays are filtered through the ozone layer. The skin contains melanin, which is a brown protective pigment. Fair-skinned people contain less melanin in their skin and will thus burn more easily than darker-skinned people and are considered more disposed to developing skin cancer.

Sunburn is a reddening of the skin due to an increase in the blood flow to the surface of the skin. The skin becomes tender to touch and within two to eight hours it can become very itchy and can start to form blisters. The condition is very painful and often irritated by clothing. In severe cases, those affected may feel generally unwell.

Preventative Measures

A sunscreen of a suitable factor should be selected. Sunscreens are rated using a Sun Protection Factor system (SPF) according to how they protect the skin against UVB rays and thus how well they prevent sunburn. An SPF of 6 means that the sunscreen allows the user to stay in the sun six times longer than if they did not use any sun protection.

Many sunscreens also contain UVA filters, which protect against the aging effects of the sun. UVA protection is rated using a four star system, with products providing the greatest filtering ability carrying four stars.

The sunburn index is a measure of how long unprotected individuals can can stay in the sun without burning.

Photosensitive individuals should avoid using products which contain PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) or Bergamot Oil which can occasionally cause skin reactions.

It is recommended that babies and sun sensitive individuals use a high factor or preferably a sun block. La Roche Posay and Vichy sun blocks are both recommended for sun intolerant skin. The sunscreen should be applied liberally and frequently and after bathing even in the case of water-resistant sunscreens.

Sun sensitivity (photosensitivity) can be increased whilst taking certain medications including the contraceptive pill and tetracycline antibiotics. Additional sun protection factors should be used or better still the sun should be avoided if taking medicines which cause photosensitivity. Remember that burning can occur even on a dull day. Sun sensitive individuals should sit in the shade and wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.

Non-prescription Treatments

Aftersun products and moisturisers should be applied frequently and liberally to prevent the skin from dehydrating and becoming itchy. For a cooling effect, they can be stored in the fridge. For itchy skin, EURAX cream or lotion or CALAMINE LOTION can be applied two to three times daily for adults and children over three years providing relief for 6-10 hours. For Children under 3 years a once daily application is often recommended. Consult your pharmacist for advice.

Aloe-Vera gels have traditionally been used to assist the healing of sun-damaged skin.

For pain, paracetamol is often recommended.

Further Information on the medicines listed above including dosage and contraindications are listed at www.medicines.ie