L'essentiel de la santé en festival

Hay fever and allergies

If you struggle with hay fever, spending a weekend in the middle of a field is probably going to make your symptoms worse. To manage hay fever at a festival, remember to pack antihistamines, nasal sprays and eye drops.

A small tin of Vaseline is also a good idea, as you can put it around your nostrils to trap the pollen, and stop it from getting up your nose. It also helps to wash your hands and face regularly with water. This removes pollen or dirt particles which can make the itching and discomfort worse.

Choix des patients pour Les conditions environnementales

Santé générale et mode de vie

Pourquoi la "peur de Noël" nous stresse-t-elle ?

Christmas can be the most wonderful time of the year, but it can be challenging. Shops are bringing out gifts and decorations earlier than ever and for some people, it's a reminder of how anxiety-inducing and expensive the festive season can be.

par Lydia Smith

Santé générale et mode de vie

Épuisement par la chaleur et coup de chaleur

Les risques d'une exposition excessive de la peau au soleil sont bien connus. L'excès de soleil augmente le risque de cancer de la peau, et la brûlure présente un risque particulièrement élevé de mélanome malin. Mais à court terme, l'excès de chaleur entraîne également un risque d'épuisement par la chaleur qui, s'il n'est pas traité, peut conduire à un coup de chaleur potentiellement mortel.

par le Dr Doug McKechnie, MRCGP

Insect repellent

Being outdoors means dealing with insects too. To reduce the chance of bug bites, pack insect repellent. Bite and sting relief medicines - such as hydrocortisone cream - can ease the itch and soreness if you do get bitten.

It’s also handy to bring antiseptic wipes and plasters for cuts and scrapes to prevent them from getting infected.

Soulagement de la douleur

Too much fun can lead to various aches and pains, so bring pain relief medicine with you, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Heartburn relief may also be a good idea.

If you're going to a festival with your children, bring a family first aid kit with bandages, plasters, scissors and antiseptic wipes.

Keep any regular medicine that you take in a safe place, such as a zipped pocket in a bum bag.

Sun protection

The weather can be unpredictable, despite the forecasts, so it's best to pack plenty of sun protection. Even if it's cloudy, you should put sunscreen on your face and body many times a day to avoid burning. Use a sun cream with a high SPF, such as 30 or 50, and remember to put it on your ears and neck. A small bottle of aftersun lotion is a good idea to soothe your skin at the end of the day.

Bring sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun's UV rays. Often, there isn't much shade at festivals - so a hat can help protect you from sun stroke.

Water and hydration

Drinking enough water is essential at a festival. Although you should normally aim for eight glasses a day, you’ll probably need to drink more as you’re likely losing fluids by sweating, being in the sun and drinking alcohol.

Bring a refillable bottle with you that you can attach to your bag or belt. You can get foldable bottles or pouches, which are handy as they don’t take up much room.

Santé digestive

Eating festival food, drinking alcohol and being in the sun - as well as sleeping less - can cause havoc with your digestive system. Always wash your hands after going to the toilet and try to eat relatively healthily. Festivals usually have a variety of food stalls on offer which have healthy options and fruit or veg.

If you do experience stomach cramps, nausea, sickness or diarrhoea, drink lots of water and eat bland foods to settle your stomach. Bringing diarrhoea relief medicines - as well as antacids - is a good idea too.

Foot health

Walking around all day, especially while wearing wellies, can cause blisters, so bring blister plasters. Pack plenty of clean socks and baby powder to help freshen up your feet after a long day.

Sanitary items

Baby wipes and face wash are an essential after a hot day traipsing around fields. You might also want to bring some shower gel to freshen up your armpits with some bottled water.

It’s also important to bring sanitary items, such as tampons, sanitary towels or menstrual cups, just in case you start your period. A bottle of hand sanitiser is an essential, which you can also use as hand wash. You can also get PH-friendly intimate wipes which can help keep your vagina feeling clean and fresh when you’re on your period and have limited access to showers.

Safe sex

Even if you don't plan on using it, add contraception to your festival bag. This includes your normal contraception - whether it is the pill, ring or patch - and condoms.