Pharmacy Unscripted - Summer health Flashcards
What can repeated exposure to sunlight do?
Repeated exposure to sunlight can cause skin damage and increases the risk of developing skin cancer.
What are the sun safety advice we should give to patients?
Generously apply sunscreen 15 to 20 minutes before going out
Reapply sunscreen every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating
Seek shade between 11am and 3pm when the sun is at its strongest and try to keep babies and toddlers in the shade if possible
Wear sunglasses with wrap around lenses or wide arms, which carry CE and British Standard marks
No sunscreen provides 100 per cent protection, so cover up with loose, close weave clothing (such as cotton) and a wide brimmed hat to protect the neck, ears and face.
What sunscreen SPF factor is minimum recommended?
sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to protect against UVB rays and at least 4-star UVA protection.
Who is more at risk from sun damage, children or adults?
Children are especially at risk from the sun as their skin is more delicate than adults and can be easily damaged by the sun, even when it doesn’t seem strong.
What SPF does British Skin Foundation recommend for children to use?
use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 50 and at least 4 stars for UVA protection.
List some insects that bite or sting?
Insects that bite or sting include wasps, bees, hornets, horseflies, ticks, mosquitos and midges
What do insect bite and stings usually cause?
Insect bites and stings usually cause a red, swollen lump to develop on the skin; this may be painful and can be very itchy in some cases. Some people may have a mild allergic reaction when a larger area of skin around the bite or sting becomes red, swollen and painful; this should go away within a week.
What are the symptoms of severe allergic reaction from a insect bite or sting?
Difficulty breathing, dizziness and a swollen face or mouth. This needs urgent medical attention.
What are the precautions patients can take to prevent bites and stings?
ear long sleeves and trousers to cover exposed skin and wear shoes when outdoors
Apply insect repellent to exposed skin; repellents that contain 50% DEET (diethyltoluamide) are most effective
Avoid using skincare products with a strong fragrance as these can attract insects
Take care when around flowering plants, rubbish, compost, stagnant water and outdoor areas where food is served
What advice should you give if a patient gets stung or bit?
If customers do get bitten or stung, you can advise them to remove the sting if it is still in the skin; wash the area with soap and water; apply a cold compress or ice pack to any swelling for at least 10 minutes; and avoid scratching to reduce the risk of infection. Analgesics, antihistamines and creams for itching can help alleviate any pain, swelling or itchiness.
What is travel sickness?
Travel sickness is feeling sick when travelling by car, boat, plane or train; it is caused by repeated movements such as going over bumps in a car or moving up and down in a boat.
How is the inner ear related to travel sickness?
he inner ear sends different signals to the brain from those the eyes are seeing and these confusing messages are what causes the sickness.
What advice can you give to patients to prevent or ease travel sickness?
- Reduce motion by sitting in the front of a car or in the middle of a boat or plane
- Look straight ahead at a fixed point
- Breathe fresh air if possible
- Break up long journeys
- Distract children by talking, listening to music or singing
- Don’t read, watch movies or use electronic devices
- Don’t look at moving objects such as passing cars or rolling waves
- Don’t eat spicy food, heavy meals or drink alcohol before or during travel.
Which tablets can be used to prevent travel sickness?
can recommend to prevent travel sickness include tablets containing hyoscine hydrobromide or cinnarizine
What is the age range for cinnarizine?
Cinnarizine can be recommended for adults and children from five years of age.
