What does Eurax do?

Eurax has been stocked in pharmacies for over 60 years and has built a strong brand heritage. Eurax is fast being acknowledged as an anti-itch expert for 10 common skin conditions.

Skin irritation and itchiness can be caused by a wide variety of factors. Most of the time we pass it off as a minor irritation, but it can become a real distraction. Over the summer in particular, customers should be able to holiday and enjoy themselves without having to worry about itchy skin. Fortunately, relief is at hand in the form of Eurax.

Common skin conditions that Eurax can help include:

Insect bites and stings

Insect bites and stings often cause one or more red bumps that are usually itchy and sometimes painful. They are not usually dangerous, except for people who are allergic to bee or wasp stings, for example. The bites usually clear up within a few days. However, scratching can make them worse and increase the risk of infection.

Nettle rash or hives (also known as urticaria)

Nettle rash affects 1 in 5 people at some point,1 causing raised red itchy swellings on the skin.The raised marks in the rash are called weals. Although the rash may fade after a few hours, other patches may appear, even on a different part of the body. Many things can cause acute urticaria (urticaria that lasts less than six weeks), including allergens (such as food or latex), irritants (such as nettles), medicines or physical factors,
such as exercise or heat. Although in about half of cases no cause can be found.

Heat rash

Heat rash appears as small reddish blisters or spots on areas of skin that have been exposed to sunlight. It is commonly seen in children and young women and tends to be recurrent.

Sunburn

Sunburn can make skin feel sore, especially when it’s touched or comes into contact with clothes. It may start to peel and become dry, flaky and very itchy after a few days.

Itchy dermatitis and dry eczema

Eczema affects 1 in 5 children and 1 in 12 adults, according to the National Eczema Society (NES). It varies from person to person and in its mild form the skin is dry, scaly, red and itchy. Itching can be a distressing symptom, especially in young children. Scratching can lead to open wounds, which increases the risk of infection. Because it is prone to drying out and is easily damaged, skin with eczema is more liable to become
red and inflamed on contact with substances that are known to irritate or cause an allergic reaction.

Allergic rash

Allergic rash often appears where skin has been in contact with an allergen, but can spread. Often there is no apparent cause. If a cause is identified, it is usually an allergic reaction to triggers such as foods, insect bites, stinging nettles or contact with animals.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is common in children under the age of 10 years, but can occur at any age. And it can be contracted more than once, although that does not happen very often – about 1 in 8 people catch it more than once. It is caused by a virus called the varicella-zoster virus and is passed from person to person through coughs and sneezes of those who are infected. Chickenpox rash starts as crops of itchy flat red spots which may develop into fluid-filled blisters that can ooze and crust over. Some children have just a few spots but others can be completely covered all over their body. The spots are most likely to appear on the face, ears and scalp, under the arms, on the chest and stomach and on the arms and legs.The rash can be very itchy and it is particularly important not to scratch to prevent possible scarring.

Personal itching

Personal itching can be very uncomfortable and cause embarrassment: it may be triggered by chemical irritants such as nickel or washing powders.

Eurax is available as a non-greasy, non-staining cream or lotion. It can provide relief from itching and irritation, helping to break the itch-scratch-itch cycle that causes so much distress, especially in young children.

• Avoid excessive bathing or showering. Limit time in the bath or shower to 10-15 minutes. Avoid harsh soaps and cleansers. Use soap-free cleansers or Oilatum Soap followed by liberal application of an emollient. Gently pat skin dry with a soft towel – do not rub vigorously. Apply an emollient, such as Oilatum Emollient,  as soon as possible after bathing. This will help to ‘lock in’ as much moisture as possible. If you suffer from broken skin the you may want to try the Dermol range.

• Keep fingernails short to prevent damage while scratching. Young children can wear cotton mittens to stop them scratching in their sleep.

• Wear gloves – they keep hands protected from cold in winter and reduce exposure to irritating chemicals, such as when cleaning.

• Try to wear cotton or other soft fabrics. Avoid rough, scratchy fibres such as wool and tight clothing that can rub the skin. Wash clothes in detergents without perfumes or colours.

• Protect the skin from the sun – UV light damages it, causing: wrinkles; dry, rough skin; liver spots; and even skin cancer. For children you can try the Sunsense Toddler Milk.

• Learn to identify eczema triggers and try to avoid them.

• Keep room humidity as high as possible. Avoid hot, dry atmospheres and extremes of temperature and humidity.

• Drink plenty of water – hydrating from the inside helps stop skin drying out.

• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet – vitamins A and C are particularly important for healthy skin or other specialist skin supplements.

• Quit smoking – smoking accelerates skin ageing and increases wrinkles.

The human gastro-intestinal tract usually refers to the stomach and intestine, but it is actually in reference to all of the structures from the mouth to the anus. It is also simply known as the digestive system. Many people suffer from common symptoms to do with the digestive system, such as ingestion, heartburn, diar­rhoea, and constipation.

It has been stated that gastro-intestinal problems affect men and women of all ages but tend to be more common in women. Mi­nor problems are easily treatable and simple adjustments in lifestyle are often recommended. Heartburn and indigestion are two terms used to describe discomfort and pain in the upper gastro-intestinal (GI) Tract which are commonly associated with food. Many people do not properly understand the differences between heartburn and indigestion.

Heartburn normally occurs when the lower oesophageal muscle is not functioning properly so the stomach acid escapes and moves up the oesophagus. When the acid comes in contact with the delicate lining of the oesophagus, it causes irritation, discomfort and pain. This sensation is known as heartburn.

There are many causes of heartburn, such as being overweight. In this case more pressure is put on to the stomach, which forces contents up the oesophagus. Other causes such as the foods we eat and drink, especially fatty foods, alcohol and chocolate, seem to be linked to causing heartburn. It is a good fact to know also that heartburn is a common symptom in pregnant woman especially in the first tri­mester where hormone levels affect the lower oesophageal sphincter.

Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen (tummy). Indigestion occurs when there is too much acid in the stomach, when this stomach acid comes into contact with the sensitive, protec­tive lining (mucosa) of the digestive system. The stomach acid breaks down the mucosa, leading to irritation and inflammation (redness and swelling). This causes the symptoms of indigestion.

In most cases, indigestion is related to eating, although it can be caused by other factors, such as an infection or taking certain medications. The symptoms between heartburn and indigestion normally overlap, however, heartburn is normally regarded with pain in the centre of the chest, while indigestion is generally regarded as pain and discomfort in the stomach area and is normally accompanied by symptoms of bloatedness, nausea and vomiting.

Treatments that can be purchased to treat these symptoms include antacids such as Asilone, Rennie, which by neutralising the stomach, should be taken after meals and before bed time. Of the Alginates, the most popular is Gaviscon, which forms a lining which stops stomach contents irritating the oesophagus. Some Alginate products also contain antacids, such as Gaviscon double action.

H2-receptor antagonist products include Zantac 75 which is very effec­tive if alginates and antacids do not seem to help control the symptoms. The H2-receptor antagonists stop your stomach from creating acid and work very well. They provide a 12-hour action. Proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole are another group of medicines which help to stop acid from being released into the stomach. These work in a slightly different way to H2 receptor antagonists but have the same overall effect.

People can prevent symptoms by eat­ing small portions, not eating late at night or before going to bed and avoiding foods that cause discomfort, in particular rich, spicy or fatty foods. If you are overweight, losing weight should help to reduce symptoms.

Constipation is another common ailment. Many people feel uncomfortable talking about constipation and sometimes feel uncomfortable if their normal pattern of opening their bowels has been disrupted. Constipation occurs when the contents of the large intestine move slowly and more water than normal is absorbed from the faecal matter.

It can also cause your stools to be unusu­ally hard, lumpy, large or small. The severity of constipation can vary greatly. Many people only experience constipation for a short period of time with no lasting effects on their health.

Constipation occurs when people do not have enough fibre in their diet or do not drink enough. Liquids add fluid to stools which makes them softer and pass easier but some drugs cause constipation as a side effect, an example of which are pain-killers that contain codeine.

Treatments of constipation

Bulk-forming laxatives in­clude Methylcellulose, sterculia and ispaghula husk, such as Fybogel Hi-Fibre. These products contain natural fibres and help to retain fluid in the stools, encouraging the intestine to work faster. Bulk-forming laxatives work within a 24-36 hour time frame and are safe to take long-term.

Osmotic laxatives, for ex­ample Lactulose, are prime medicines which help keep fluid in the bowl and faeces and make them easier to pass. This is the gentle option and often recommended in children and pregnant women. Faecal softners, such as Dulcoease and Glycerin suppositories, work by lubricating the faeces and making them easier to pass. Stimulant laxatives include Dulcolax tablets, Ex-Lax, which contains senna, and Califig.

These work by stimulating the nerve-endings in the walls of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. This causes the muscles in the intestinal wall to contract more often and with increased force. When these muscles contract (a process known as peristalsis), this moves the contents of the intestine through the colon to the rectum so that the bowel can be emptied. This relieves constipation.

Some of the best tips you can give patients is too eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and to drink plenty of fluid throughout the day.

Diarrhoea, like constipation, is a topic that many people are reluctant to discuss, but it is a common problem faced by many and often occurs at the most inconvenient time, such as on holiday or at work.

Diarrhoea is passing loose or watery faeces more than three times a day. It affects almost everyone from time to time and is usually noth­ing to worry about.

A common cause in both children and adults is gastroenteritis, an infection of the bowel. Gastroenteritis maybe caused by a virus, such as a norovirus or rotavirus bacteria, which is often found in contaminated food.

Diarrhoea occurs when the lining of the large intestine becomes inflamed and prevents sufficient fluid from being removed from the food in the intestine. This makes the stools much looser or liquid like when they excreted from the body.

A problem that diarrhoea can cause, es­pecially in the young and the elderly, is the potential risk of dehydration – young children and the elderly are most at risk from this. The signs and symptoms of diarrhoea are normally easy to spot and are obvious; these include frequent, loose or watery stools, abdominal cramping, sometimes associated with bloating. Other symptoms can also be noticed such as fever, nausea and or vomiting.

Fluid replacement treatments

Children and the elderly are more likely to become dehydrated. People suffering from dehydration are advised to take frequent sips of water even if they are vomiting. They should also rest until symptoms improve. Rehydration therapy, such as Dioralyte which is available in different flavoured sachets for reconstitution in water, helps to replace lost fluids and salts and reduces the chances of dehydration.

Anti-diarrhoeal (drugs) such as loperamide (Imodium) and morphine salts (Diocalm) work very well as they help to slow down the passage of food through the intestine, allowing for more fluids to be absorbed. These products work very well and can be used in combination with rehydration salts. Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) is useful for bacterial diarrhoea because they are designed to attack the bacteria and provide a protective coating over the stomach.

How does it work?

Both adult and pediatric Docusol solutions contain the same active ingredient docusate sodium, which is a laxative.

Docusate works in two ways to relieve constipation. First, is a stool-softening activity. It lowers the surface tension of hard and dry stools that have accumulated in the intestine, which helps water to penetrate them. This makes the stools softer and easier to pass, reducing stress. This can be extremely helpful to people with hemorrhoids (piles) or anal fissures.

Docusate also has a stimulating effect on the gut. It acts on the nerve endings walls of the large intestine (colon) and rectum, causing the muscles of the intestinal wall to fall more frequently and powerfully. When these muscles contract (a process known as peristalsis), this moves through the intestinal contents of the colon to the rectum to empty the bowel.

The dual action is effective in relieving constipation without straining. The solution usually provides relief from constipation in one to two days.

Docusol solution can also be used to empty the bowels before abdominal radiological procedures (X-rays, eg with barium meal).

What is Docusol used for?

* Prevent and treat chronic constipation.

* Softening stools in people suffering from hemorrhoids (piles) or an anal fissure, reduced force and make stools easier to pass.

* Emptying the bowel prior to abdominal radiological procedures (X-rays, eg with barium meal).

Warning!

* Prolonged use of this drug should be avoided. If symptoms persist, you should use a laxative every day, or if you have persistent abdominal pain, consult your doctor.

Do not use if any of the following applies to you:

* People with nausea, vomiting or persistent abdominal pain.

* People with an obstruction of the bowel (bowel obstruction).

Docusol should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

If you feel you have had an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Some drugs should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Other medicines may be safely used during pregnancy or breast-feeding provides a benefit to the mother outweigh the risks to the fetus. Always tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before taking any medicine.

* The safety of this drug during pregnancy has not been fully elucidated, although it has been widely used for many years was not reported adverse effects. Like all medicines, seek medical advice from your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant.

* This medication may pass into breast milk. Must be used with caution during lactation. Like all medicines, you should consult a medical doctor before taking this medicine if you are breastfeeding.

Side Effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect people in different ways. The following are some side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. As a side effect is stated here does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

* Diarrhea

* Nausea

* Abdominal cramps

* Rash

The side effects listed above may not include all side effects reported by the manufacturer.

For more information on other possible risks associated with the product, please read the information with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

If you are already taking other medications, including non-prescription supplements or herbs, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking this drug also, make sure that the combination is safe.

You may not use Docusol while using laxatives containing liquid paraffin (mineral oil).

It is estimated that 8 million people in the UK suffer from sleep problems, like insomnia. On average the ideal number of hours sleep an individual requires is between 7 and 9, however some people can function with just 6 hours sleep. Sleep is essential for our bodies to ‘Recharge’ from the daily stresses and strains of modern life.

There are various different ways to manage sleep problems. This article will cover a few ways to deal with this problem that shall affect every single one of us in our lives at one time or another.

Quick Tips For Avoiding Insomnia

• Establish a regular Bed Time and Waking Time
• Relax before you go to bed
• Don’t eat before you go to bed
• Don’t nap during the day
• Get up if you can’t sleep and go back to bed when you are tired
• Reduce alcohol intake
• Reduce nicotine intake before you got to bed
• Exercise for 45 minutes to an hour 3 times a week to help elevate your mood and promote sleep
• Bathing 1-2 hours before bed helps sleep

 

Herbal Sleeping Aids

Kalms and Herbal Nytol both contain Valerian and Hops, both of which help promote drowsiness and help you to fall asleep.

Lavender oil drops placed on the pillow and chamomile tea are other alternative remedies to help sleep problems.

 

Medicated Insomnia Relief

Nytol and Sominex are old types of antihistamine (Diphenhydramine). They reduce the time taken to fall asleep and also reduce the chance of waking up during the night.

Tablets containing Diphenhydramine should be taken 20-30 minutes before bed time and should not be taken for longer than 7 consecutive nights.

If all the suggested treatments have been tried and sleep is still an issue then you should contact your GP.

 

What is Athlete’s Foot?

Athletes Foot is a common, contagious fungal infection which normally affects the areas between toes. It is easy to spot as it manifests itself as itchy, flaky and red skin.

Suggested Treatments

• Scholl Athletes Foot Spray and Scholl Athletes Foot Powder contain Tolnaftate which is an effective medication for treating athletes foot without a prescription.
• Lamisil Once uses Terbinafine as a single dose treatment for athletes foot and is highly effective.

 

What are Blisters?

Blisters are fast forming, liquid filled pockets of skin. Blisters are often caused by friction due to bad fitting shoes or walking long distances.

Suggested Treatments

• Scholl Clear Gel Blister Plasters offer a large amount of cushioning for the blister and also pprovide the ideal conditions for the blister to heal.
• Shulips are a new product that are attached to the inside of shoes to prevent the rubbing that causes blisters. They are unique because they hook over the top of the shoe, making them less likely to come away from the area onto which they are placed.

 

What are Bunions?

Bunions are bony swellings which appear on the side of the foot, normally at the base of the big toe. Using cushioning products can help the pain and make you more comfortable, while wearing better fitting shoes should stop the problem worsening.

Suggested Treatments

• Scholl Bunion Protectors or Scholl Sore Spot Moleskin can be used to cushion a bunion and give relief from pressure and rubbing.

 

What are Corns?

Corns are round areas on the feet where the skin thickens. It is normally caused by toes rubbing together or when skin is squeezed between the shoes and the bones of the feet. Corns can be very painful.

Suggested Treatments

• Medicated pads and plasters, such as the Scholl Corn Removal Plasters remove corns and give almost instant relief. You can also protect corns and relive pain using non-medicated pads or plasters such as Scholl Corn Foam Cushions
• Scholl also offer a complete corn treatment which contains 6 Corn removal pads (salicylic acid discs) and 9 Corn Cushions, is a complete solution for the relief and removal of painful corns.

 

What causes Cracked Heels?

The main cause of cracked heels is when dry skin at the edge of the heel is placed under to much stress and can split and become quite painful.

Suggested Treatments

• Scholl Cracked Heel Repair Cream K+ is proven clinically to show visible improvements in only 3 days.
• For results straight away you can use the Scholl Cracked Heel ProFile. This file is specifically designed to work on the contours of your heel.
• You might also want to try the Flexitol Heel Balm which uses an emollient base to moisturise the area and relieve the dryness that causes the issue.

 

What causes Foot Odour?

Foot odour can normally be treated by improving hygeine. Foot odour is normally caused by excessive perspiration.

Suggested Treatments

• Scholl Odour Control Foot or Shoe sprays are effective ways to counteract embarrassing cases of foot odour.
• Odor Eaters also offer a full range of products designed to reduce foot odour, including sprays, insoles and powder.

 

What is a Fungal Nail Infection?

Fungal nail infections are normally caused when a fungus infects a nail, usually through damage to the nails protective structures.

Suggested Treatments

• Scholl Fungal Nail Treatment takes 4 weeks and kills 99.9% of fungus. It is then used over a 9 month period to stop the infection from coming back, letting the healthy nail grow back.
• Curanail contains the active ingredient amorolfine, which is an antifungal previously only available on prescription. Curanail kills a wide range of different fungi that can cause nail infections. Curanail actually attacks the infection. In addition, Curanail comes in the form of a nail lacquer (like a nail varnish), which only needs to be applied once a week.

 

What causes Hard Skin and Calluses?

Hard skin is caused by the pressure on the feet of standing and walking. Hard skin is normally found on the heel, ball of feet and the side of the big toe.

Suggested Treatments

• Scholl Medicated Corn and Callus Removal Liquid removes painful corns and calluses and provides gentle pain relief.
• ClearZal Callus Creme is a unique triple action formula for hard, callused feet. Completely removes calluses when used according to directions.

 

What are Verrucae?

A verruca is a pale spot that is slightly raised and sometimes has a black spot in the middle. When they are larger they can look a bit like tiny cauliflowers. They are caught by touching your foot on a surface of foot carrying the virus.

Suggested Treatments

• Scholl Verruca and Wart Freeze Remover is a fast, effective way to freeze and remove warts and verrucae with as few as only 1 treatment.
• Bazuka Sub-Zero is an effective freezing device for removing common warts and verrucas in the convenience of your own home. It works by quickly freezing the wart or verruca, causing it to fall off, often within a couple of weeks or so of freezing, leaving normal skin underneath.

 

Spingtime means torment for the millions of people who suffer from the symptoms of hayfever. Hayfever medicines and antihistamines can go a long way to stopping the worst of the symptooms but there are other things that can help you to lessen the effects.

Lifestyle Hayfever Tips

It has been found that high levels of stress or not exercising enough can make the symptoms of hayfever worse.

Exercising more will have the double-barrelled approach of helping to manage your stress and also benefit you directly by lessening the effects of your allergy. If you are going to exercise outside then it is imprtant to pick the time of day carefully to avoid the times when the pollen rate is at its highest. Try to exercise in the late morning or early afternoon to avoid the worst levels of pollen.

Your diet can also have a significant effect on you hayfever symptoms. Eating more healthily, eating more fruit and vegetables, could reduce the effects of hayfever.

As alcohol dehydrates you, you should cut down on drinking. Being dehydrated makes you more sensitive to pollen and can make your symptoms far worse.

Getting enough sleep will not only lessen the severity of hayfever symptoms, it will also leave you less stressed.

Household Hayfever Tips

Staying inside when the pollen rates are at their highest may be a decent strategy, but it is going to be far less effective if you do not take precautions at home too.

Do not leave doors and windows open unless the pollen count is in a low period; normally late morning or early afternoon.

Hanging laundry outside can cause pollen to stick to it. Avoid this as you are then going to bring it into the house and wear it!

Pollen sticks to your clothes and skin when you are out and about. Taking a shower when you get in and changing your clothes will stop this pollen from worsening your hayfever symptoms.

Get a de-humidifier. The more humid the air the worse your hayfever symptoms will get.

Pets can be a large source of pollen contamination. Make sure your bath your animals regularly to stop them spreading too much pollen around your house.

Use Hayfever Medication Correctly

Make sure you use all of your medications correctly and as directed by the packaging, your pharmacist or your GP. Taking anti-histamines before you are exposed to pollen or other allergens makes them far more effective.

What is Travel Sickness?

Travel, or motion, sickness is caused by the brain being sent confused messages due to lots of small, repetitive movements.The messages being received from the eyes are telling the brain something different to the information being received from the mechanisms in the inner ear.

The most common symptoms on travel sickness are nausea, vomiting and occassionaly excessive sweating.

Travel sickness is more prevelant in children than adults and many people grow out of it as their body learns how to overcome the causes.

There are other causes for travel sickness other than the motion. Smells of certain foods or petrol can trigger the symptoms as can the anxiety over the possibility of travel sickness. Focusing on items that are too close to you while travelling, like reading a book or map, can also make people feel nauseous.

Tips to Avoid Travel Sickness on the Road

As soon as a child is old enough, they should sit in the front of the car so that they can have a better view of the road and what is going on around them. Younger children should also be able to see the road in the back seat, preferably not by sitting in the middle seat.

Looking down at books or computer games can cause travel sickness, so encourage children to look out of the windows or windscreen. Ensuring that there is good ventilation in the car is also important.

Ask the driver to take bends gently, to not accelerate and slow down repeatedly, and to stop for regular stretches (at least once an hour) throughout the trip.

Tips to Avoid Travel Sickness at Sea

Fresh air can help immensely, escaping from the fuel fumes and the smells of food can really help to avoid the symptoms of travel sickness. Being outside on the deck can also help as you can concentrate on the horizon and get away from many of the smells that can trigger symptoms. Try not to concentrate on the waves!

If you are not able to stay outside for any reason the movement of the ship will be the least on the lower decks in the middle of the ship. If you still feel nauseous then try laying down with your eyes closed.

Tips to Avoid Travel Sickness on a Plane

If possible, try to get a seat in line with the wing, as this is where the plane is most stable. Rest your head back on the headrest and close your eyes. Some people find listening to music can help to take their mind off the feeling of being unwell and relax them.

If you know that you are not going to be able to fly without being sick then ask for a seat near the toilets.

Prevention and Treatment of Travel Sickness

On top of the other advice, here are some over tips for overcoming travel sickness:

• Avoiding heavy meals and alcohol before travelling.
• Keeping still with eyes closed.
• Travel Sickness medicines from the pharmacist. These should be taken before travel according to the instructions so they have time to be absorbed by the body.
• Ginger or peppermint remedies. Ginger can be taken as a biscuit, tea or in crystallised form, while peppermint can be sucked as a sweet or taken as a tea.
• Acupressure. This can be applied using a wristband or by pressing your finger against the middle of the inner wrist about three finger widths above the crease where the wrist joins the hand.

Travelling between time zones can leave your body’s internal clock a bit desynchronised. This Jet Lag effect can leave you affected both physically and mentally.

Sometimes it is better to think ahead and try to get you body clock set into the correct routine for your trip before you even depart for your trip. This can work by going to bed early for a few days if you are travelling east and later if you are travelling west.

Here are some more tips for avoiding Jet Lag.

• Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water before, during and after your flight.
• Steer clear of too much alcohol or medications when flying.
• Get enough sleep. This includes getting a good nights sleep before travelling.
• When travelling more than 4 time zones to the west it can help you to adapt to to the new time if you ensure that you get bright natural light in the early evening.
• When travelling similar distances to the east, if possible, try to arrive around midday so that the sunlight is at its brightest. Try to wear eye masks on the plane and sit in the dark and quiet.
• Exercising whilst on the plane can increase circulation and help to avoid excessive swelling in the legs and feet. This exercise includes walking aound the cabin and stretching in your seat.
• On arrival a moderately intense workout can help your body to configure itself for the new time zone.
• Get into the routine straight away. Start to eat and sleep when the locals do. Do not think “what time it is for you”. You are where you are and not where you were!

What Causes Ringworm?

Ringworm has absolutely nothing to do with worms. The correct medical term for these infections is tinea. The latin name for the part of the body effected is then used to say where the infection is. For example, tinea pedis affects the feet (and is better known as athlete’s foot), tinea corporis affects the body and tinea capitis affects the scalp.

Ringworm is a fungal infection that can be transferred from other people, soil, animals or household objects. Most cases are caused by a type of fungus called dermatophytes.

Who Can Get Ringworm?

Ringworm can affect anybody. It normally occurs when there is a breach in your bodys defences such as a cut in the skin where spores can enter.

Athletes Foot is caused by excess moisture caused by sweat making it difficult for the skin to be as effective at stopping micro-organisms entering the body.

What are the Symptoms of Ringworm?

Ringworm causes reddened and scaly patches on the skin in an irregular ring shape with a slightly raised edge. The patches may be very itchy. When someon has tinea capitis, the hair inside the patches may be lost, resulting in small circular bald areas.

Ringworm can also affect the nails, causing them to become thickened and discoloured, with scaling of the palms or soles. Curanail is a common cure for this type of fungal nail infection.

Diagnosing Ringworm

Ringworm can normally be recognised once a doctor looks at it. Confirmation of any diagnosis will often be found by Scrapings of the skin being examined under a microscope.

How to Treat Ringworm

Ringworm is normally easily treated with antifungal creams and lotions. These may need to be applied for several weeks to be effective at removing the infection and preventing recurrence because the fungi can be buried deep in the skin tissues.

Rarely cases can be treated with tablets over a number of weeks. If you notice the symptoms returning then seek further medical advice immediately.