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Prevention of Travel health

Ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) rays are light radiated by the sun.  The earth’s ozone layer filters out most UVA and UVB rays before they reach us but some can still get through, causing damage to our skin. It is important to use sun sense when travelling to hot climates.  Some useful tips for avoiding sunburn are:

  • Don't wait till your skin feels uncomfortable before taking preventative action. The best form of protection is defence.  Once your skin is burned the damage has already been done so cover-up up with loose-fitting clothes.  Make sure that your legs and arms are covered. Tightly woven fabrics will provide the best protection from the sun.  
  • Avoid direct exposure to sunlight between the hours of 11am and 3pm when the sun is at it’s strongest.  If you do go outside between these times cover-up with clothes, hat and sunglasses and apply plenty of sun protection lotion.
  • Always use a sun protection lotion with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15.  Very fair-skinned people and children need to use lotions with an SPF of up to 40.  The skin is damaged most by the sun before the age of 18.
  • Make sure that your entire body is covered by sun protection lotion.  This includes your face, hands, feet and neck.  The most vulnerable parts of your body are the places that are not usually exposed to sunlight.
  • Apply sun lotion at least 30 minutes before going out in the sun.  Reapply it every couple of hours, as sweat and friction against towels for example will cause it to wear off.  Reapply immediately after swimming, even if your lotion is a waterproof variety.  Wear waterproof sun protection when swimming.  UVA and UVB rays can penetrate through a metre or so of water.
  • Cloud and fog do not protect skin from ultraviolet rays.  Cover up with clothing and use SPF 15 sun lotion even on cloudy days.
  • Always wear a hat and sunglasses that have UVA and UVB filters when in the sun.  Ultraviolet rays can damage the retinas in your eyes causing cataracts.
  • Drink plenty of fluids, particularly after exercise.  Isotonic drinks that replace the salt lost through sweating are ideal, but water is also sufficient.  Avoid alcoholic drinks when you are out in the sun.

It’s also wise to keep a careful eye on any moles on your body and visit your GP if you notice any change in their appearance.  Signs to look out for are darkening of the mole, increase in size, raggedy edges, multiple colours within the mole, itchiness or redness and swelling or bleeding.

You can reduce the risk of malaria and other insect borne diseases by using insect repellents and wearing long-sleeved clothes when possible.  Ask your pharmacist for repellents that contain DEET (diethyltoluamide), as these as most effective.  If you are visiting a malaria-infected region (3) your GP will be able to advise you about the most suitable anti-malarial drugs for you.  You should make an appointment with your GP as soon as you know which countries you will be visiting, as some anti-malarial drugs need to be taken several weeks before your departure.

It is important to remember that you cannot guarantee protection from malaria.  Some strains of the disease have now become resistant to drugs.  If you develop a fever or unexplained illness during your time overseas, or up to three months after your return, inform your GP as soon as possible.

You can reduce the risk of stomach upsets by trying not to use tap water (including for making ice, washing foods that will not be cooked and cleaning your teeth), and checking that hot meats are thoroughly cooked before you eat them (the juices should run clear and the meat should not appear pink in colour).  Many stomach upsets are simply caused because our bodies are not used to exotic or spicy foods.  It is a good idea to introduce yourself slowly to local foods.

It is also advisable to carry an emergency first aid kit with you, especially if you are visiting a non-EEA area.  This should contain adhesive dressings, insect repellent, antiseptic cream and water-purification tablets.  You can buy medical travel kits from pharmacies, which contain sterilised and sealed medical equipment such as syringes, sutures (stitches) and needles.  These are particularly useful when visiting developing countries or areas when the safety of medical equipment cannot be guaranteed.

Some parts of the world are sometimes at risk of terrorist activity.  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides up-to-date information about current dangers to enable you to make an informed choice.