People in Dorset are being encouraged to visit their local pharmacy for help with several summer-related conditions, such as insect bites, hay fever and mild sunburn.

Your local pharmacist can help with advice and over-the-counter medicines for many conditions without needing to see a doctor.

Mike Hewiston, a community pharmacist in Dorset, said, ‘Pharmacies are a lifeline, particularly for parents over the summer months. They can help with a variety of conditions, from cuts and scrapes through to sunburn and more serious problems.

‘We’ve seen a lot of demand for pharmacist consultations, with infected insect bites and other conditions which can be triggered by the sun, like shingles, peaking during sunny weather. We’ve also seen lots of tourists coming in without their regular medicines whom we’ve been able to help through the Pharmacy First Emergency Supply service.’

Your pharmacist can help with:

  • Aches and pains

  • Sore throat

  • Mild sunburn

  • Coughs and colds

  • Earache

  • Cystitis

  • Skin rashes

  • Hay fever and other mild allergies

For more information on pharmacies, and other ways to seek medical advice in Dorset, visit staywelldorset.nhs.uk