If you’re going to a festival this summer, be sure to take some time beforehand to prepare for any eventuality. Festivals are meant to be fun, but they’re also a great place for your health to take a hit.

First of all, make room in your backpack to pack a first aid kit. A few essentials between the glow sticks and beer cans won’t take up much room and you’ll thank yourself if you pick up a bug, cut yourself, or burn yourself. If you are taking any regular medication, be sure to take it with you as well.

You can find a huge range of travel and outdoor first aid kits at First Aid Warehouse and if you want to make a DIY first aid kit, check out Boots for all the items you’ll need and where you can also pick up homeopathics and other alternatives. remedies.

Solar protection

Take at least the Factor 15 sun cream or lotion with you and remember that if you are out all day apply it regularly. Even if it doesn’t look very sunny, you can still get sunburned by cloud-penetrating rays. Read more in our guide to staying safe in the sun. And don’t forget your sun hat – fingers crossed that you get to wear it!

Aloe vera and calamine lotion are good for soothing burned skin and belladonna is a recommended homeopathic remedy if you are suffering from heat stroke.

bugs and allergies

Not only can they be very painful or itchy, insect bites can also leave skin prone to infection, so do your best to avoid getting bitten by using a spray or diffuser. If you are bitten, an antiseptic cream will help prevent infection. Antihistamine tablets will help treat hay fever and other allergies. Also, if you are asthmatic, remember to pack a spare inhaler.

Aspirin or Nurofen will help you with the inevitable hangover after a few festive ciders.

Anti Diarrheal Tablets

Diet change, stress, and food poisoning can cause an upset stomach. Read more about precautions you can take to avoid food poisoning, pack some Diareze or Arret tablets, and make sure if you have diarrhea you drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. If you get very sick, visit the festival medical center for proper treatment.

plasters

Padded bandages are good for preventing blisters, and antiseptic bandages will help keep festival grime out of any nicks and cuts you might get.

Contraception

If you are taking The Pill, remember to take enough with you to last the time you are away. It might also be worth skipping your regular break if you’re having your period at a festival, though check with your doctor first. And add some condoms just in case, even if you’re out of luck, you can always ‘lend’ them to your friends.

One of the best things about festivals is trying all the different types of food on offer, but if you’re not careful, it’s also a very easy way to catch a nasty stomach bug. However, it is important that you stay well fed as drinking and dancing can really take a toll on your poor body.

If you’ve overindulged on alcohol, a starchy meal like cake and mash, fish and chips, a baked potato or some noodles will help replenish your blood sugar levels and get your stomach in line for the next round of drinks. . Although a sugar fix may seem like the easiest option, you’ll only get a quick boost before you feel an energy crash again.

Vitamins and minerals are essential, so try to eat some fruit – you’ll find plenty of stalls selling fruit kebabs, watermelon slices or smoothies that not only taste delicious but are also good for you. They will also help replenish lost fluids. If you’ve hurt your stomach lining, be careful with acid and avoid things like undiluted orange juice.

Fresh water should be freely available at the festival site and it is important that you drink plenty to stay hydrated, especially if you have been sick or had diarrhoea. Bring a small bottle that you can take with you and use water purification tablets to avoid contamination.

If you’re worried about eating food bought locally, bring along a camping stove or charcoal grill. There are many tasty and healthy meals that can be cooked outdoors. Always remember to wash your hands before handling food and make sure food is fully cooked.

You’ll likely be walking a lot more than you’re normally used to, so give some thought to your poor feet and those you share a tent with!

Don’t buy a new pair of sneakers or walking boots without putting them on first. It’s best to bring a comfortable old pair of shoes, as they’re likely to get pretty dirty anyway. Wear socks, thick walking socks are great, and if you feel your shoes rubbing, stick on a cast before you get a blister. Vaseline can also be a blessing in preventing sores.

Try to wash your feet at least once a day and make sure you dry them properly. This will not only keep them smelling sweet, but it will also prevent fungal infections. If the sun comes out, put on some sandals or flip-flops so your feet can breathe a bit, and take a clean pair of socks for each day you’re there.

Running barefoot across the grass might seem like fun, especially when you’re trying to get into the hippy spirit, but a festival floor is likely to be littered with hidden dangers like broken glass, needles, dropped food, and the occasional pat from cow. So keep your shoes on and wear sandals or flip flops instead so you can still feel the breeze between your toes.

If it rains and the ground gets dirty, then you have to be very careful with your feet. Make sure you dry them well at the end of each day, and don’t leave your socks soaked for too long. Constantly wet feet can lead to trench foot, so if your feet become swollen or blistered, seek medical attention immediately.

When you return to the comfort of your home, we recommend that you get a home pedicure. Or better yet, give it to the person you love. That way you can guarantee that you’ll get a free ticket to the festival next year!