Courtesy of the Vigne Pharmacy in Greyton, Overberg, SA

We all love to enjoy our summer holidays whether it's abroad or in SA but would you know what to do if a friend or loved one was hurt?

In alphabetical order, we take a look at what to include in your holiday first-aid kit. But don't think you need to haul all these items along with you every time - there's a difference between a camping trip and a luxury holiday abroad. Think through the trip and buy what you need in sufficiently small portions.

Don't forget the medicines in your first-aid kit have a limited lifetime. Check expiry dates and ask your pharmacist for advice to ensure the contents of your kit remain effective and safe to use.

Follow up:

ALLERGIES - Tablets containing antihistamines are effective against allergies, itching, skin rashes and insect bites. Older antihistamines such as chlorphenamine (eg Allergex) cause drowsiness, so caution will be required when driving. Newer antihistamines such as loratadine (eg Clarityn or any generic) are non-sedating.

CONSTIPATION - Unfamiliar food and travel can cause acute constipation. A laxative can be used in the short term. Laxatives come as suppositories, tablets or syrups. Try Laxette. Constipation is best prevented with a high-fibre diet and fluids.

DIARRHOEA - If you have diarrhoea when travelling it is important to keep hydrated by drinking oral rehydration solutions such Rehydrate. Medicines such as loperamide (e.g. Imodium) can be used for short-term treatment of mild diarrhoea, and can be useful when travelling.

HEARTBURN & STOMACH ACID - If you have a tendency to suffer from stomach acid, heartburn and a burning sensation when you consume sharp-tasting foods and drinks, take an antacid in your kit. E.g. Eno's, Rennies or Gaviscon.

INFECTION & INFLAMMATION - If you think you may need antibiotics when travelling abroad, you should discuss this with your doctor before you leave. Your doctor can prescribe what you need. In several parts of the world antibiotics are available without prescription and without visiting a doctor, but as far as possible you should consult a doctor before taking antibiotics.

PAIN - Painkillers are indispensable for headaches, muscle pain, toothache and menstrual pain. Take a remedy containing aspirin (eg Disprin / Compral ), paracetamol (eg Panado) or ibuprofen (eg Nurofen). Blister packs are preferable, because loose or effervescent tablets may absorb moisture from the air and become ineffective. Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age, unless on the advice of a doctor.

SAFE SEX - Good quality condoms are still the best way of reducing the chance of an unwanted pregnancy or getting a sexually transmitted disease such as AIDS.

SORES & BLISTERS - Take a skin-disinfecting agent with you to clean sores, e.g. a small bottle of Savlon. Antiseptic wipes are also useful. Bandages and plasters are useful to have at hand in case an accident should happen. Blisters can be helped with a special plaster, available from pharmacies.

SUNBURN - Sunburn is prevented with a sunblock cream that has a high sun protection factor (SPF). A natural remedy with aloe vera may alleviate any redness after sunbathing. Local anaesthetics and painkilling gel may be useful in dealing with problems caused by too much sun. Discuss such treatment with your pharmacist.

SYRINGES & NEEDLES - Having your own syringes, needles and possibly scalpels ensures a high level of hygiene can be achieved if you have to be admitted to hospital in countries with a lower standard of hygiene. Most pharmacies have packs with sterile needles.

THERMOMETER, SCISSORS & TWEEZERS - A small digital thermometer is handy if you suspect a high temperature. Scissors and tweezers may also prove useful.

TRAVEL SICKNESS - The discomfort caused by travel sickness in the air, car or at sea can be prevented with the use of antihistamines such as Valoid, Stugeron or products containing ginger.

VOMITING - As with diarrhoea, the important point is to replace lost fluids. Frequent small drinks, if possible using ones that contain salt and sugar, are preferred.

WATER PURIFICATION TABLETS - can be purchased from pharmacies or outdoor pursuit stores. Excellent containers that act as physical and chemical filters are now available from large chemists and outdoor shops.

1st AID CHECK LIST

- Gauze 75mm
- Cotton wool
- Plasters assorted
- Bandages 50mm + 100mm
- Mercurochrome
- Burnshield
- Savlon 75ml
- Antiseptic ointment e.g. Betadine / Bactroban
- Paracetamol e.g. Panado
- Anti-histamine cream e.g. Antisan
- Anti-diarrhoea pills e.g. Imodium
- Anti-histamine tablets - Allergex, Loratidine or Cetirizine
- Gloves
- Scissors, Tweezers, safety pins
- Steri-strips for minor cuts
- Buscopan for tummy cramps
- Brufen - Anti-inflammatory for painful muscles, general pain and fever
- Mylocort (cortisone cream)
- Eno/gaviscon for heart burn
- Valoid for nausea and vomiting
- Flutex for colds and flu
- Laxette for constipation
- Thermometer
- Sun block
- CPR mouth device