Summer’s here, and while it brings many delights, it can also bring health perils.

Research by Boots reveals that nearly half the children in the UK have been sunburnt, and 72 per cent of us believe, wrongly, that it’s unnecessary to wear suncream unless we’re going abroad.

Mike Brown, scientific adviser for Boots on sun protection, says: “Children spend lots of time playing outside during the summer months, so they’re particularly at risk of sun damage.

“Much of our sun exposure happens before the age of 21, and just one instance of sunburn can double the risk of skin cancer in later life, so it’s essential to protect children.”

We asked the experts for advice and remedies to make sure the sun and other seasonal hazards don’t ruin your fun.

Sunburn symptoms can include red skin that’s hot to the touch, pain and even blistering, fatigue and dizziness. In extreme cases, it may be life-threatening.

It can be prevented by covering up with loose clothing and a hat, and avoiding going in the sun between 11am and 3pm. Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15 for adults, and around 40 for children, half an hour before going out in the sun.

“We should base our decision to wear suncream on the weather and UV index, which measures the strength of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun,” advises Mike. “Often people only think of wearing sun protection when abroad, but the heat from the sun can be just as strong in the UK.”

Mild sunburn can be treated by applying moisturising lotion or after-sun cream to cool the skin and relieve tightness. Cool the skin by sponging with lukewarm water or having a cool bath, while calamine lotion may relieve soreness and itching.

Drink plenty of fluids, not alcohol, to replace water lost through sweating, and avoid direct sunlight until the burn has healed.

For adults, painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol may help reduce swelling and pain.

Severe burns may require medical attention, and if a baby or small child is sunburnt, or if blisters and fever occur, seek medical advice.

Anti-insect repellents will prevent you getting nasty bites. Nina Goad, of the British Association of Dermatologists, says: “When insects like mosquitoes bite, they inject a series of chemicals into the skin which are inflammatory and can produce itching, redness and blisters.”

As well as chemical repellents, there are many natural and organic varieties. If you’re lying by a pool, put loose clothing over your swimming costume to help stop the insects having direct access to your skin. If you’re in a country where they’re going to cause some havoc at night, then invest in a mosquito net.

Citronella is also known to keep insects at bay, and you can get it in various formats. The oil is good for applying to your body, and candles will keep them out of your room. Once you’ve been bitten, calendula cream – which uses plant extracts – will soothe the bites. Likewise, aloe vera will help you stop itching those little bumps.

An oatmeal bath with one cup of oatmeal is rumoured to stop the symptoms of insect bites – although it could become a bit messy.

Another old wives’ tale to stop the itching is to make a paste of three teaspoons of baking soda and one teaspoon of water, and then apply to the bites.

Heat-rash symptoms include an itchy rash which sometimes has small blisters. When the sun comes out many will soon be covered in a bumpy, itchy rash. While most people know it as heat rash, it’s medical name is miliaria and it’s often referred to as prickly heat.

Why does it happen? Nina explains: “It is thought to be caused when the sweat glands become blocked, and commonly-affected areas include the hands, feet and skin folds.

“You can’t stop the sun or humid weather, but try to stay cool by wearing loose-fitting cotton clothing. Staying in the shade will also help. Taking an anti-histamine may stop your body reacting to the weather, but once you’ve developed heat rash, taking a cool shower will help reduce its impact.”

Heatstroke is the most serious heat-related illness and can cause permanent damage or death. A sufferer may have severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations or confusion, and dizziness leading to collapse. The skin may look red, hot and dry.

Heatstroke is caused when you get over-heated and dehydrated. Your body’s temperature can rise to 106degF or higher in ten to 15 minutes.

Babies and children up to the age of four, people over 65, and those who are overweight, in poor health or on certain medications are at the greatest risk.

To avoid the risk, stay out of the sun, especially in the hottest part of the day between 11am and 3pm, wear a hat and drink plenty of water.

If someone has warning signs of heat-stroke, it may be a life-threatening emergency and you should call for immediate medical assistance and try to cool down the victim.

Before help arrives, get the victim into the shade, and try to cool them rapidly by getting them in a bath of cool water or a shower, sponging them with cool water, or if humidity is low, wrapping them in a cool, wet sheet and fanning them vigorously.

Only give them water, and monitor the body temperature until it drops to 101-102degF.