Sun protection

Get some sun sense and take plenty of sun cream with you -  factor 15 at the very least - and slop it on at regular intervals. And don't forget your sunhat; with any luck you'll actually have to wear it.

Alternative remedies for sun protection: Belladonna 30c is a homeopathic remedy and may help with dry, red-hot, throbbing skin or if you've got sunstroke. Aloe vera gel and calamine lotion are good at cooling skin down too.

Pest control

Insect bites can be very itchy and painful and occasionally cause infection. The best thing to do is avoid getting bitten. There are several over-the-counter sprays and diffusers you can buy from the chemists.

Alternative remedies for pest control: Nelson's Pyrethrum spray is both an insect repellant and a bite-soother, containing herbs and homeopathic remedies including arnica, calendula and echinacea. Citronella is a natural insect repellant that mossies can't stand - you can buy it in oil form or useful camping coils to burn.

Anti-diarrhoea tablets

Stress, food poisoning, and change of diet can leave you with a bloated stomach, diarrhoea or nausea. Diareze or Arret tablets help clear up diarrhoea when your insides seem to be running away from you. If you've got severe food poisoning, visit the festival medical centre. Oral rehydration sachets replace fluid lost by sickness, diarrhoea or a hangover.

Alternative remedies for diarrhoea: Nux vom 30c homeopathic remedy is used for overindulgence, diarrhoea, nausea, travel sickness and even hangovers.

Other useful items:

• Plasters - they keep festival grime out of those tender nicks and cuts and are priceless when blisters set in. Haemostatic plasters contain seaweed to help blood clot quickly.
• Eye drops - to soothe tired, morning-after peepers, but make sure you've bought a safe brand if you wear contact lenses.
• Contraception - If you're on any medication, including the contraceptive pill, take enough with you to last through your time away. And chuck in a few condoms, just in case, even if you end up 'lending' them to your mates.

Remember to always read the label before taking any medication.

Updated: 10/05/2010