Sinusitis can be triggered by a viral or bacterial infection causing the lining of the sinuses to swell. The condition, which can affect anyone, of any age, at any time can also be caused by exposure to household detergents, air pollution and smoke in addition to allergies such as asthma or hay fever.

Our sinuses are small, air-filled cavities located behind our cheekbones and forehead. Their main function is to control the temperature and water content of the air reaching our lungs.

We have four pairs of sinuses;

• 1.two located behind the forehead, referred to as the frontal sinuses,
• 2.two situated either side of the bridge of the nose, known as the ethmoid sinuses,
• 3.the two behind the eyes are called the sphenoid sinuses,
• 4.the final two referred to as the maxillary sinuses are position behind the cheekbones.

Patients with sinusitis will typically experience pain and tenderness in the face, a blocked or runny nose and develop a high temperature.

There are two main types of sinusitis: acute and chronic.

Acute sinusitis can develop very quickly over a few days after a patient has suffered a cold or flu. On average about two thirds of people will be clear after three weeks however in some cases it may take 12 weeks for patients to fully recover.

Chronic sinusitis is less common and can last for many months. If a patient has been suffering with sinusitis for more than 12 weeks, the condition will then be classed as chronic.

Generally sinusitis will clear over time naturally, however there are a wide variety of over-the-counter medicines such as painkillers and decongestants available which can be taken to relieve pain and discomfort in the short term.

Chemist Direct stocks a wide variety of products for treating sinusitis which can be browsed here.

Getting regular exercise, drinking plenty of fluids and cutting back on smoking can all help reduce the chance of contracting sinusitis.

If you have any further concerns you should consult your GP.

Otrivine Nasal Spray (Sinusitis)

Otrivine Adult Measured Dose Sinusitis Spray delivers a measured fine mist of medication with each application.

Size: 10ml

£3.85

RRP: £4.05 | YOU SAVE: 20p

Tubilux Normal Saline Nasal Drops

Tubilux Normal Saline Nasal Drops are used for fast and effective relief from nasal congestion. They help to treat common colds, perennial and allergic rhinitis (including hayfever) and sinusitis within minutes and the relief can last up to 10 hours.

Size: 10ml

£1.45

RRP: £1.99 | YOU SAVE: 54p

Sudafed Non Drowsy Decongestant Tablets

Sudafed Non Drowsy Decongestant Tablets for the symptomatic relief of nasal and sinus congestion associated with colds, flu, sinusitis and nasal allergies.

Size: 12 tablets

£2.35

RRP: £3.05 | YOU SAVE: 70p

Beechams Powders

Beechams Powder provides symptomatic relief of influenza, feverishness, chills and feverish colds including headache, sore throat pain, aches and pains, nasal congestion, sinusitis and its associated pain, and acute nasal catarrh.

Size: 10 sachets

£2.35

RRP: £2.44 | YOU SAVE: 9p

Lemsip Max Strength Sinus Relief Capsules

Lemsip Max Strength Sinus Relief Capsules-For the symptomatic relief of pain and congestion of sinusitis.

Size: 16 capsules

£3.49

RRP: £4.75 | YOU SAVE: £1.26

If you are finding it difficult getting to sleep, or staying asleep for a long enough period of time so that you feel refreshed the following morning, then you may be suffering from insomnia. Insomnia is a common problem amongst many young people and can be caused by anxiety or a disrupted sleeping environment.

For some people, insomnia can be triggered as a result of a stressful event such as concerns about money, health or work or the loss of a loved one. This develops because people have learnt to associate their sleeping environment with a state of being alert, meaning it is hard to relax and rest in the manner required to get a good night’s sleep.

Physical conditions are another big trigger for insomnia. Conditions such as heart disease, hormonal problems - such as an overactive thyroid and muscle and joint problems - are just three examples of conditions which can cause pain and discomfort.

In some cases insomnia can be bought on as a consequence of taking prescribed or over the counter medicines. Antidepressants along with medication for epilepsy and a high blood pressure can all make it difficult for patients to get to sleep.

The length of time you suffer from insomnia can vary from a few days, to a couple of months and in some cases even years. Insomnia can be classified in two ways, short-term insomnia, which typically lasts from one to four weeks, and long-term (or persistent) insomnia, which is defined as anything upwards of four weeks.

So the big question is how much sleep do we actually need? Unfortunately it is difficult to pin point what is a normal level of sleep because everyone is different. The type of lifestyle a person leads, their diet, the environment in which they live and their age will all play a factor. Generally speaking though, school age children should aim for an average of 10 hours sleep a night. Adults on the other hand should aim for between seven and nine hours a night. As we get older our need for sleep reduces. People over 70 often need less than six hours sleep a night, because they are typically lighter sleepers.

If you are having trouble sleeping it’s a good idea to avoid tea, coffee and chocolate before bedtime due to their caffeine content as well as spicy foods which may cause heartburn or indigestion. Drinking a glass of warm milk with honey can help, as milk contains tryptophan which converts to seratonin in the body and induces sleep. Exercising regularly is also essential for ensuring a good night’s sleep. A combination of aerobic exercise that will get the heart and lungs working, and stretching, will help you relax and sleep well.

Chemist Direct stock a wide range of products to help you get a good night’s sleep but if you are concerned about your insomnia you should consult your GP. You can browse our full range of sleeping products here.

Bach Rescue Night Spray

Bach Rescue Night combines Rescue Remedy with the Bach Original Flower Essence of White Chestnut to help switch off the mind from unwanted, repetitive thoughts, allowing you to enjoy a natural night's sleep.

Size: 20ml

£8.29

RRP: £9.45 | YOU SAVE: £1.16

Breathe Right Nasal Strips Mentholated Small/Medium

Breathe Right Nasal Strips Clear relieve nasal congestion caused by colds and allergies, helping you sleep better throughout the night. Gently scratch the outer surface of the strip to release the soothing mentholated vapours, and scratch again to reactivate.

Size: 8 strips

£4.65

RRP: £6.11 | YOU SAVE: £1.46

Deep Sleep Every Night Hypnosis CD

The Deep Sleep Every Night Hypnosis CD is produced by hypnotherapist Glenn Harrold, who is the author of some of the UK’s best selling self-help audio titles.

Size: one cd

£8.15

RRP: £11.95 | YOU SAVE: £3.80

Kalms Sleep Tablets

Kalms Sleep is a traditional herbal remedy containing a blend of plant ingredients that help to relieve worry, irritability and stress, and allow you to wake up feeling refreshed for the day ahead.

Size: 50 tablets

£4.09

RRP: £4.59 | YOU SAVE: 50p

Nightcalm One A Night

Nightcalm One A Night contain Diphenhydramine Hydrochoride to help you get a restful night's sleep.

Size: 20

£3.09

RRP: £3.59 | YOU SAVE: 50p

Itching can be a very unpleasant sensation and can be caused by a skin condition, an allergy, an insect bite, a fungal infection such as athlete’s foot, or hormonal changes.

It can also be caused by environmental factors, such as prickly heat, sun burn or from contact with certain plants or metals such as nickel.

Depending on the severity of the condition there are a number of steps that you can take to provide relief from itching such as using cool or lukewarm water when washing and unperfumed moisturising products.

Wearing loose fitting clothing, preferably made of a natural material such as cotton can also help to avoid aggravating the skin.

Antihistamine tablets can be taken to control allergic reactions, whilst hydrocortisone creams can also help to ease pain and discomfort. But if you are suffering from itching on a recurring or prolonged basis you should seek medical advice from your doctor.

You can browse our full range of products Itch Relief and Cream products here

Anthisan Bite & Sting Cream

Anthisan Bite and Sting Cream can be used to provide immediate pain relief from the itching and inflammation caused by insect bites or rashes caused by stinging nettles.

Size: 20g

£3.09

RRP: £3.59 | YOU SAVE: 50p

Eurax Cream

Eurax Cream provides relief of itching and skin irritation that can be caused by sunburn, dry eczema, itchy dermatitis, allergic rashes, hives, nettle rash, chicken pox, insect bites and stings, and heat rashes.

Size: 30g

£3.25

RRP: £3.72 | YOU SAVE: 47p

Magicool Plus Itchy Skin

Magicool Plus Itchy Skin spray gives instant and long lasting relief from itching. Magicool Plus Itchy Skin is clinically proven to treat itchy skin due to skin conditions, chicken pox, insect bites, eczema, dermatitis and allergies.

Size: 150ml

£5.65

RRP: £5.99 | YOU SAVE: 34p

The skin is one of the largest and most complex organs of the human body, containing oil glands, nerves, hair follicles, blood vessels and sweat glands. As well as protecting our body from the environment, our skin also regulates our body temperature and helps to fight off infections.

We can look after our skin by maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, protecting ourselves from harmful UV rays, cutting out smoking, drinking plenty of water and ensuring we regularly get a good night’s sleep.

Here are Chemist Direct’s Top Tips for looking after your skin:

1.Sun Care

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are contained within sunlight and are the main cause of skin ageing, and in some cases can lead to skin cancer. It is very important that we all protect ourselves from the sun and take special care with babies and children. You can protect yourself by using sun cream, wearing protective clothing and remaining out of direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day, which is between 11am and 3pm.

2.Smoking

Smoking reduces the skin’s natural elasticity by causing a breakdown of collagen. This causes wrinkles to develop and alters the complexion of the skin, making it appear much older than it actually is. The best thing is to stub out the habit for good and Chemist Direct has a range of products and tips to help you quit smoking.

3.Alcohol

One of the many perils of alcohol consumption is that it leaves the skin dehydrated, which in turn leaves it looking old and tired. This can be prevented by drinking plenty of water or by drinking non-alcoholic drinks in-between the booze such as soda water or fruit juice.

4.Keep your skin clean

Washing the skin regularly can help prevent the spread of infection. Using soaps and bath oils helps keep the skin healthy whilst moisturising prevents it from becoming dry and lifeless. If you have dry skin, it is best to avoid using harsh alcohol-based products as these can further irritate it. If you have oily skin, you should avoid oil based products and used water based products instead.

5.Sleep

Lack of a good night’s sleep can seriously damage your skin and leave it looking tired. The amount of sleep required varies from person to person but the average person needs between 7 and 8 hours a night.

In addition to the tips above, we’ve compiled a list of our top products to help you maintain healthy vitalised skin:

Evian Affinity Holiday Skin Nourishing Body Lotion For Dry To Very Dry Skin

Evian Affinity Holiday Skin Nourishing Body Lotion has been particularly adapted for dry skin and hydrates your skin during 24 hours while it offers a light even looking tan.

Size: 200ml

£1.55

RRP: £1.99 | YOU SAVE: 44p

Garnier Youthful Radiance Multi-Active Care Day Dry Skin

Garnier Youthful Radiance Multi-active care Day for dry skin smoothes lines, boosts radiance and hydrates skin for 24 hours.

Size: 50ml

£7.69

RRP: £9.19 | YOU SAVE: £1.5

Flexitol Hand Balm For Very Dry Skin

Flexitol Hand Balm for Very Dry Skin is specifically formulated to soothe dry hands.

Size: 56g

£4.65

RRP: £4.99 | YOU SAVE: 34p

Nivea Lotion For Dry Skin

Nivea Lotion for Dry Skin is a daily moisturiser that hydrates and protects your skin.

Size: 250ml

£3.09

RRP: £3.59 | YOU SAVE: 50p

Vaseline Essential Moisture Dry Skin Lotion

Vaseline Essential Moisture Lotion is a multi-vitamin moisturiser. It replenishes 100% of daily hydration, along with the essential nutrients that skin needs to be vibrant and feel healthy every day.

Size: 75ml

£1.45

RRP: £1.79 | YOU SAVE: 34p