HELEN SPATH, and her team at Tullivers' Health Store, advise on herbal remedies.

Q: Whenever I travel anywhere hot I seem to end up with prickly heat. We're off to Cyprus this summer, any suggestions?

A: Prickly heat is a very itchy red skin rash which causes a burning or prickly sensation.

It tends to occur when we sweat excessively, and so is a common experience when on holiday in a hot country.

Dead skin cells and bacteria block the sweat glands causing sweat to seep into nearby skin.

The skin becomes inflamed with a spotty rash, sometimes producing small blisters.

The rash is usually worse where there is there is friction between clothing and skin.

The good news is that it should only last for a few days before disappearing of its own accord. Plus there's plenty you can do to help it on its way.

Try to avoid excessive heat and humidity and keep as cool as possible.

This may be easier said than done in the sunny climes of Cyprus, but wearing loose clothing, spending a few hours each day in an air-conditioned room and taking a cool bath or shower will help.

As far as herbal remedies are concerned, you may be surprised to know you'll find a potential ally in the stinging nettle.

The stinging nettle, or Urtica, as it is otherwise known, may give you a nasty sting if it catches your bare leg, but A. Vogel Urtica tincture, made from stinging nettle tops, can help to counteract skin complaints such as prickly heat.

This is in part due to its diuretic, cleansing action which helps to increase the excretion of waste substances from the body.

To be taken orally and on a daily basis, dilute 20 drops of tincture in a little water two weeks before travel and while on holiday.

For further advice ask at your local health shop.