Balm days ahead

IN the warm months of midge bites, sunburn and prickly heat, I never travel without a balm.

Many established balms have well-deserved cult followings. Take Egyptian Magic All-purpose Skin Cream, €30/45 (biggreensmile.com). It’s adored by celebrities such as Madonna and Kate Hudson, and the testimonials on the website show its users’ devotion. They claim it can cure poison-ivy rashes, eczema and minor burns, and that’s partly thanks to bees — there’s bee pollen, beeswax, pollen and honey in this little pot of magic.

Australia’s papaw ointment, €5.95 (pawpawshop.co.uk), is more of a balm but claims to be a multi-tasker. In its 80 years, it’s proved its credentials, and its antimicrobial properties can treat minor burns, chafing, cuts and nappy rash, and sunburn (I speak from experience: after using the ointment I went from bright red at night to gone in the morning).