FORGET partridges in pear trees.

Last year, on the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me — a whacking great scald on my hand from the boiling water he poured off the sprouts while I was rinsing glasses in the sink!

It’s not quite how the song goes, but the fact is, the festivities don’t always go off without a hitch, and it can be all too easy for accidents to happen, especially with all those decorations and piles of presents lying around and a house full of excited kids.

Community pharmacist Steve Riley, who’s teamed up with Care family remedies, warns: “Christmas is a time to celebrate with family and friends, but it can also be a season of horrid health hazards.

“The winter festive season tends to bring about lots of coughs and sniffles, but it’s those seasonal festive health problems that people need to be prepared for.”

Here are Steve’s top festive health hazards to avoid (and how to treat them).

BURNS

Juggling roast potatoes, pigs in blankets and setting fire to puddings can lead to the inevitable cooking burns.

Steve says: “Make sure you cool a burn with tepid water for 10-30 minutes, and ideally within 20 minutes of it occurring.”

Treating minor burns and scalds at home is usually OK, but remember, in the more unlikely event of a serious burn, it’s best to seek medical attention as quickly as possible.

OVEREATING

We don’t really need to list everything we’re going to eat, do we?

Steve says: “Overdoing it on chocolates, Christmas dinner and Boxing Day leftovers can lead to uncomfortable symptoms of heartburn and indigestion, including excess wind, belching and an acidic taste in your mouth.

“To avoid indigestion, eat smaller portions of food, don’t drink too much fluid while you’re eating, and try going for a short walk after meals to get the digestive system moving.”

BOOZING

Mixing mulled wine, champagne and Christmas pudding brandy can lead to dehydration and dreadful headaches.

The only way to avoid an alcohol-fuelled headache — and next-day hangover — is to lay off the booze.

“To try to prevent headaches, drink a glass of water between each alcoholic drink, as these symptoms can often be a sign of dehydration,” says Steve.

Remember, accidents happen more often when you’re under the influence.

FOOD POISONING

Getting the cooking time right for a massive turkey can be tricky — and it can be a common cause of seasonal food poisoning.

If you’re cooking a frozen bird, make sure it’s thawed properly, work out the cooking time in advance and get yourself a meat thermometer, which is the most accurate way of working out whether the turkey is cooked through.

“Food poisoning can be serious, particularly in the young or elderly, so monitor the symptoms of sickness, diarrhoea and stomach cramps,” advises Steve.

“It’s very important to avoid dehydration.”

BLOATING

“The feeling and appearance of being bloated can be caused by fizzy drinks, foods that cause wind, general overeating and constipation,” says Steve.

“Try to avoid foods that are a trigger for you — for some, it can be bread and for others, it can be the usual festive suspects, such as cabbage or Brussels sprouts.”

DRY SKIN

The central heating will have been switched on for a while now winter’s in full flow — and you may have noticed your skin has become dry and itchy as a result.

Steve says: “The mix of cooler weather and central heating can play havoc with all skin types, but especially those that are dry and sensitive already.

“While it can be difficult to avoid heating during the winter months, you can apply topical creams and emollients to soothe dry skin.”

COUGHS

Coughs and colds are a threat throughout the winter months, and generally much more so during the Christmas season, as we can pick up bugs from close contact with lots of people.

Steve reveals: “You can reduce your risk of getting a cough by washing your hands frequently to prevent the spread of viruses.

“Don’t smoke or use other forms of tobacco, as this can irritate the lungs. Increasing your intake of fluid can help by hydrating the body.”

SEASONAL STRESS

The pressure to decorate the house, get the best presents, catch up with all your friends and relatives and cook the perfect Christmas dinner can make even the strongest person crumble.

Take time out to recharge your batteries and look after yourself.

“The symptoms of stress can be varied but are usually low energy, headaches, problems with digestion and insomnia,” says Steve.

“Get to bed early, talk to your friends and family if you’re feeling low, and try relaxation techniques to stop your mind from whirring from the stress.”

SORE THROAT

Belting out Christmas tunes daily would test a professional singer’s throat, so don’t be surprised if it catches you out.

Steve says: “While most sore throats are usually a symptom of a bacterial or viral infection, excessively straining your throat can lead to pain and inflammation.”

PARTY OVERLOAD

Christmas partying can play havoc with our skin, leading to blemishes and breakouts.

Don’t be tempted to leave your make-up on when you go to bed after a late night, as this can exacerbate the problem.

Instead, use a quick and effective two-in-one cleanser and toner, or stock up on some good-quality face wipes as a short-term fix.

SNIFFLES

“There are some self-help tips you can adopt to try to prevent a dose of the cold,” says Steve.

“Good hand hygiene is essential, and alcohol-based cleansers can be useful to wipe down surfaces at home and work.

“Get some exercise too, as this can help your immune system. Don’t worry too much though; if you do catch a cold, there are ways to reduce the symptoms.”

For information on the Care range of remedies for family ailments, visit allthecareyouneed.com