HEALTH experts in St Helens have warned sunseekers heading for holidays at party resorts that condoms can be damaged by sun cream and make-up.

Latest figures show clinics in the town see a steady rise in cases of five sexually transmitted infections following holiday season.

So the St Helens Health Improvement Team is reminding young revellers heading to sunnier climes to remember the dangers of unprotected sex and that cosmetics can damage condoms.

Jane Marshall, who specialises in sexual health for the Health Improvement Team, said: “People let their guard down when on holiday and often alcohol is a contributing factor.

“Condoms are essential wear against infection and unwanted pregnancy.

“It is important to remind people though that sun creams, after sun, make up, lip gloss and heat can all affect the latex in condoms making them less reliable due to the oils content of many creams.

“The last thing a person on holiday wants to bring back is an unwanted souvenir from their time away.”

Diagnosed cases of STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes, genital warts and syphilis soar at St Helens sexual health clinics after the summer holiday season.

Research shows chlamydia is the most commonly recorded infection diagnosed at genito-urinary medicine clinics across St Helens among the 18 to 24 years age group.

Chlamydia is described as an invisible and silent infection.

Many people remain undiagnosed, and if untreated it can lead to infertility in both men and women.

Clinics offer a free test kit for chlamydia, which involves a straightforward urine sample.

Treatment for any positive results is a simple course of antibiotics.

Patients can contact the Chlamydia Screening Team on 01744 457 379 or ask for a test at their local clinic or medical surgery.