With exam time fast approaching for thousands of teenagers around the country, pharmacists are warning that higher stress levels can lead to an increase in health problems such as headaches, cold sores and stomach upsets.

With Junior and Leaving Cert exams just weeks away, students are being reminded to look after their health and ask their pharmacist for advice on any minor ailments they may be experiencing.

"Stress can manifest itself in the body in a number of different ways affecting a student's health. The flare-up of certain conditions, including skin related conditions such as eczema, can add further stress to a student who may already be feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of sitting exams," commented vice president of the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), Kathy Maher.

She added that it is essential that students taking exams do their best to get adequate sleep and eat healthy foods.

The IPU has published a Safe Guide to Exam Stress Ailments, which covers health problems such as headaches, dehydration, asthma, eczema and insomnia. The guide is available here