Beach Metro Community News

At this time of the year, patients are often asking advice on how to treat common summer problems, such as insect bites, sunburn, and heat exhaustion/dehydration.

Of course, it is also important to remember that prevention is the key. Therefore, I will be outlining ways to prevent these incidents from happening, as well as treatment to administer, if one does experience these mishaps.

Insect bites:

Prevention:

• Avoid going outdoors during peak times of mosquito activity (dusk and dawn), especially if it is hot and humid.
• Wear light-coloured clothing that covers most of your body. You can use a mosquito head net to cover your head, if necessary.
• Avoid being around standing/still water.
• Avoid being around standing/still water.
• Use natural insect repellants containing ingredients such as: citronella oil or eucalyptus essential oil (not to be used directly on young children or infants).
• Consumption of garlic and vitamin B1 (use a B complex) may also prevent insect bites.
• Avoid wearing perfume/cologne, perfumed lotions, and shiny jewellery, as these things may attract insects.

Treatment:

• Apply a cool compress (ice wrapped in towel or cold washcloth) on bite to reduce itching and swelling.
• For itchiness, you can also use a paste made of baking soda and water and apply to bite. Aloe vera gel or calamine lotion can also be soothing.
• Calendula gel or cream can relieve irritation of the bite.
• If stung by a bee, wasp, or hornet, remove the stinger by gently scraping it out (with a knife blade or credit card), then wash and rinse the area thoroughly. Do not pull on stinger, as this can directly squeeze more venom into the wound. The homeopathic remedy, Apis mellifica can help to reduce the swelling and stinging sensation from a bee sting. You can take one dose every hour up to four doses or until swelling subsides. If signs of an allergic reaction are present, seek medical attention immediately.
• If stung by a bee, wasp, or hornet, remove the stinger by gently scraping it out (with a knife blade or credit card), then wash and rinse the area thoroughly. Do not pull on stinger, as this can directly squeeze more venom into the wound. The homeopathic remedy, Apis mellifica can help to reduce the swelling and stinging sensation from a bee sting. You can take one dose every hour up to four doses or until swelling subsides. If signs of an allergic reaction are present, seek medical attention immediately.

Sunburn:

Prevention:

• Wear a hat, sunglasses, protective clothing and try to avoid spending long periods of time in the sun at peak times (between 10am and 4pm).
• Wear light-coloured clothing.
• Calendula gel or cream can relieve irritation of the bite.
• Use natural sunscreen lotion, containing ingredients such as: zinc oxide, green tea extract, and/or grape seed extract.

Treatment:

• Apply aloe vera gel or calendula ointment (if burn is not severe) to provide soothing relief.
• Use the homeopathic remedy Urtica urens every hour up to four doses (to reduce the pain of the sunburn).
• Apply cool compresses as needed.
• Use natural sunscreen lotion, containing ingredients such as: zinc oxide, green tea extract, and/or grape seed extract.Ensure adequate hydration by drinking water.

Heat exhaustion:

Prevention:

• Avoid intense activity during the hottest times of the day (between 10 am and 4 pm).
• If you must be outdoors, stay in the shade.
• Drink plenty of water (at least 1 glass every hour). Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugar, which can cause dehydration.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.

Treatment:

• Administer cool (not ice cold) water.
• Apply cool compresses, if needed.
• Drink natural electrolyte drinks to replenish lost minerals

Note that heat stroke is much more serious than heat exhaustion and requires immediate medical attention. In heat exhaustion, the skin is moist and cold. In heat stroke, the skin is hot, flushed and may be wet or dry. In general, if any of the above situations is extreme or severe, please seek medical attention immediately. With these tips in mind, I wish you all a happy and safe summer!

Note: This article is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace proper diagnosis and treatment by a qualified healthcare professional.