Ah, summer. The season of barbecues, beach days and outdoor adventures. We eagerly await its arrival, but with all the fun it brings, summer also presents its own unique set of hazards. The irritating sting, pain, and itch of mosquito bites, sunburns, and poison ivy can quickly put a damper on your warm-weather plans. In today’s article, we will discuss three common summer pains and how you can prevent and treat them to ensure you enjoy the season to the fullest.
Swimmer’s Ear
Swimmer’s ear is a common issue affecting people who spend lots of time in the water. It occurs when water becomes trapped in the ear canal, often due to excess earwax. This can lead to a temporary loss of hearing, inflammation, and even an infection in more severe cases.
To prevent swimmer’s ear, there are several precautions you can take. First, consider using earplugs while swimming to keep water out of your ears. Second, dry your ears thoroughly after exiting the water. You can use a towel to blot the outer edges, or better yet, invest in a few drops of an over-the-counter ear-drying solution.
Avoid using Q-tips or other objects to clean your ears, as these can push earwax further into the ear canal. Instead, support the mechanical drainage of your ears and sinuses by massaging the areas around the ears, nose, and forehead 2-3 times a day.
Poison Oak and Poison Ivy
Brushing against poison oak or poison ivy can put quite a damper on your outdoor adventure. The oils from these plants cause allergic reactions in many people, ranging from mildly uncomfortable to potentially life-threatening.
Typical reactions include itchy rashes, redness, and swelling, which may last up to two weeks. If you experience a severe reaction, such as swelling of the face or throat, seek emergency medical treatment immediately.
For minor reactions, you can find relief with over-the-counter treatments like calamine lotion, which contains zinc oxide and ferric oxide. This mild astringent helps reduce itching, prevent the spread of the rash, and dry it out.
Bee, Wasp, and Hornet Stings
While stings from these insects are usually just painful and annoying, some individuals can have severe allergic reactions that can be life-threatening. Those who are extremely allergic often carry an EpiPen® (epinephrine) in case they go into shock from a sting.
If you are stung, your first instinct might be to quickly touch or swat at the affected area. However, doing so can actually release more venom into your skin, as the venom sac is located at the top of the stinger. To minimize damage, use tweezers or forceps to gently remove the stinger by grasping it from the top.
Once the stinger is removed, apply something to absorb the venom, such as fine sea salt. This can help draw the venom out of the skin. Alternatively, you can use other drying agents like bentonite clay or baking soda.
To soothe and reduce inflammation, consider using ointments like arnica gel, Traumeel® gel, or calendula balm. Some botanicals, like aloe vera gel, are also known to be “cooling” and can help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with stings.
Preparation Is Key
No matter what activities you have planned for the summer months, it’s important to be prepared for any unexpected hazards. Keep a well-stocked first aid kit on hand, and remember the helpful advice discussed in this article. That way, life’s little accidents won’t have the chance to ruin your fun in the sun!
So, this summer, don’t let the sting, pain, and itch of these common ailments detract from your enjoyment of the season. Protect yourself by taking preventive measures, and have the proper treatments on hand should the need arise. By being prepared, you’ll be better equipped to truly savor the beauty and excitement of summer.
