Summer Tips for Common Medical Occurrences …

With summer upon us there are always questions that come up about some common medical problems and occurrences that arise as a result of our interacting with the outdoor environment.  In this article, we’ll address some of these in hopes it will help you lessen or prevent some of the subsequent uncomfortable physical symptoms that arise from them.

First, let’s start with sunburn.  Prevention is always preferable, so always use sunscreen, but if you’ve been caught without and find yourself suffering because of it, immediately take Ibuprofen (if not allergic) and do so regularly until it’s relived.  Remember to apply an aloe containing lotion to the areas affected as well.  If only a small area was exposed, like the back of the neck or nose, you can also apply 1% Hydrocortisone cream.  If the area is more widespread and more severely damaged, i.e. you have blisters and swelling, you may indeed need to visit your Doctor for additional treatment. 

Next, let’s talk about heat exposure.  Again, prevention is the key.  Gradually getting use to heat is the next best way to prevent heat related problems by limiting the time out in the heat at first.  Once acclimated to the heat one can stay out in it for longer periods of time.  Our bodies adjust by starting to sweat more quickly and more profusely which serves to cool the body.  This leads to the next very important thing to remember when the heat arrives, that is to drink alot of fluids and frequently.  You have to stay hydrated when exposed to heat.  The best thing to drink is a partially diluted sports drink in order to keep up with both the fluids you’re losing as well as the electrolytes (salt) in your sweat.  Once you notice that you’ve stopped sweating or started cramping in your arms or legs, you’re starting to get into real trouble and you need to immediately get out of the heat and cool yourself, most rapidly done by getting wet with a breeze added to help the cooling effect.  In addition to this you need to rapidly hydrate, drink and drink alot (not alcohol).  You may also need medical attention if this doesn’t help quickly.

Now let’s talk about bug bites.  We’ve got our share of biting insects here in North Carolina so this discussion will talk about what to do in general when you’ve been bitten.  If a bug bite causes itching, you can apply ice if it’s localized, and take Benedryl particularly if the itching is more widespread.  If you develop more of a reaction such as a whole body rash, lightheadedness, or certainly if you develop difficulty swallowing or breathing, you need to take Benedryl and immediately seek medical attention.  If you’ve ever had one of these severe reactions to anything, you should not only always keep Benedryl handy, you should have one of the preloaded Epinephrine pens close at hand as well.  These pens are available by prescription from any doctor. 

Our last topic is poison ivy and the contact dermatitis it causes.  First, be able to recognize and avoid it.  If you think an area of your body has just made contact with it, immediately wash the area with a degreasing type of soap such as dishwashing liquid (not the kind used in the dishwasher, rather the ones used in the sinks).  This helps to remove the oil these plants produce and that cause the problem.  Remember to never touch your eyes if your hands have come in contact with it.  Finally, if the rash is already present, apply Hydrocortisone cream to the area.  If the rash is more widespread and certainly if it is close to or in your eyes, you need medical attention as you will no doubt need oral steroids to rapidly get rid of it. 

Sunscreen, Benedryl, and Hydrocortisone cream are essential household items to prepare for summer problems.  Enjoy. 

--Ted. R. Winneberger, M.D.

Dr. Winneberger received a BS from the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma and his MD degree from the University of Oklahoma School of Medicine, Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  Dr. Winneberger has been a practicing physician since 1985, prior to his employment with Eastern Carolina Emergency Physicians, he practiced in New Mexico and Colorado. He is board certified in Emergency Medicine and currently he is the President of Eastern Carolina Emergency Physicians.