Summer is fast approaching, and with the warmer weather comes a variety of health and skin issues that people have to deal with. Some of them are the body’s reaction to the extreme heat, while others are from activities best enjoyed during the season.
They say prevention is always better than cure. But, in cases where you unexpectedly get cuts, burns, bites, and rashes, it’s best to know what to do. Always keeping a first-aid kit with you helps tend to your wounds and bruises as soon as possible.
Here are some skin safety tips to keep in mind while you’re out enjoying the summer sun.
First Aid For Cuts
A common accident you’ll encounter at home or outside is getting cut. You might be chopping up some vegetables for lunch or trying a new hobby when you get a cut without warning.
Fortunately, accidental cuts are often small, but there’s a big chance of infection when they’re left untreated. There are also incidents when you cut yourself so deep that it starts bleeding profusely.
The first thing you should do when treating a cut is to wash the area with an antibacterial soap. You should also apply pressure with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding. Once the wound is clean, you can apply an antibiotic ointment and wrap it with gauze to avoid infection.
Caring For Burns
Another common accident you might run into is a minor burn. It might not look like much at first, but a minor burn can hurt a lot and might take a while before it heals. Good thing a simple burn ointment or petroleum jelly can do the trick. You also have to cool down the skin immediately after contact with a hot surface to ease the pain.
But, if your burn covers a significant part of your skin, you have to go to the doctor to get checked. There are also types of burns that require a visit to specialized burn centers. Higher-degree burns often need further treatment and, at times, physical therapy.
Treating Insect Bites
Most popular summer activities involve getting outdoors, and this puts you at risk of insect bites. While many of these bites are harmless, some insects can transfer life-threatening viruses and parasites through their bites. Among these conditions are the Zika virus, Lyme disease, and malaria.
If you find yourself stung by a bee or any other insect with stingers or hair, the first thing to do is to remove the foreign objects from your skin. This will provide relief and remove the effect the stinger might have on your body. Scratching will only worsen the bite and might expose you to infection.
A lot of insect bites swell and itch, too, so it’s best to keep over-the-counter pain medicine and antihistamine with you. You can also apply a cold compress or topical ointment to numb the area as needed.
Reducing Rashes
Rashes are usually caused by your skin’s reaction to different environmental factors. For instance, summer heat triggers the skin, causing irritation and inflammation.
When this happens, you must remember to keep the area clean and exposed to open air. Apply petroleum jelly or medicated ointments to help calm the skin’s redness. Steer clear of products that may irritate your skin, such as cosmetics or fragrances.
Final Thoughts
Minor skin conditions might be something you think you should not be too concerned about. But if you ever find your daily activities disrupted by cuts, burns, bites, or rashes, you should contact an expert.
Contact us at Complete Family Dermatology at (402) 423-1111 today if your skin condition can no longer be remedied at home.
