THE HEAT IS ON…

Aug 12, 2024

By Stephanie Simons,
Head Pharmacist,
Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire

We are now, officially, in the dog days of summer: when you feel like a wilted lettuce leaf ten minutes after your morning shower. But don’t sweat it – help is at hand, in your Pharmacy Corner…

MIST OPPORTUNITIES…

Sometimes in August the mere thought of touching your skin is unwelcome.

So why not skip your regular lotion and try a lighter one instead? Many of your favourite brands offer lighter versions of your usual products, which will combat dry skin and leave you feeling fresh as the proverbial daisy.

For a quick pick-up, pop a spring water mister into your handbag or car. Spray over your face, to revive wilted makeup, and on pulse points like your throat and the inside of your wrists and elbows, for a refreshing cool-down. You can also find a witch hazel mist with rose petals by Thayer that would be very refreshing too.

A PRICKLY SUBJECT

High summer is when prickly heat strikes. For babies, this can be particularly vexing. Most health experts recommend keeping it simple for infants and their delicate skin. Apply a cool compress (a flannel dipped in cool water will do nicely) or give your little one a tepid bath to ease the pain.

If your child is scratching, you could try an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream (ask your pharmacist for advice on this one).

And keep an eye on those irritated patches – if they remain inflamed, or start to spread, talk to your pharmacist or contact your doctor.

Grown-ups are not immune from prickly heat, either. If you’ve got it, a medicated powder like Ammen’s or Gold Bond can help. And, at the end of the day, treat yourself to a soothing bath – using a product containing oatmeal like Aveeno Bath Soak. Follow that with a skin calming lotion like Calamine, dabbed gently on trouble spots with cotton pads, to guarantee a good night’s sleep.

SMELLS LIKE TROUBLE

There’s nothing worse – well, not much – than catching a whiff of yourself and thinking: my anti-perspirant is not cutting it. August will put your regular brand to the test – and it may be found wanting. But don’t panic. We stock a number of ‘clinical strength’ anti-perspirants, including ones from Dove, Secret and Gillette which should help. Remember, though, if you feel like you are sweating excessively, speak to your pharmacist or your doctor, because it could be a sign of something else.

FEET FIRST

If smelly feet are the issue, try soaking them in a solution of Epsom salts (half a cup dissolved in warm water in a large bowl or washtub) with a few drops of Tea Tree Oil once a week for 10-20 minutes. It’s a great way to kill off the bacteria that can cause foot odour (so Grandma was right!). We stock a number of brands, including Dr. Teals.

And once your feet smell sweet, make sure your shoes don’t let the side down. Specialists Dr Scholl and Odor Eaters do a number of deodorant products to spray or shake into your footwear, to keep them, and your tootsies, smelling like roses.

ELECTROLYTES

Playing sports – or working outdoors – in August is a sweaty business. And when you sweat, you lose more than just water. You also lose electrolytes – like sodium, magnesium and potassium. An electrolyte imbalance can lead to dehydration, and in extreme cases trigger all sorts of scary things, ranging from nausea to heart palpitations.

Ideally, wait till it’s cooler for your workout – or do it somewhere air-conditioned. If that’s not an option (outdoor workers we salute you), then just drinking water is not going to cut it (and drinking too much may make the imbalance worse). You need to replenish those electrolytes. We stock a number of oral electrolyte solutions Pedialyte – ready to drink, as well as dissolvable tablets and powders like Dioralyte, Nuun (Sport Hydration or Daily Hydration) Super Fuel and Nature’s Truth Electrolytes, so you can get your body back in balance – and make the most of your summer.

Stephanie Simons is the head pharmacist at Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and has been practicing for over 20 years. She is a registered pharmacist with the Bermuda Pharmacy Council and is a member of the Bermuda Pharmaceutical Association.