Itchy mosquito bites? Over-the-counter antihistamines can help relieve itching. A hydrocortisone cream can also help reduce itching and inflammation.
By Stephanie Simons,
Head Pharmacist,
Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire
Ah, summer. School holidays. Family vacations. Cup Match. Plenty of good excuses (if you need any) to have fun in the sun. A day at the cricket, or the beach, or the campsite, can leave you feeling relaxed and happy. But there can be less positive after-effects, too.
Sunburn, for starters. Obviously, everyone who hasn’t been living under a rock for the past 20 years knows that you should wear a good sunscreen (minimum SPF30) when spending time outdoors and reapply every two hours and after swimming.
We have a wide range to choose from, including ones specifically designed for babies and children, from market leaders Coppertone, Blue Lizard and Banana Boat, to mention just three. (And by the way, now’s a good time to check the expiry date on your old sunscreen. The FDA requires manufacturers to ensure their products last for three years, but after that it’s wise to replace.)
Every sunburn, no matter the degree of burn, damages your skin and increases your risk of developing skin cancer. Remember to slip, slop, slap, seek, slide and limit your sun exposure on high UV index days.
Still, sometimes, no matter how prepared we are, mistakes are made. We nod off in a hammock. We forget to reapply our sunscreen. Or forget it altogether. What to do then? Well, first off, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms – blistering or swelling of the sunburned area, a high temperature, dizziness or nausea, shivering, headache or muscle cramps – speak to a doctor right away.
If you just feel tender, and look like a lobster, you can probably help yourself. Drink plenty of water, to prevent dehydration. Oral Rehydration products like Nuun, Liquid IV and Pedialyte which are available in numerous flavours will also help to prevent and treat symptoms of dehydration. Take some pain relief – either an acetaminophen (Tylenol, Paracetamol) or an NSAID (Advil, Nurofen); all available in our pharmacy corner.
Have a cool shower. Or a tepid bath with a little bit of baking soda in it (about 60g per tub; available in Lindo’s baking aisle!). Remember, though, if you are treating a child or baby, do not let them get too cold.
Wear loose fitting clothes – any contact with your sunburnt skin will be excruciating. Apply an after-sun product that contains aloe vera, like Solrx’s Aftersun or Panama Jack’s Burn Relief. Good old calamine lotion can also be very soothing. If you pop these items into the fridge before applying, they will feel even better on your sensitive skin.
Medical experts sometimes recommend using a 1 per cent hydrocortisone cream a couple of times a day, for up to three days – check with one of our pharmacists on what’s right for you. Again, storing the cream in the refrigerator will increase the ‘Aaaaah’ factor.
There are other kinds of fallout from a great day in the great outdoors, too. Mosquitos are often uninvited guests at these gatherings. We have a new product; mosquito repellent bracelets and stickers which contain essential oils that are great for adults and small children. But, if you get bitten, what should you do? Reassuringly, most bites will get better on their own after a couple of days.
Clean the affected area well, to prevent infection. If you have some handy, apply an antihistamine cream like Benadryl or Anthisan or over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream (see above). Applied early, it may help to stop the swelling in its tracks.
You can also try using an ice pack, or cold compress, for 20 minutes. If the bite continues to itch, ask one of our pharmacists about an oral antihistamine. Ones containing chlorphenamine (Piriton) or diphenhydramine (Benadryl) will work quickly but can cause drowsiness while loratadine (Clarityn) will not make you drowsy, so you can still drive safely, and carry on with your daily routine.
And what if it’s not your outsides that are bothering you, but your insides? Too much picnicking can lead to indigestion and/or heartburn. Again, we have a wide range of products to ease your pain.
Mild indigestion is usually nothing to worry about – particularly if it follows on after a blowout al fresco feast. If your indigestion re-occurs frequently, or persists for more than two weeks, please consult your doctor.
Otherwise, ask one of our pharmacists which is the best treatment for your tummy trouble. We have everything from old favourites like Alka Seltzer and ENO salts, to help settle your stomach; to our Gas-X range, to deal with that ‘I can’t believe I ate the whole thing’ bloated feeling. Plus, many other options. Check us out, and make sure your summer memories are good ones!
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.
