Summer can be a lot of fun, but you're often out in elements you're not used to. With those annual camping trips come bug bites, altercations with poison ivy and even sunburn! So how do you treat these pesky summertime ailments? Check out these great home remedies that will have you back out in the wilderness in no time!
How to Treat Bug Bites
Depending on whether you're allergic to bug bites or not will determine how irritating they will be. Mosquito bites can range from mildly annoying to extremely itchy and swollen. If your bug bites are driving you to scratch off your skin, you might want to consider applying a topical remedy like calamine lotion or a baking soda/water paste. Both will help to draw the itch out and make things a little more bearable. If those aren't remedy enough, ask the 'rents to grab you an antihistamine from the drug store like Benadryl.
How to Treat Bee Stings
If you're ever been stung by a bee, alert an adult right away! Many people are extremely allergic to bee stings and if you've never been stung before, you don't know how your body may react. In some cases, you may need to go to the hospital to be treated.
If you know that you're not allergic, start by removing the stinger. It will appear black and can usually be removed by scraping at the sting. Next, you'll want to apply something to soothe the itching and burning. If your mom has some meat tenderizer in the kitchen, get her to mix one part of that to four parts water and then apply to the sting. Don't leave this on longer than 30 minutes. If there's no meat tenderizer around, whip up a baking soda/water paste and apply that. If the pain is quite bad, you may need to take some kind of pain killer - but make sure you talk to the 'rents about it first.
How to Treat Sun Burn
Despite warnings to always apply sunscreen before leaving the house, we've all managed to get a sun burn at some point. So, once the damage is done, how do you soothe the pain? Some great natural remedies for sun burn include aloe vera (either juice from the plant or store bought products that contain aloe), a baking soda bath or applying a cold facecloth to your skin. Avoid using any greasy lotions or ointments on your burn because they will only irritate your skin more!
How to Treat Poison Ivy
So you're chillin' at camp when your bunk mate pushes you into a bunch of bushes. Suddenly you're covered in a crazy-itchy rash! Looks like you've got a case of poison ivy or poison oak. This can be a tricky summer ailment to treat, but the key is to soothe your skin as much as possible. Cold compresses, cool, oatmeal baths and calamine are all good remedies. You may also wanna hit the infirmary tent at camp for a little extra attention from the camp nurse!
How to Treat Heat Rash
Heat rash occurs when the weather is hot and humid. A red rash will break out on various parts of the body where there is friction - either from clothing or just body parts rubbing together. To prevent heat rash, be sure to wear loose, cotton clothing and take lots of cool showers or baths. If you already have a heat rash, apply cold facecloths to the affected area and avoid applying lotions or creams cuz they will only make things worse!
