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Summer is calling! Get out there and have some fun. Just remember these simple at-home treatment options if you forget sunscreen, bug repellent, or have a little run-in with some poison ivy. We'll share our favorite remedies as well as when to see a doctor. Hy-Vee has you covered.
Bug Bites
Overview: Bites and stings are never fun, but they're often more of a nuisance than a danger. Fire ant bites and bee, wasp, and hornet stings hurt, while mosquito and flea bites itch. However, some bites and stings can transmit disease or cause dangerous reactions.
When to See a Doctor: Seek immediate medical attention if an insect bit or sting causes difficulty breathing; throat constriction; swollen lips, tongue or face; chest pain; racing heart lasting more than a few minutes; dizziness; vomiting; headache; or rash.
Home Treatment: Use ice packs to reduce swelling and over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to ease pain from stings. Hy-Vee also offers After Bite, Campho-Phenique (pain and itch relief gel); TopCare Witch Hazel for skin irritations; and Cortizone-10 gel or creme with soothing aloe vera. Shop now.
Sunburns
Overview: Nobody likes when this happens. After too much sun, your skin becomes red, painful, and feels hot to the touch. Ouch. We also know that repeated sun exposure may lead to a higher risk for skin cancers.
When to See a Doctor: Get medical help if your sunburn is severe with blisters and covers a large portion of your body. Or, if you have a fever, headache, severe pain, confusion nausea, chills or a skin infection.
Home Treatment: Drink water to prevent dehydration. Take a cool bath or apply a clean, damp cloth to skin. Hy-Vee carries a number of helpful aids with aloe or hydrocortisone, including: TopCare After Sun Cooling Get, Basin Lip Balm, Basin Body Butter, and TopCare Hydrocortison Cream 1%, a healing moisturizer for fast relief. Shop now.
Poison Ivy
Overview: Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac all contain a toxin called urushiol. When this oil touches skin, it can cause an itchy rash, often accompanied by oozing blisters. Symptoms can take 24 hours to appear.
When to See a Doctor: Seek medical attention if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing; a rash or swelling around the eyes, mouth, or genitals; fever; worsening itch; or rashes on most of your body.
Home Treatment: Remove urushiol oil from skin with rubbing alcohol immediately after exposure and wash anything that came in contact with the plant, especially clothes. These products from Hy-Vee can easy symptoms: Benadryl Allergy, an antihistamine to reduce itching, TopCare Calamine Spray Plus with 8% calamine for itch relief, Zanfel dual-action wash, and TopCare Anti-Itch Cream 2% extra-strength formula for pain and itching. Shop now.
