Summer makes us feel lighthearted, but lots of things lurk around to bring us down. Increased activity and exposure to nature result in complaints, aches, and ailments. Boaters battle tossing decks, stinging creatures, dive-bombing insects, broiling sun, and/or multiplying germs. We’ve compiled tips used by boaters and other outdoor activists to soothe or sidestep summer’s bummers.

Bugs

Preventing bugs from biting is the key to avoiding insect-borne risks, including disease, infection, and irritation. Wear light-colored clothing; apply repellent before heading outdoors and then reapply during the day. Use a commercial bug spray (experts advocate for permethrin or DEET, but know that DEET can lower the effectiveness of sunscreen). Or make your own repellent with a mixture of essential oils such as citronella, clove, lemongrass, rosemary, tea tree, and catnip, and eat lots of garlicky foods.

Should a biting bug get through your defenses, treatment depends on the wound (and if there’s a stinger left behind). In general, wash the area and stop swelling by holding ice cubes or an ice pack against the bite for up to 15 minutes, and then apply an over-the-counter cortisone cream or anti-itch lotion. Other remedies include a paste of water-moistened baking soda, salt, meat tenderizer, or crushed aspirin (adults only) over the dampened area.

Tick bite treatment includes careful removal of ticks found on the skin. Use the tick removal tweezers and magnifier in your first aid kit, and deposit the tick in a plastic bag to show a doctor if symptoms later arise.

Bruising

When you bang into something (or vice versa), apply ice immediately. If the skin is broken, cover with gauze. Elevate the area whenever possible and don’t put weight or pressure on the spot.

Dehydration

Rest and drink cool water with a pinch of salt. Once you’re feeling better, keep on drinking water. Eat melons, cucumbers, and tomatoes, too.

Jellyfish Stings

Avoidance is the best prevention — stay out of the water or wear protective gear. If you’re stung, rinse with (critter-free) seawater. If there are tentacles in the bitten area, use a stiff piece of cardboard or a credit card to rub them up and out. Then apply vinegar or isopropyl alcohol to neutralize the toxins (we hear cola works in a pinch). You may also take an oral antihistamine or apply a cortisone ointment.

Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac

Again, complete avoidance beats any treatment, so familiarize yourself with the area’s toxic plants before you explore the  shore. If contact happens anyway, remove and bag up any clothing that touched the leaves and, without spreading the rash-causing oil, rinse skin with cool water and soap (some swear by apple cider vinegar). After icing the area, apply cortisone cream, calamine lotion, aloe vera gel, a banana peel, or a mashed-up cucumber. Do not rub on an antihistamine cream.

Seasickness

If you’re prone to motion sickness, start treatment before heading out for the day (the night before is the best time to start). Pick up an over-the-counter antihistamine, get a prescription for a pill or a behind-the-ear patch, stock up on ginger capsules (soda, snaps, or tea help, too), and/or acupressure bands that block nausea. Wear, take, and nibble on whatever you need to keep queasiness at bay.

If seasickness strikes while underway, position yourself outside towards the middle of the boat (a breezy, shady spot is best). Breathe deeply and either close your eyes or fix your gaze on a specific spot on the horizon. Sip a cool drink slowly.

Stomachache

You left half of your lunch on the deck and took a long nap. Since it looked fine, you finished it — but now you’re doubled over with stomach pains. Despite the agony, sit up, breathe deeply, apply a warm compress, take an over-the-counter stomach-soothing medication, drink peppermint tea (iced or warm) or water with lemon. If the pain doesn’t pass soon, see a medical pro as soon as possible.

Sunburn

Apply sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher before you get dressed — waiting to apply when you get to the boat means you’ve been unprotected against harmful rays since you stepped out your door. Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours (more often if you get wet). If a missed spot becomes inflamed, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen or naproxen may ease some swelling and pain. Apply a soft cloth soaked in cool water, vinegar, whole milk, or unsweetened green tea, or gently pat on aloe vera gel or an over-the-counter cortisone cream. If available, lay mashed strawberries or slices of cucumber or raw potato over your well-done areas.

Sun Sensitivity and Heat Rash

Certain medications and treatments trigger sun sensitivity and rashes. Discuss your boating plans with your prescribing doctor or pharmacist; look at the warning label on over-the-counter treatments. If there’s any risk at all, wear sun-resistant clothing and remain in the shade in addition to applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen. If you suffer a mild reaction, apply cool compresses and then let your skin air dry.

Vomiting

Ensure that the mouth and nasal passages are clear. Slowly sip cool water and nibble on bland food only as tolerated. Follow tips for seasickness and stomachache.

The tips in this article are not a substitute for medical advice. If a condition goes beyond the bounds of simple first aid, promptly call for help via VHF radio or phone. Should the problem persist or worsen after returning to the dock, seek medical attention.

 

Video on safely removing ticks