Summer makes us feel lighthearted, but it’s easy to get down when you’re itching, burning, and otherwise hurting. Sun, water, and nature pose hazards, but we’re sharing tips to soothe or sidestep summer’s bummers.
Bugs
Preventing bugs from biting is key to avoiding insect-borne risk. Wear light-colored clothing; apply repellent before heading outdoors and then reapply during the day. Use a commercial bug spray (many experts advocate for permethrin or DEET, but know that DEET can lower the effectiveness of sunscreen). DIY repellent recipes include a mixture of essential oils such as citronella, clove, lemongrass, rosemary, tea tree, and catnip. Eating garlicky foods is said to help, too!
Should a biting bug do its thing anyway, 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 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
Again, prevention is key: drink water or water-based drinks throughout the day. Should you become woozy and dehydrated anyway, 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.
Heat stroke
Jellyfish Stings
Never tempting a jellyfish with your bare skin is best — keep out of the water or wear protective gear. If you disregard this advice and are stung, rinse the wound with (critter-free) seawater. If tentacles remain in the bite area, use a stiff piece of cardboard or a credit card to rub them up and out. 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
Familiarize yourself with the area’s toxic plants before you explore the shore. If contact happens anyway, remove and bag any clothing that touched the leaves. Avoid spreading the rash-causing oil by carefully rinsing skin with cool water and soap (some swear by flushing the affected skin with apple cider vinegar). After icing the inflamed area, apply cortisone cream, calamine lotion, aloe vera gel, a banana peel, or a mashed-up cucumber. Do not use antihistamine cream.
Seasickness
If you’re prone to motion sickness, start treatment before heading out (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 ate something that disagreed with you and 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, 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 and read the warning label on over-the-counter treatments. If there’s any risk, 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.
Toothache
Apply a cold compress, elevate the head, take acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and swish peppermint tea or salt water (not from overboard) in your mouth.
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.
