first aid at beachAfter a long and cold winter, you are ready for a family trip to the beach to soak up the sun and fun. However, are you truly prepared? What if suddenly, a jellyfish stings your leg? Or you forgot your sunscreen, and you’re lobster-red?  What if the kids get sand in their eye? If you’ve packed the right beach supplies beforehand, in many cases you can administer your own first aid. Read on to combat these common beach bummers.

Jellyfish Stings

Jellyfish stings are certainly no fun, but the pain usually dissipates in a couple of hours. Some first aid tips for jellyfish stings include:

  • Remove the stingers/tentacles by rinsing with salt water or gently scraping them off with a driver’s license.
  • Rinse the stinging, burning, itchy area with a paste of salt water and baking soda combined.
  • To alleviate pain, take a hot shower OR apply ice packs.
  • Take an OTC pain reliever you have used before and apply an anti-itch lotion such as calamine. A topical analgesic will minimize discomfort.
  • Seek medical care right away if you experience trouble breathing/dizziness or have large areas of sting marks. A few jellyfish are poisonous.

Sunburn

When your skin is exposed to the sun for a period of time, eventually it burns, turning red and irritated. If possible, apply sunblock 30 minutes prior to exposure to maximize your skin’s protection and don’t forget to reapply frequently. Sunburn first aid tips include:

  • Get out of the sun if you begin to turn pink. Sunburns can take four to six hours to fully develop, so “a little color” may be too much.
  • Hydrate. Drink water and juice (not alcohol; it’s dehydrating).
  • Gently apply aloe gel to ease the discomfort.
  • Take a cool shower or bath and apply moisturizing lotion.
  • If you’ve blistered over 20 percent of your skin, or you feel feverish with chills, see a doctor.

Sand in Your Eye

Wind at the beach is fairly common therefore it is important to protect your eyes. Wearing protective eyewear like sunglasses usually helps. If a gust of wind blows sand in your eye remember to:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the eyelids to examine or flush the eye.
  • Rinse the affected eye repeatedly with saline solution or drinking water, especially if sand is stuck in the corner of your eye.
  • If you wear contacts, take them out immediately and do not replace in eye.
  • Never rub your eye; you could scratch the cornea, the clear area in the front of the eye.
  • Seek medical attention if it still feels scratchy or uncomfortable.

Taking extra precautions at the beach by having specific supplies like vinegar, baking soda, aloe gel and calamine lotion can save the day. Some other beach helpers include:

  • Water to stay hydrated
  • Any prescribed allergy/asthma medications
  • Motion-sickness medication
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Various-sized bandages
  • Ice packs
  • Water shoes (for rocks and shells)

Pack it all in a waterproof container, and you can guarantee a great day at the beach!

At M.D. Express Urgent Care, we want you to have a fun and safe trip to the beach. If you do happen to need medical attention for a beach injury or heat related condition, we are open 9am to 9pm 7 days a week. Come see us at M.D. Express, where The Doctor is Always in!