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Home > Healthy Living > Skin First Aid

First Aid for Summer Skin
by Stacelynn Caughlan

Sunburn
It has been widely publicized that the impact of a sunburn can be seen years later as wrinkles and skin cancer. People who have had a severe sunburn in their youth are twice as likely to develop cancer in later years.
•Treat the burn immediately with a cool compress
•Apply either pure aloe vera or a commercial preparation with a high aloe content.
•Salves that contain St. John's wort are excellent for healing burns.
•Drink plenty of water to keep your skin well hydrated.
•Make sure you continue to take antioxidant supplements; now is when they're most needed.

Athlete’s Foot and Other Fungal Infections
Increased perspiration can create the perfect environment for fungal infections. The warmth and dampness provided by shoes can be a problem. Dandruff is also commonly caused by a fungal infection.
•Wear clean all-cotton socks and change them when they get damp.
•Leave shoes in a place where they can dry thoroughly. Alternating between pairs often helps.
•If an infection does occur, moisten the inside of your shoes with apple cider vinegar to kill any fungus. Washing your feet in the vinegar is also effective.
•Apply tea tree oil directly to the affected area, being careful not to get it near your eyes or mouth.
•Using diluted apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil as a scalp wash is good for preventing and treating fungal-related dandruff.
•Keep hair as dry as possible and avoid going to bed with wet hair.
•To avoid infection, wear protective footwear in public places such as gym lockers and swimming pools.
•Internally, taking a regular supplement of acidophilus and cutting sugar from your diet helps the body defend itself against fungus.

Poison Ivy/Oak/Sumac, and Stinging Nettle
The toxins released by these plants are not easily forgotten by the unsuspecting camper. Learning to identify the plants using a good botany book is the best prevention.
•If you do come in contact, immediately wash everything exposed
•Avoid infection by not scratching the rash.
•Applying freshly crushed plantain leaves are effective at reducing the sting. Bathing in baking soda also helps.
•Internally use vitamin C. This helps reduce the effect of the histamines released into the body that cause the reaction.
•Some people may require medical attention. If you develop a fever, your eyes swell, or you have difficulty breathing, seek attention immediately.

Insect Bites and Stings
What’s summer without mosquitoes? Although some people claim that they are seldom bothered, most will agree that uninvited flying guests can be more than a nuisance.
•Avoid using perfumes or scented soaps and lotions as well as wearing brightly coloured clothing. These things make us seem like enticing flowers to wasps and bees.
•If you are stung or bitten, wash the area and apply ice if it is inflamed.
•Apply lavender directly to the area, or as an alternative use baking soda in a paste.
•Camphorous or citrus essential oils such as thyme, lemongrass, cypress, or eucalyptus repel mosquitoes. Mix a few drops into a massage oil, lotion, or sunscreen.
•Avoid killing a wasp. It will release a chemical that the others can detect alerting them to attack.
•Internally, vitamin C is very helpful. Antibiotic and immune stimulating herbs such as echinacea and goldenseal are also useful.
•As with the stinging plants, be aware of a strong adverse reaction to stings. This may require medical attention.

Stacelynn Caughlan is a Clinical Nutritionist and Certified Herbalist who specializes in Prenatal and Pediatric Health.

Herbal Armor Lotion - Citronella - Kids, SPF 15, 4 oz	Super Kids Salve - 1 oz
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