Beach tips from Dosher Medical-Urgent Care

By Dawn Sampson, PA-C

Sunburn prevention

Prevention of sunburn includes sunscreen, seeking shade, reducing sun exposure, and wearing a wide-brimmed hat with sun protective clothing. These are especially important between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when sunlight is at the greatest intensity.

A sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher should be applied 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply at least every two hours and after swimming even if the sunscreen is labeled water resistant.

Treat sunburns with cool compresses, calamine lotion, or aloe vera gel. A pain reliever such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen can be helpful with the discomfort and inflammation from the burn (unless unable to take these medications). Seek medical care if the symptoms are severe.

Swimmer's ear prevention

Swimmer's ear is an infection in the ear canal brought on by water that remains there.

Prevention can be attempted by:

Wearing ear plugs.

Tipping your head to the side to allow water to drain out after swimming. Then use a towel to dry the outer ear area.

Placing a blow dryer on the lowest setting, and hold it approximately 12 inches away to dry inside your ears.

If you do not have a punctured ear drum or tubes in your ears, you can use swimmer's ear drops before swimming. They may be purchased at pharmacies. The DIY recipe is equal parts rubbing alcohol and white vinegar, then place five to 10 drops in each ear after swimming.

Seek medical care for ear discomfort, fullness or drainage, even if the symptoms are mild.

Dosher Medical-Urgent Care is open Independence Day and Labor Day 8 a.m.-2p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.