Outside Dangers, Prevention, and Treatment
Information compiled by Barbara Goodearl and KaeBeth Rosenberg
When it’s beautiful weather, who doesn’t want to be outside enjoying it? Unfortunately, there are certain dangers, and discomforts that go with the territory. We have compiled data here on some common outdoor problems, their prevention, and treatments.
Poison Ivy
The itching and blisters from Poison Ivy are caused by the chemical
Urushiol in the ivy’s sap. The best thing to do if you’ve been
exposed is to wash the area with dishwashing detergent directly from the
bottle. If a rash appears, use Calamine lotion which should ease the
itching and dry up the blisters. Cortizone cream is also a good
option.
To remove Poison Ivy, wear gloves, uproot the plant, and put it in a garbage bag. Never burn Poison Ivy, or Poison Oak, as the smoke can cause a very serious reaction.
Stings
The stinger from a bee should be removed immediately with a flat,
hard surface such as a credit card scraped across the stinger; tweezers
can also be used. Wash the area immediately with soap and water and
then apply a paste of baking soda or some aloe to help relieve the pain.
Yellow Jackets, Wasps and Hornets don’t usually have stingers.
If you develop hives, begin to wheeze, or notice a swelling in your tongue call 911 immediately. These reactions can be deadly.
Preventing Bee stings is as simple as keeping all areas clean and free of food and sweets so the bees won’t gather. Animal dishes should be emptied and cleaned as well.
Skin Burns
Burns from grilling or other heat sources should be treated
immediately by running the burn under very cold water. This process
removes the heat and cleanses the area, which helps prevent infection.
The burn should be wrapped with gauze or a non-adhesive bandage. .
If the burn blisters, turns dark, or covers a large part of the body,
get to the emergency room immediately.
To help with pain and inflammation, take Ibuprofen. Aloe Vera is also beneficial in healing burns from heat sources, as well as the sun.
Contrary to the old wives’ tale, do not use butter or any other greasy substance on a burn. This can cause infection and create an environment for bacteria to grow.
To prevent this skin burns, use Silicone mitts and long-handled implements.
Mosquito Bites
Mosquito Bites can be fairly easy to treat with Calamine Lotion,
Baking Soda paste, and anti-itch cream. Antihistamines and
hydrocortisone creams can help too. Watch for a fever, headache,
nausea or extreme tiredness because these may be signs of Encephalitis
or West Nile virus.
To prevent Mosquito bites: wear light-colored clothing, as Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors. Also, keep your body covered as much as possible. At home, try using Citronella candles or oil in torches around your deck or patio, and plant Marigolds, Basil, Lavender, Catnip, Tansy, or Pennyroyal as these are natural Mosquito repellants.
Some home remedies to try: Apply Vanilla Extract directly to skin and clothing, mix one or more the following essential oils with rubbing alcohol or witch hazel and apply to body: Cedar, Citronella, Tansy, Pennyroyal, Tea Tree, Peppermint, Basil, Lemongrass, Eucalyptus, Catnip, or Thyme.
Other products that repel Mosquitoes: Bounce dryer sheets (attach to beltloop, or hang out of a pocket), Avon’s Skin-So-Soft applied to skin & clothing (use straight or mix 50/50 with rubbing alcohol), Vick’s VapoRub, or Listerine (mix 50/50 with vinegar & spray on body).
Since Mosquitoes breed in standing water clean and refill pet bowls and birdbaths frequently. Empty plant holders of standing water as well.
Ticks
Ticks spread Lyme Disease and other illnesses. To prevent ticks
from biting, tuck pants into socks when outside playing or gardening,
and wear at hat. Examine family members head to toe when they come in
from outside.
Should a tick be located on a human or pet, it should be removed immediately. It is not recommended to use common methods such as a hot match, “painting” the bug with nail polish, gasoline, or petroleum jelly. (These methods can injure the person or pet, and stimulate the tick to produce more pathogen-containing secretions into the site of the bite.)
To remove ticks, wear gloves, and use a pair of curved forceps or tweezers. Grasp the tick firmly with the tweezers as close to the skin as possible. Pull gently until the tick comes free. If any portion of the tick’s head or mouthparts remains, see a doctor for removal. Be sure to cleanse the affected area with soap and water or a mild disinfectant. Keep a close eye on the bite site for rash or infection. An antibiotic cream can help the infected area, but typically does not affect the chance of disease development. Be sure to see a doctor if any change occurs.
Also, ticks should not be crushed, as this may transmit disease. They should be rinsed down a sink, or flushed in the toilet. You may also want to keep it in a jar or taped to a piece of paper to show a doctor, should you become ill.
Enjoy your time outside, and be safe out there!
