Two Approaches for Stocking Your Summertime Medicine Chest

It’s time for a trip to the drugstore to stock up on summertime first-aid products—since with the season’s pleasures comes an assortment of cuts, bruises, bites, sunburns and motion sickness. To help you prep for your shopping trip, we asked for a list of summertime first-aid essentials from two different types of doctors—a family physician and a naturopathic physician.

TWO DOCS, TWO APPROACHES

For the family medicine perspective, we spoke with William Ellert, MD, market chief medical officer for Abrazo Community Health Network in Phoenix. His advice emphasizes preventive measures and common sense. For the naturopathic approach, we spoke with Jane Guiltinan, ND, dean of the School of Naturopathic Medicine at Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington. She believes that in most situations “living organisms have innate healing capacity.” Naturopathy encourages the support of those healing abilities through a variety of natural approaches including nutrition, botanical medicine, dietary supplements, hydrotherapy (water therapy) and homeopathy.

SUMMERTIME FIRST-AID: 5 SCENARIOS

It’s a good idea to stock your home and car with basic first-aid items, as well as specific ones that you or your family may require on outings and day trips. These should be stored under dry and temperate conditions, avoiding prolonged exposure to heat or cold.

Cuts, Scrapes and Bruises

Conventional approach:

Dr. Ellert says that few wounds get infected if they’re washed out well—he advises using soap and water or a cleansing wipe and, if the wound gets red and more tender (signs of possible infection), applying a triple antibiotic ointment or Bacitracin. For bruises, Dr. Ellert recommends using a cold pack for the first 48 hours to minimize swelling.

Naturopathic approach:

Dr. Guiltinan also recommends thorough cleaning of wounds. She then advises applying CCC Cream (composed of calendula, coneflower and comfrey) to prevent infection and stimulate healing for both abrasions and bruises. This product is available at health-food stores.

Insect Stings and Bites

Conventional approach:

Dr. Ellert advises repelling mosquitos and other biting insects with mosquito nets and over-the-counter insect repellent. To soothe mosquito bites, he turns to the old standby calamine lotion. To treat bee stings, Dr. Ellert recommends washing the sting area…removing the stinger…and applying a cold pack or ice to reduce swelling. To reduce itching and block an allergic reaction, you can take an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). For severe allergic reactions, use an EpiPen, if you have one available, and seek medical attention.

Naturopathic approach:

Dr. Guiltinan suggests taking Brewer’s yeast or vitamin B-6 to keep mosquitos away. She recommends chickweed (Stellaria media) cream to reduce itching and promote healing, noting that the application of soy oil can also be helpful. For bee stings, Dr. Guiltinan recommends rubbing bromelain (enzymes derived from pineapple) cream on the affected area.

Poison Ivy, Poison Oak and Poison Sumac

Poison_plants

 

Conventional approach:

If you have a rash from poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac, Dr. Ellert’s advice is to first wash the area thoroughly with soap (you can use either regular soap or poison ivy–specific soap such as Tecnu) and water and then apply 1% hydrocortisone cream to the affected area, which will relieve inflammation and irritation. Calamine lotion and cold packs may also be helpful.

Naturopathic approach:

Dr. Guiltinan recommends calamine lotion along with the homeopathic remedy Rhus toxicodendron. A less common remedy that is also often helpful is comfrey, particularly in combination with goldenseal, she said. Yet another: Use old-fashioned lye soap. It removes the oil when applied in a thick paste to the affected area. Wash off after it dries completely.

Sunburn

When it comes to sunburn, all physicians stress prevention. Limit direct exposure to the sun, especially during the peak hours of 10 am to 2 pm. But if you find yourself with a burn anyway…

Conventional approach:

Dr. Ellert says that the most important thing to do when suffering from sunburn is to replace the lost fluids by drinking plenty of water. Soothe the burn by taking a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Naturopathic approach:

Dr. Guiltinan recommends applying aloe vera gel to the affected area. It helps to both heal the skin and soothe the pain.

Motion Sickness

Spending time in cars, planes and boats can set the stage for motion sickness.

Conventional approach:

To prevent motion sickness while riding in a car, Dr. Ellert suggests sitting in the front seat (and don’t read). In a boat or a plane, choose a seat in the middle, where there is less rocking motion. If you are prone to motion sickness, Dr. Ellert recommends taking preventive medications such as Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) 30 minutes beforehand or Bonine (meclizine hydrochloride) one hour beforehand.

Naturopathic approach:

Eat ginger to prevent motion sickness, suggests Dr. Guiltinan. You can chew fresh ginger…eat chewable candies…or swallow capsules. Ginger tea may also be helpful, though it is not as strong.