Summer is a time for fun in the sun, but unfortunately, you can get injured while enjoying outdoor activities. Here are some common summer injuries and how to treat them.
Heatstroke & Dehydration
Physical activity in hot weather without enough water can lead to heatstroke and dehydration.
Symptoms of heatstroke include flushed hot skin, lack of sweating, headache, rapid breathing, and confusion. Dehydration causes dry mouth, increased thirst, dizziness, weakness, and fainting.
Treat mild symptoms of heatstroke and dehydration by moving the patient to the shade and providing water to drink. Ice packs to the neck and groin area also help cool the patient down.
Sunburn
Sunburns cause the skin to turn red and become sensitive to the touch. Treat mild cases at home by applying aloe vera and ice and administering pain relievers until the sunburn fades after a few days. Severe sunburns often blister, which may require a visit to an urgent care clinic. Treatment includes medicating the burned skin and covering it with loose bandages to help prevent infection.
Bug Bites & Stings
Ordinary bites and stings are bothersome, but they heal on their own. However, if you or a family member is bitten by a mosquito and develops a fever, testing for West Nile Virus becomes a top priority.
Bee stings are another concern because they can be life-threatening for people allergic to bees. Anyone who has an insect bite and shows signs of anaphylaxis – including swelling and difficulty breathing – should receive Benadryl and an epinephrine injection. Once the patient is stable, a full medical exam at an urgent care clinic is recommended.
Poison Ivy Rashes
Treat mild rashes from contact with poison ivy, oak, and sumac by applying calamine lotion and a cold compress. The rash should clear up in about two weeks. If painful swelling or blistering occurs, visit an urgent care clinic for a course of prescription oral corticosteroids.
Treat Summer Injuries at Fast Track Urgent Care in Silver Spring, MD
If you live in Montgomery County, visit Fast Track Urgent Care to treat your summer injuries. We treat heatstroke, dehydration, sunburn, bug bites and stings, poison ivy, and the following:
- Seasonal allergies
- Swimmer’s ear
- Sprains and fractures
- Cuts and scrapes requiring stitches
Come by anytime you have an urgent medical situation – no appointment necessary! If you have any questions about our services prior to your visit, please call 800-417-1164.
