The last thing you want to do while on vacation is make a trip to a medical clinic or, heaven forbid, the emergency room.
Some vacation activities such as hiking or mountain biking contain risks of minor medical emergencies. But even a weekend camping trip can result in unforeseen medical problems.
"There's always sunburn, dehydration and food poisoning potentially," said La Vone Sopher, ARNP, FNP, at The Clinic at Wal-Mart at 3400 Singing Hills Drive, an affiliate of the St. Luke's Health System.
With a little planning and a lot of common sense, many minor medical emergencies can be prevented, Sopher said.
"Think about what activities you're going to be doing, think about what could happen and take the right stuff along," she said. "If you're going to go hiking, don't wear flip-flops."
Sopher had plenty of prevention and treatment advice for the most common vacation mishaps she sees.
Swimming
If possible, swim in a swimming pool. Water in rivers and lakes may look clean, but it's full of bacteria and microbes. Swimmer's ear, an inflammation, and sometimes infection, of the ear canal, can result from swimming in any type of water.
Wear ear plugs or get a bottle of over-the-counter swimmer's ear drops. Using the drops after you're done swimming helps dry your ears out.
Sunburn
If you're boating or spending the day along the shore, the combination of wind and water puts you more at risk. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and other clothing to reduce sun exposure.
If you do get burned, stay out of the sun and wear loose clothing. Aloe vera lotion, various over-the-counter sprays or cool compresses can help take the sting out of the burn.
Heat illness
Symptoms usually include feeling really hot and tired. Getting out of the sun and drinking water or sports drinks will usually make you feel better.
If you're going to be out in the sun and heat all day, drink at least 64 ounces of water or sports drink during the day. Don't drink soft drinks or alcoholic beverages, the caffeine and alcohol can lead to dehydration.
Bee stings
Many bees leave their stingers in. If you've been stung, pull the stinger out with tweezers or use the edge of a credit card to scrape it out. Clean the area with soap and water.
If you're allergic to bee stings, make sure you carry EpiPen, or epinephrine, to counter a severe allergic reaction.
Burns
Apply cold water or an ice pack to the burned area to stop the heat process on the skin. If the burned skin blisters, leave it alone. Popping the blister can lead to infection.
Rashes from poison ivy, oak or sumac
Once you notice a rash, wash the area with soap and water to remove the plant resin. A cold compress can take away the itch or use calamine lotion or other over-the-counter, anti-itch creams. If you have a rash, don't scratch it. The resin can get under your nails and then spread to other areas of your body when you touch them. Wear long pants if you're out hiking in the woods. It doesn't hurt to tuck the pants into your socks.
Food poisoning
Keep food cold if it's supposed to be cold. If it looks or smells suspicious, throw it away. Wash your hands often. Don't drink water from mountain streams or other untreated outdoor sources.
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