Summer Boosts Risks to Good Health

Sunburns, poison ivy and dehydration are just some of the ailments doctors see on a regular basis during this time of year, said Dr. Francisco Fantauzzi, an urgent care physician at Glynco Immediate Care Center of Southeast Georgia Health System.

Fantauzzi encourages individuals to be aware of risks that can present themselves during summer and be aware of how to properly treat them.

Prevention is the key to enjoying long days outside. A sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 should always be applied before stepping outside and reapplied every three hours.

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"We see a lot of melanoma here," Fantauzzi said.

If a sunburn does occur, Fantauzzi recommends using calamine lotion, hydrocortisone lotion or aloe to ease the pain.

Hydrocortisone lotion can also be used to treat poison ivy at home, but the best plan of action is to learn to identify the offending plant.

That's not as easy as it sounds. Plants in the South are subject to common pollinators that can make some plants look alike. Leaves can vary in color -- some are light green, dark green or red. Fantauzzi suggests erring on the side of caution if unsure.

A day at the beach can turn sour if a swimmer has a run-in with a jellyfish or stingray, but treatment at home isn't difficult, Fantauzzi said. Injuries from a stingray can be lessened by running hot water over the sting.

Jellyfish have glands that shoot a protein into the skin causing pain. Vinegar can provide some quick relief, Fantauzzi said.

Small amounts of household cleaners that contain ammonia, like Windex, can lessen the pain of bee stings.

If any of these conditions worsen or are not successfully treated at home, visit a physician, he recommends.

While taking to the water to cool off from the Georgia heat, Fantauzzi suggests avoiding beaches, lakes and pools where a high concentration of children are swimming and playing. He sees a great amount of ear infections during summer months that can be caused by urine in the water.

When swimming in a public place, Fantauzzi asks patients to take rubbing alcohol along in their beach bag to flush their ears and prevent infections. If pain is present, an infection could have taken hold.

"If a kid is hurting, seek attention from a physician. An infection is already present," Fantauzzi said.

Drinking plenty of water and taking frequent breaks from summer activities can prevent dehydration -- another common summer illness.

"If you start getting a lot of headaches, leg cramps, you're getting dehydrated. You should stay out of the sun," Fantauzzi said.

Drink water and immediately get out of the sunlight if you begin to feel symptoms of heat-related illnesses.