We love this time of year! But there are some summer problems that come with it.
With summer creeping up, we are looking forward to longer, sunnier days. But the warmer weather can bring a few pesky problems along with it. Think sunburns, shaving rash, dehydration… just to name a few. We’re sharing quick and practical solutions that you can find at your local pharmacy.
Pharmacist Phil Cowley shared over-the-counter fixes for all the common problems that arise with the warmer weather.
Bug Bites
Bug bites are a universal summer nuisance. “Most of us get the same number of bites. It’s just some of us react worse,” Phil explained. His first tip is to use Preparation H wipes with witch hazel immediately after a bite to reduce inflammation.
For more persistent bites, he recommended a DIY mix: “One third of 4% lidocaine gel… one third hydrocortisone cream… and one third Benadryl gel,” he listed. This combo numbs, reduces inflammation, and stabilizes histamine response. “It is super remarkable how fast that takes care of the problem,” he said.
Shaving Rash
Shaving rash is caused by hair trapped under skin. “If we can get rid of that skin which is the key. We need to exfoliate,” Phil advised.
He suggested salicylic acid washes (2–3%), commonly used for acne. “If you’ll use this as your shave cream… you’re gonna leave behind salicylic acid over the top of it so that new skin will be exfoliated,” Phil explained.
Heat Rash
Babies are especially prone to heat rash. Phil recommended Ivarest spray: “It’s got zinc and pramoxine… and it comes in a spray,” he said. “ With babies, especially when their skin is first being born, what we want to do is add more zinc… And then get that little anti-itch there. It actually helps a ton.”
For adults, he suggested mixing hydrocortisone and lidocaine: “Hydrocortisone is gonna reduce the inflammation… Lidocaine stops that muscle from contracting so you don’t get that heat rash to begin with,” Phil explained. “ Just make sure you put on less than a third of your body.”
Dehydration
Hydration isn’t just about water. “Electrolytes need to split between sodium and potassium,” Phil explained. The ideal ratio is 3:1 sodium to potassium. “If you do it any other way… you get that secondary edema.”
He also noted that a little sugar helps absorption: “ If you are truly dehydrated… your body will say, ‘I don’t want to suck up anything. I’m gonna shut down my whole digestive system.'” Phil said. “A little bit of sugar overrides the system… and you’ll start absorbing those electrolytes and that water at a substantial pace.”
Sunburn
The moment you suspect a sunburn, Phil said, “Take ibuprofen. Ibuprofen all by itself will reduce 30% of the burn you have.”
Follow up with hydrocortisone cream and Solarcaine (1% lidocaine with aloe vera). “Aloe vera… keeps that skin cool for longer,” Phil said.
This combo can even help preserve a tan: “If you get on there, they get to keep that tan for just a little bit longer,” Phil mentioned.
Find more advice from Phil on Instagram, @philsmypharmacist.
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