Summer Savvy Tips for You and Your Family

Summertime is here, and that means outdoor adventures are underway. Whether you are off to the beach, out for a hike in the woods or prepping for an outback barbeque, you’re likely soaking up the sunshine somewhere. But along with this beautiful weather comes a few unwelcomed things like sunburn, mosquito bites and bee stings. 

“A good way to always be prepared for this time of year is to create a summer essentials kit for at home and in your car. You can include things like sunscreen, bug spray, band-aids, antibiotic ointment and over-the-counter medicine,” says Leah Arlequin, MD, family medicine physician with LVPG Family Medicine–Tobyhanna.

Check out these tips to treat bug bites, stings and sunburns so you can stop the itch or soothe the burn and get back to enjoying your summer fun. 

Summer Savvy Tip #1 - Bug bites, stings and sunburns

Protect yourself ahead of time

Apply sunscreen and bug spray (with DEET or Picardin).

Treating a bug bite, sting or sunburn

• Use hydrocortisone cream to stop the itch.
• Apply antibiotic ointment for pain relief.
• Use aloe vera gel to soothe a sunburn.
• Take Benadryl if needed.

Summer Savvy Tip #2 - Bee sting care

1. Remove stinger with tweezers.
2. Wash area with soap and water.
3. Use a cold pack to reduce swelling.
4. Apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion.
5. Take Benadryl if necessary, to reduce itching and swelling.

Summer Savvy Tip #3 - Wasp sting remedy 

Soak a cotton ball in vinegar and apply to sting site. Vinegar neutralizes toxins in wasp venom and helps reduce pain.

Summer Savvy Tip #4 - Mosquito bite care

1. Don’t scratch.
2. Wash area with soap and water.
3. Use an ice pack to reduce swelling.
4. Apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion.
5. Take Benadryl if necessary, to reduce itching and swelling.

Summer Savvy Tip #5 - Stop the itch remedies 

Oatmeal paste

• Grind up 1 tablespoon oatmeal.
• Mix with warm water to form thick paste.
• Apply paste to bug bite and leave on for 15-20 minutes and rinse.

Baking soda paste

• Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda with a small amount of water.
• Apply to bug bite and let sit for 10 minutes.
• Rinse off paste and apply antibiotic ointment if itching continues.

Summer Savvy Tip #6 - Spider bite care

1. Clean the area well with soap and water.
2. Apply ice pack on/off bite for 10 minutes.
3. Elevate area to reduce swelling.
4. Take Benadryl to help with persistent itching.
5. Use antibiotic ointment if blister develops.

Helpful Hints: 

• If possible, take a picture of the spider for reference in case the reaction worsens. 
• Become familiar with dangerous spiders local to your area (e.g., black widow, brown recluse)

Summer Savvy Tip #7 - Plant natural bug repellents 

Keep the bugs away from your home by planting natural bug repellants like: 

• Rosemary
• Mint
• Citronella
• Lemongrass