“Enjoying Summer Safely: Expert Tips from Walgreens Pharmacists
Summer fun can quickly turn sour with a burn from a sparkler or an annoying bug bite. Luckily, your local Walgreens pharmacist is a convenient and knowledgeable resource for treating minor injuries.
“Pharmacists are here to help,” says Taylor Howell, a Walgreens pharmacist in Kansas City, Missouri. She emphasizes that all Walgreens stores, along with several pharmacy locations, will be open for the Fourth of July holiday.
After consulting with a pharmacist, you can easily find the products you need on Walgreens’ shelves to speed up your recovery and get back to enjoying your summer activities. Howell offers advice on treating some of the most common summer injuries: burns, bug bites, and heat exhaustion.
“Even I need to take my own advice sometimes,” she admits. “After working outdoors all weekend building a deck, I ended up with sunburn and bug bites.”
For treating burns, whether from sun exposure or fireworks, Howell recommends starting with cooling the skin. Submerge the affected area in cool water for about 15 minutes, then gently pat dry with a towel.
For minor burns, apply petroleum jelly and cover with a non-stick bandage. Howell advises against using antibiotic ointments or household items like toothpaste or butter, as they can increase the risk of infection. Instead, she suggests reapplying petroleum jelly two to three times daily to keep the skin moisturized, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.
To alleviate pain, oral pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can provide relief. For sunburn, Howell recommends Walgreens brand after sun care products with aloe vera. Prevention is key, so she also emphasizes the importance of applying broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen before going outdoors.
When it comes to bug bites, Howell’s preferred over-the-counter remedy is Walgreens Anti-Itch Cream, which contains diphenhydramine to reduce itching and swelling. However, she advises using it for no more than seven days and suggests consulting a doctor if discomfort persists beyond that period.
Other options for bug bites include hydrocortisone cream for inflammation or calamine lotion. For more severe reactions, oral antihistamines like loratadine or cetirizine may be necessary, though Howell stresses the importance of seeking medical attention if symptoms worsen.
To prevent bug bites altogether, Howell recommends using effective bug repellents available at Walgreens, particularly those containing DEET, endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Stay safe and enjoy your summer with these expert tips from Walgreens pharmacists!”
