Spring Break – Feeling the Burn

Sunscreen!!

And more sunscreen!!

 

If you are fortunate, you will be leaving Ohio soon to travel to a warmer (and sunnier) destination down south. After spending months hibernating in your room from the dreary winter weather, sunscreen is the last thing on your mind. Without fail, you head out to the beach or pool the instant you arrive and are lucky if you remember to grab your towel. Upon returning to your room hours later, you notice a distinct reddening of your skin and feel the heat radiating from the area. Because it’s the first day of your trip, you panic and wonder what can be done to minimize the pain and redness; a bright red face wasn’t the look you were going for on spring break.

Though time is the best component of the healing process, there are a few things you can do to minimize the pain and help the healing along. First of all, an over-the-counter pain medication such as Motrin (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen) will help decrease overall pain, redness, and swelling. As for topical relief, you may want to try cool compresses or aloe to soothe the stinging. Additionally, it is important to stay hydrated (with a bottle of water, not a bottle of another favorite spring break beverage) because the burn tends to draw fluids out of the skin and make you more dehydrated. Keep in mind that alcohol also dehydrates your body, which is why we don’t recommend trying to hydrate with it. Moisturize your skin with lotion or cream to decrease the look of peeling and flaking skin (using a product with Vitamin C or E may have additional healing benefit). Calamine lotion or Benadryl (diphenhydramine) may help reduce itching.

If the sunburn has caused nausea, vomiting, blistering, heat stroke, or confusion it is best to seek medical attention. Stay away from products containing benzocaine or lidocaine because they may cause further irritation to your skin. Also avoid products containing petroleum (i.e. Vaseline) because this may trap the heat. To prevent further burning of your skin (more redness, more pain) stay indoors or if you just can’t stay away from the sun, wear clothing that will cover the area and slather on that sunscreen that was wedged into the bottom of your suitcase.

Some medications may cause you to burn more easily. Check out this past blog post if you think your medication might be one of them. http://shs.osu.edu/blog/do-i-need-to-avoid-the-sun-if-im-on-medication

Of course, the best way to treat a sunburn is to not get one in the first place.  Check out this past blog post for tips on prevention. http://shs.osu.edu/blog/sunscreen-advice-from-a-dermatologist-to-prevent-skin-cancer

Submitted by Emily Burns, PharmD Candidate 2014

Reviewed by Jason Goodman, PharmD, RPh

Here, help me light this…

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July 4th.

Parades…..Picnics…..Flags……Fireworks.  We all have different traditions around holidays, but fireworks and the Fourth of July go together for most people in the United States.

As we prepare for the weekend festivities surrounding Independence Day, some thoughts about safety and fireworks:

  • Nearly 10,000 people are treated in emergency departments EVERY YEAR for fireworks-related injuries – most are children
  • 5% of these are hospitalized
  • In 2007, about 3000 injuries were caused by firecrackers, sparklers, and rockets – the most common fireworks purchased by nonprofessionals
  • Most commonly sites of injury are hands, eyes, head, face, and ears
  • Most fireworks displays are safe for handlers and observers when done by professionals
  • Most home fireworks are illegal under various local, state, and federal laws
  • In 2006, $34 million in damaged property resulted from fireworks-related fires

So play it safe and leave the colorful explosions to the professionals.  You can learn more about firework safety here

HAPPY FOURTH!

Source: USPCSC Fireworks Factsheet 6/26/12

Roger Miller, MD (OSU Student Health Services)

Taking a Drive? Take a Nap!

Obey the sign

Did you know that being awake for more than 20 hours results in an impairment equal to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08, the legal limit in all states? Not only does drowsiness impair reactions times just like alcohol and drugs, it also impairs judgment and performance.

It is a goal of the National Sleep Foundation to help promote awareness of “drowsy driving.” The National Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 100,000 police reported crashes each year are caused primarily by drowsy driving. With more than 1,550 deaths, 71,000 injuries and $12.5 billion in monetary losses, the consequences of drowsy driving can be life altering.

To help make the roads a safer place, here are some important driving dos and don’ts:

Don’t

  • Drive if you are tired or on medication that may cause drowsiness.
  • Rely on the radio, an open window or other tricks to keep you awake.
  • Drive at times when you would normally be sleeping.
  • Drink even a small amount of alcohol, especially if you are sleepy.

Do

  • Get a good night’s sleep before a long drive.
  • Get off the road if you notice any of the warning signs of fatigue.
  • Take a nap – find a safe place to take a 15 to 20-minute nap.
  • Consume caffeine – the equivalent of 2 cups of coffee can increase alertness for several hours, but DO NOT rely on it for long periods.
  • Try consuming caffeine before taking a short nap to get the benefits of both.
  • Drive with a friend. A passenger who remains awake can help watch for signs of fatigue in the driver and can take a turn driving, if necessary.
  • Always wear your seatbelt.

Check out these websites for more information about Drowsy Driving (www.DrowsyDriving.org) or to learn about the National Sleep Foundation (www.sleepfoundation.org).

HEY YOU!  WAKE UP AND STAY ON YOUR SIDE OF THE ROAD!!

Meredith Greene
Student Health Services
The Ohio State University

Roger Miller, MD
Student Health Services
The Ohio State University

Here, help me light this….

PDPhoto.org

July 4th.

Parades…..Picnics…..Flags……Fireworks.  We all have different traditions around holidays, but fireworks and the Fourth of July go together for most people in the United States.

As we prepare for the weekend festivities surrounding Independence Day, some thoughts about safety and fireworks:

  • Nearly 10,000 people are treated in emergency departments EVERY YEAR for fireworks-related injuries – most are children
  • 5% of these are hospitalized
  • In 2007, about 3000 injuries were caused by firecrackers, sparklers, and rockets – the most common fireworks purchased by nonprofessionals
  • Most commonly sites of injury are hands, eyes, head, face, and ears
  • Most fireworks displays are safe for handlers and observers when done by professionals
  • Most home fireworks are illegal under various local, state, and federal laws
  • In 2006, $34 million in damaged property resulted from fireworks-related fires

So play it safe and leave the colorful explosions to the professionals.  You can learn more about firework safety here

HAPPY FOURTH!

Source: CDC Fireworks Factsheet 6/25/10

Roger Miller, MD (SHS Preventive Medicine)