Poison Ivy and Tick Care in Maryland

Outdoor adventures can be exceptionally fun, but it also means exposure to poison ivy, ticks, and more. Here are some of the most common summer ailments and tips for how to deal with poison ivy and tick care in Maryland.

Sunburns

Sunburn is likely the most common problem that arises from outdoor time. Its easy to forget how quickly a sunburn can happen, or that it can happen even on cloudy days. To help prevent sunburn, wear sunscreen on all exposed areas of the body. Be sure to reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating. Speak to your doctor if you experience severe sunburn.

Bug Bites

There are so many bugs and insects that can cause skin issues. Bug bites are a nuisance that cause redness, swelling, itching, tenderness, rashes, and potential chronic illness. To avoid bug and insect bites, you should:

·         Avoid brushy areas or areas with high grass

·         Use insect repellent

·         Wear long pants and long sleeves

·         Tuck your pant legs into your socks

If you are bitten and experience swelling, a cold compress can alleviate pain and swelling. For itchy bites, calamine lotion or an antihistamine are beneficial.

Tick Care in Maryland

There are few things worse than a creepy crawly that feeds on your blood. If you experience a tick bite, there are a few important steps you need to take. First, if the tick is still attached, carefully remove it. Use tweezers to grab the tick as close to the skin as possible and gently pull it out in a slow, steady upward motion.

Save the tick if you can since you may need to show it to your doctor. Tick bites come with the risk of Lyme disease. Once the tick is removed, wash the area and your hands with warm soapy water.

Poison Ivy

Contact with poison ivy can result in a serious rash that lasts for weeks. This red, raised, swollen rash causes intense itching. If you get a poison ivy rash, topical treatments like calamine lotion, oatmeal baths, or cool wet compresses may help. If you are concerned about infection or intense itching and pain, call your doctor.

Poison Ivy and Tick Care in Maryland

If you need to speak to  a doctor about poison ivy and tick care in Maryland, please contact Bowie Internal Medicine Association today.