Summer Insect Bites, Infections, and Rashes

Those pesky bites can really itch so take hydrocortisone 1% (non-prescription) with you on vacation.  Or if you really react, ask your doctor for a strong steroid cream like betamethasone to use for a few days. Peppermint oil extract may be helpful and baking soda helps for stings as well.

Also, needed in your skin vacation kit……….benadryl (non-prescription) for allergic reactions, and an epi pen if you are truly allergic to bees, etc.    Also take a bland skin cream like CeraVe for dry skin or sunburns, Advil or Aleve for sunburns (start right away).

Infections can occur especially after bites or cuts, so take Polysporin or ask your doctor for a prescription for generic mupirocin ointment (stronger) to use with an assortment of band-aids.  If athlete’s foot is a problem, take terbinafine (Lamisil) which is non-prescription.   Taking some of the above can save a lot of discomfort on a vacation!

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

  • All our content is written and researched by myself.
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