Jul 2, 2008 11:11 am US/Eastern
CBS 2 Tips: Natural Remedies For Summer Troubles
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Sometimes summer fun brings on unexpected problems. But parents can be prepared just by keeping a few "natural remedies" handy.
Mindy Apple knows her children's summer fun can bring ailments. It seems she's always trying to make things "feel better."
"I just recently kind of got our pool bag ready and I made sure I put some band-aids and some bug sprays," she says.
Packing a couple other "odds and ends" may also help with the season's aches and pains. Dr. Hilary McClafferty, an Integrative Medicine Specialist for the American Academy of Pediatrics, says there are lots of things parents can try at home that they may never have considered.
For instance, if there is water in the ear, a hair dryer on low heat held a foot away can help. "You can gently dry out the moist areas before infection sets up," Dr. McClafferty suggests.
For bug bites with stingers, use a credit card to gently scrape the stinger out. A tweezer may break it off into the skin.
Also, try cucumbers or baking soda to ease any swelling. "When mixed into a simple past with a few drops of water and then placed on the bug bite can help soothe the inflammatory response," says Dr. McClafferty.
Duct tape on a wart will work wonders as well. It irritates the water, causing an immune system reaction that attacks the growth. Change the tape weekly for about a month and a half. "I know this sounds really strange but it's very effective," Dr. McClafferty says.
If your child is prone to carsickness, pack some chewing gum. "That can help the digestive track flow in the proper direction," says Dr. McClafferty.
Apple says she is willing to try any of these remedies to keep her kids smiling all summer. "I would definitely be willing to try it," she says.
There are also quick fix tips you should not try. When it comes to burns, heavy gauze dressings should be avoided. Also, thick salves, like Vaseline, can trap in the heat, making the burn more severe. Another important tip is to avoid the use of rubbing alcohol to cool the skin. Experts warn it can be soaked into the pores and possibly cause alcohol poisoning.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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