Summer is the best time for kids to go to the beach, soak in the sun and take vacations. With so much going on, minor wounds and injuries are often inevitable while playing. Extreme heat can also cause dehydration and heat cramps. Overcome all these summer woes by learning natural and home remedies for first aid. 

Antibacterial Ointment for Scrapes, Cuts and Wounds

It’s natural for kids to be clumsy. Sometimes, they won’t even complain about small scrapes, cuts, and wounds or think twice about falling down. When the weather is great, having fun is the only thing on their minds. 

Unless the cuts or wounds are deep and need medical attention, you can treat minor injuries at home with antibacterial ointment. The goal of first aid is to prevent infection. Here’s what you should do: 

1. Clean the wounded area with water and soap.
2. Rinse well to remove debris or small particles sticking to the wound.
3. Apply antibacterial ointment. 
4. Cover it with a clean bandage.
5. Change the bandage daily. 

Check for signs of infections as the wound heals. Visit your doctor if you see pus, soft scab, swelling, and other indications of infections.

Aloe Vera Gel or Lavender for Minor Burns

Kids often forget the time when they play, and you find red spots of sunburn on their cheeks, nose, and around their faces when they arrive home.

Lavender oil and aloe vera kill bacteria, reduce inflammation and promote healing. They’re the best natural remedies for sunburn and minor burns. You can also purchase them at a grocery store. Here are the steps to treat sunburn:

1. Run the affected area in cool water for a few minutes.
2. Clean with soap and water.
3. Dry the area with a towel.
4. Apply a layer of aloe vera gel or lavender oil to the sunburn to relieve pain.

It only takes 15 minutes for the sun to cause skin damage. Hence, it’s crucial to stay protected with sunscreen. In the case of sunburn, immediate treatment is necessary to reduce further skin problems. If it causes blisters and extreme pain, visit your doctor.

Water and Baking Soda for Insect Sting

Stings from bees, ticks, fire ants, and mosquitoes are common during summer. Fortunately, you can cure insect bites at home. If your kids get stung by a bee, apply first aid by following these steps:

1. Wash the affected area using soap and water.
2. Prevent your child from scratching the stung area to prevent infection. 
3. Apply ice to lessen swelling and pain.
4. Create a treatment paste by mixing an aluminum-free baking soda with water. 
5. Apply the paste to the affected area and leave for several minutes to reduce itching.

Observe allergic reactions, such as coughing, sweating, and breathing problems associated with insect stings. Call 911 immediately if you notice any serious symptoms. 

In addition to bees, watch out for ticks, as they can be dangerous. Bites from some types, like deer and wood ticks, carry germs that can cause Lyme disease. You can safely remove a tick from your little one by using tweezers to grab and pull it away from the skin. Wash your hands and disinfect the skin using an alcohol swab. Contact your doctor if your child starts displaying flu or allergy-like symptoms. 

Antihistamine for Mild Allergy

Antihistamines should be a staple in your first aid kit since you never know when you’ll need them. As kids enjoy the outdoors, insect bites, pollens, and certain ingredients in their snacks can sneak up on you and cause allergic reactions. With meds on hand, you can relieve their symptoms right away. 

Grasses and weeds can also trigger summer allergies, leading to sneezing or sniffling. 

Over-the-counter antihistamines are your best bet in stopping a runny and itchy nose. Although they’re generally safe for children, refer to your doctor’s health advice.

Ginger, Peppermint, or Chamomile Tea for Nausea

Active kids exposed to the sun may get dehydrated and dizzy. Limit the kids’ playtime when the sun isn’t too hot. Move them indoors during breaks and replenish their body’s fluids with water and healthy beverages. 

If they feel nauseous, brew a ginger, peppermint, or chamomile tea and let them drink it. These plants contain substances that relax and calm stomach muscles and remedy nausea. It’s a bonus you can always find them in the kitchen. 

Tweezer and Needle for Splinter

Kids are prone to splinters since they love to touch everything with their hands. Thankfully, removing a tiny piece of wood with a tweezer and a needle is easy. Here are some tricks to take a small splinter out:

1. Wash your kid’s hands with soap and tap water. 
2. Find a tweezer and a needle and dip the tips in boiling water to sterilize them. 
3. Dry the tips with an alcohol pad. 
4. Use the tweezer to pull the end of the splinter.
5. If you can’t grab the end, use the needle to scrape some skin away until you can grab the splinter.
6. Wash the affected area again to prevent infection. 

 Splinters are usually treated at home, but if it’s too deep or bleeding significantly, see your doctor. 

Sports Drinks

Kids usually only drink water when you remind them to, making them more susceptible to heat cramps. These are involuntary muscle spasms caused by dehydration and excessive sweating. 

Rest and an electrolyte-containing sports drink can solve the problem. When you suspect your kids may have heat cramps, move them indoors to cool down and let them drink a sports drink to replenish the lost electrolytes and fluids. They should feel better after a few hours. If not, seek professional medical help. 

Treat Summer Injuries and Ailments Naturally at Home

Enjoy the outdoors without worries by learning to apply natural first aid to insect bites, burns, allergies, and heat cramps. Audit your aid kit and ensure its contents have common home remedies for summer injuries. 

Share other natural remedies for summer injuries in the comments below.