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Effective First Aid and Warnings
Effective First Aid and Warnings
Below we present the most common holiday-related issues and how to manage them quickly and correctly – reliably and in line with official health recommendations.
Insect Stings (Wasps, Bees, Mosquitoes, Horseflies)
Insect Stings (Wasps, Bees, Mosquitoes, Horseflies)
Symptoms: Pain, swelling, itching, redness. In some cases, allergic reactions such as hives, facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or dizziness.
First Aid:
First Aid:
Remove the stinger if present (from a bee sting) using the edge of a card or your fingernail – never squeeze with tweezers, as this can release more venom.
Apply heat immediately – local heating to 50 °C for 3–10 minutes (e.g., with a heated spoon, bite relief device, or warm water) can reduce itching and allergic reactions, especially for mosquito, flea, or bedbug bites.
(Heated Spoon Method – BMJ, 2001)Then cool the area to reduce swelling and pain – apply a cold compress for 10–15 minutes.
Use an antihistamine (e.g., loratadine or cetirizine) as tablets or cream. Hydrocortisone 1% cream helps reduce local inflammation.
Do not scratch! Scratching increases the risk of infection.
When Does Heat Help?
When Does Heat Help?
Mosquitoes, fleas, bedbugs, horseflies: Their saliva contains heat-sensitive proteins → heat application is effective.
Bees and wasps: Mainly mechanical injury + venom → cooling is preferred; heat helps only slightly with itching.
See a Doctor If:
See a Doctor If:
Signs of anaphylaxis (difficulty breathing, facial swelling, dizziness) → call emergency services immediately.
The reaction spreads, lasts more than 48 hours, or involves multiple stings.
If the sting is in the eye, mouth, or throat → seek urgent medical attention.
Sources:
Sources:
🔗 NHS UK – Insect bites and stings (jasna priporočila za zdravljenje in znake zapletov)
🔗 CDC – Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites (ameriški center za nadzor bolezni – zaščita in ukrepi)
🔗 DermNet NZ – Insect bites and stings (zelo podrobno, z medicinskimi slikami)
🔗 BMJ Rapid Response – Heated Spoon Method for Insect Bites (opis učinkov termične obravnave pri komarjih – klinični komentar)
Jellyfish Stings
Jellyfish Stings
Symptoms: Burning pain, red or purple lines, blisters, itching. In some cases: nausea, headache, muscle cramps.
First Aid:
First Aid:
Remove remaining tentacles with tweezers or a card – never use bare hands.
Rinse the area with salt (sea) water, not fresh water (fresh water triggers further toxin release).
Apply 5% vinegar to neutralize toxins – effective for most Mediterranean jellyfish species.
If vinegar is not available, soak the area in warm water (~45 °C) for 20 minutes to reduce pain.
Use antihistamines or soothing creams to relieve itching.
Consult a doctor if:
Consult a doctor if:
Systemic symptoms appear (vomiting, breathing difficulties, fainting).
A large area of the body or the face is affected.
Sources
Sources
Sea Urchins
Sea Urchins
Symptoms: Sharp pain, swelling, tenderness when walking, risk of infection.
First Aid:
First Aid:
Do not forcibly remove deeply embedded spines.
Soak the affected foot in warm water mixed with vinegar (1:1) to gradually dissolve the calcium-based spines.
Disinfect the wound (e.g., with Octenisept or similar antiseptic).
Watch for signs of infection – redness, pus, or fever are warning signs.
Consult a doctor if:
Consult a doctor if:
You are unable to remove the spines.
Inflammation develops or pain persists for more than 2 days.
Source:
Source:
Sunburn
Sunburn
Symptoms: Red, painful skin, tenderness, fever, chills; in more severe cases, blisters or dehydration.
First Aid:
First Aid:
Move to the shade; apply a cool shower or cold compresses.
Apply aloe vera gel or dexpanthenol cream (e.g., Bepanthen) to soothe the skin.
Drink plenty of water – hydration speeds up recovery.
Wear light clothing and rest.
Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce pain or fever.
Consult a doctor if:
Consult a doctor if:
A large area of skin is affected, or symptoms include nausea, chills, or dizziness.
In young children, infants, or elderly, seek medical help immediately for more severe burns.
Sources:
Sources:
Scrapes and Abrasions
Scrapes and Abrasions
Symptoms: Broken skin, minor bleeding, sometimes dirt or sand in the wound.
First Aid:
First Aid:
Rinse the wound thoroughly with clean water or saline solution.
Remove debris (e.g., sand) with sterile gauze.
Disinfect the area (e.g., with Octenisept or povidone-iodine).
Cover with a bandage or sterile gauze.
Monitor the wound for signs of infection (redness, pus, warmth).
Sources:
Sources:
Infections (Ears, Eyes, Urinary Tract)
Infections (Ears, Eyes, Urinary Tract)
Symptoms:
Ear: pain, discharge, hearing loss → outer ear infection (swimmer’s ear)
Eyes: redness, gritty sensation, tearing
Urinary tract: burning during urination, frequency, discomfort
First Aid:
First Aid:
Ear: dry the ear after swimming, use non-alcoholic cleansing drops, avoid touching.
Eyes: use artificial tears or saline solution.
Urinary tract: increase fluid intake, avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Consult a doctor if:
Consult a doctor if:
Symptoms last more than 1–2 days.
Pus, fever, or severe pain appears.
Sources:
Sources:
Heat Illness (Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke)
Heat Illness (Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke)
What is it? Overheating of the body due to prolonged sun exposure or physical activity in high temperatures.
Symptoms:
Symptoms:
Exhaustion: headache, dizziness, sweating, nausea
Stroke: dry skin, high body temperature (above 40 °C), confusion, loss of consciousness
First Aid:
First Aid:
Move the person immediately to the shade or a cool environment.
Cool the body with cold compresses, a shower, fan, and change into light, dry clothing.
If conscious, lay the person in a semi-reclined position.
Offer cool (not ice-cold) water if there is no nausea.
Measure body temperature if a thermometer is available.
Consult a doctor if:
Consult a doctor if:
The person is not drinking, is vomiting, confused, or has a high fever.
Sources:
Sources:
Prevention Tips:
Prevention Tips:
Avoid sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Wear a hat and sunglasses.
Use sunscreen and light, breathable clothing.
Drink water regularly, not just when you're thirsty.
Pay special attention to children, infants, the elderly, and those with cardiovascular conditions.
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