Your Summer Medicine Cabinet Checklist
Summer is officially here! It’s the season of pool days, beach trips, hikes, and getaways that promises to deliver sun, sand, and feel-good vibes. That said, summer also comes with sunburns, allergies, and bug bites that can turn a bright day out into a bleh day in if you don’t protect yourself. So before you venture out, stock up your medicine cabinet with these must-haves (most of which we have on hand at the pharmacy!) to keep the good times rolling.
Sunscreen
Be sure to wear sunscreen whenever you venture outside, especially during peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Use at least SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen and be sure to cover all areas of exposed skin thoroughly, reapplying every two hours or more if you’re swimming or sweating. Water-resistant formulas are also available if you’re hitting the pool or beach!
Aloe Vera
If you do happen to get a sunburn, aloe vera is going to be your best friend! Available in gels, lotions, and balms, aloe is a natural remedy containing several compounds that combat sunburned skin, including aloin, which reduces redness, swelling, and pain; and polysaccharides, moisturizing agents that help hydrate and soothe.
Bug Spray
Mosquitos are no joke here in North Carolina—and depending on where you’re traveling to this summer, ticks can be an issue too. Wearing bug spray is crucial for preventing bites and tick-related diseases like Lyme. Stock up on bug repellent like DEET or Murphy’s Naturals, which is local to Raleigh and produced with quality ingredients.
Hydrocortisone Cream
If you do happen to get a bug bite or rash from poison ivy, you’ll want to have hydrocortisone cream on hand to relieve itching and inflammation. It’s also available in ointment, lotion, and solution forms, either over-the-counter or by prescription for strong formulas.
Allergy Medicine
Yes, allergies can hit during the summer months as well! These can be triggered by various allergens like grass and weed pollen, mold, and insect bites and stings, with symptoms ranging from sneezing and a runny or stuffy nose to itchy eyes and skin rashes. Fight these allergies by taking allergy medicine before heading outside, showering after spending time outdoors, washing your clothes, and keeping your windows and doors closed.
Bandages and Hydrogen Peroxide
During the summertime, kiddos are usually spending more time running around playing with friends outside, which can lead to scratches, wounds, and other minor injuries. Have bandages in various shapes and sizes, and hydrogen peroxide to easily help mend any wounds.
Stock Up for Summer at 501 Pharmacy
We want to ensure you have the best—and safest—summer yet! Swing by 501 Pharmacy before your next vacation or outdoor outing to ensure you have all these essentials on hand, no matter what the season may bring you.