There's nothing like an injury in the backcountry to ruin a good summertime adventure. As outdoor enthusiasts know, minor injuries are easy to come by and can include anything from strained muscles, campfire burns, poison ivy rashes, twisted ankles, sunburns, various cuts and scrapes, and the list goes on. And while these may not seem like a big deal on paper, they have a way of crushing the fun.
The non-profit Wilderness Awareness School puts the most common injuries into two categories:
- Accidents, ranging from cuts and rolled ankles
- Environmental mishaps, such as sunburns, hypothermia, and insect bites
When these types of things occur, some valuable natural remedies can help ease the pain and speed up recovery times. If you run into trouble, here are some prevention tips and natural remedies:
Sunburn
Prevention: Stay covered up with big hats, light, long-sleeved clothing, and zinc, mineral-based UVA/UVB sun lotions
Treatment: Aloe Vera gel soothes burns, and a brief soak in cold water, such as a stream, can help stop the burning process.
Sunstroke/Dehydration
Prevention: Sunstroke is caused by a rapid decline in sodium and potassium and blood sugar, so it's important to stay hydrated and well-fueled.
Treatment: Replace those three vital nutrients fast. Try dried apples and raisins for potassium, water and electrolyte powder if available.
Blisters
Prevention: Make sure boots fit properly and are somewhat worn in before hiking long distances.
Treatment: Right when the area starts to feel hot, put a piece of duct tape on it to act as a barrier (this can be removed at home with rubbing alcohol).
Sprains & Strains
Prevention: Wear good boots, start slowly, stay hydrated, make sure you are in adequate shape, and use trekking poles for better balance.
Treatment: Soak a sprained wrist or ankle in a cold stream or ice it for 10 minutes every two to four hours. Arnica pellets can reduce swelling and soreness and speed up healing.
Bug Bites
Prevention: Wear lightweight breathable clothing, and in places where Lyme disease is prevalent, tuck pants into your socks.
Treatment: The essential oil ledum can soothe the itching, and tea tree oil as an antifungal and antibacterial element (diluted by adding one drop to some lotion or cooking oil) if the skin is broken.
Plant-Caused Rashes
Prevention: Wear light, long-sleeved clothing with pant legs tucked into socks.
Treatment: Aloe Vera helps soothe itchiness and covering the rash in mud or a paste of baking soda and water will help dry it out.
For all of your questions, call or contact Wilson, Timmons & Wallerstein, Inc. today.