Jeff wrote:
I went to the beach and got bad sunburn. Any tips for taking care of the burn to avoid skin cancer?

Dear Jeff,
The best way to avoid sunburn and skin cancer is to prevent it by applying SPF 15 lotion or better and wearing light clothing and even a hat. Stay out of the sun between 10 am and 2 pm when it is the most intense. Once skin burn has occurred avoid further sun exposure as it will increase the burn and pain. Take cool baths without bubbles, oils, etc. Cool compresses will also help. There is a burow solution that you can purchase at the drugstore but be sure to read the directions. I use an aloe gel at my school for students with sunburn and they say it is the best. If the pain is real bad a pain reliever such as aspirin or ibuprofen may be required. If you have blisters that pop an antibiotic ointment will help the skin heal. Some cases are severe enough to be seen by a physician so use your good judgement and go to the doctors if the sunburn does not improve in 2-3 days.
Nurselady

jennifer wrote:
I had my belly button pierced about 6 weeks ago. IT has stayed kinda red but doesn’t hurt. Now it hase like a small blister looking thing on the top and is swollen and red on one side of the bar. It kinda feels like a bruise when I touch it. It has NOTHING coming out of it. It doesn’t feel hot to the touch, it just looks kinda ugly. Nothing is rubbing up against it and I keep it clean. I also don’t fool with it to much. What can be causing this and how can I fix it?

Dear Jennifer,

You are not the first to have this problem. Did the professional that did your piercing give you aftercare instructions. I have read that most people feel cleaning the area with a mild antiseptic soap twice a day and using seasalt or saline soaks two to three times daily are the best way to go. If the area becomes swollen, warm to touch, has a bad odor or greenish discharge I would recommend a doctors evaluation. If it becomes irritated because of rubbing against your pants some type of cover should be applied during the day but leave it open to air as much as possible.

Hope this was helpful.
Nurselady

Kelsey wrote:
I Just Got My Belly Button Pierced A Week Ago And Around It A Rash Is StartingTo Form. Is It Infected? Can I Be Allergic To Bactine?

Dear Kelsey,
It sounds like a possble allergic reaction to something, possibly the bactine. Stop using the bactine for a while and see if it goes away. Wash with an antibacterial soap and keep the area dry. If it does not go away, becomes worse, or you develop symptoms like swelling, pus or foul odor see your physician.

Nurselady

Louise Witonsky wrote:
A child has been diagnosed with impetigo and prescribed with antibiotics. What exactly is impetigo? Can one get impetigo from playing in the soil? Most importantly, are there any other remedies besides antibiotics to cure it? Some over the counter or health food alternatives?

Dear Louise,
Impetigo is a bacterial infection caused by strept or staph and is very contagious. It usually occurs around the mouth or nose where skin irritation has already occurred. Over the counter antibiotic ointments will usually clear it up but sometimes oral antibiotics are needed. There is a post on this site titled Impetigo if you would like to read further.
Nurselady