Treating common summer ailments: tick bites, sunburn, jellyfish stings

From sunburn and swimmer's ear to poison ivy and bug bites – it's all part of summer and spending time outside.

CVS Minute Clinic nurse practitioner Krystle Reddout was on Houston's Morning Show to share tips on treating common summer ailments.

Tick bites

• Use tweezers and pull it straight out from the head instead of the swollen belly
• Nail polish, petroleum jelly or heat will not help
• Wash the site with alcohol or soap and water
• Keep an eye on the area. If after a couple weeks you see an expanding ring around it or develop a fever, see a doctor.

Jellyfish sting

• If it's the common variety we see in the Gulf, use seawater to flush and cleanse the wound
• Urine and meat tenderizer are not effective and may cause more pain
• Use antibiotic ointment and a light bandage

Poison ivy, oak or sumac

• Flush exposed areas ASAP with water. Do not scrub.
• Carefully remove clothing while avoiding skin contact
• Rash can develop in four hours to four days and last two to three weeks
• Calamine lotion or borrows solution to treat rash
• Cold, wet compresses or oatmeal baths to relieve itching
• Antihistamines and OTC hydrocortisone creams do not help itching

Swimmer's ear

• Dry ears with a towel after swimming
• Tilt head to allow water to drain
• OTC treatments promote drying and prevent bacteria growth
• Or you can make your own: half rubbing alcohol, half white vinegar; Squirt a few drops into the ear, let sit for a few minutes, drain it by tilting head to the side

Sunburn

• Cold, damp compress
• Apply aloe vera
• Take ibuprofen or another pain reliever
• Drink plenty of water
• Leave blisters alone
• If you feel dizzy, sick, or you think you have a really bad burn, see a doctor