I’m an ER doctor – these are my do’s and don’ts for holiday illnesses and animal attacks, from why you should NEVER put urine on a jellyfish sting to the best ointments for sunburn

In the emergency room, Dr. Jordan Wagner, also known as Doctor ER, treats everything from gunshot trauma to burns.

He also answers health-related questions on his social media channels including TikTok, Instagram And YouTube.

Here, Dr Wagner turns to the topic of staying healthy on holiday, revealing to the Mail his do’s and don’ts in treating illness and animal bites and stings, from why you should never put urine on a jellyfish sting to one of the best ointments. for the treatment of sunburn.

He also shares top tips for dealing with food poisoning, dehydration and frostbite.

Sunburn

Doing

Dr. Wagner says, “Apply aloe vera or a soothing lotion to the affected area. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. And take over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce inflammation and discomfort.”

Do not

Dr. Wagner says, “Don’t pill or pick at sunburned skin or apply petroleum-based products, as these can trap heat and worsen the burn.” And don’t ignore serious symptoms such as blistering, fever or chills, which may require medical attention.”

Sunstroke

Doing

Dr. Wagner says, “Remove excess clothing and apply cool, wet cloths to the skin. Do offer sips of water if the person is conscious and able to swallow – and seek emergency medical attention if symptoms worsen or the person loses consciousness.”

Do not

Dr. Wagner says, “Do not give the person fluids if they are unconscious or unable to swallow. Do not use ice or ice cold water to cool down, as this can constrict blood vessels and hinder heat dissipation. And don’t wait too long to seek medical help, as heat stroke can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.’

Food poisoning

Doing

Dr. Wagner says, “Stay hydrated by drinking clear fluids such as water or electrolyte solutions. Eat mild, easily digestible foods such as crackers, rice or bananas once the vomiting and diarrhea have stopped.

“And seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen, especially in cases of severe dehydration or bloody diarrhea.”

Do not

Dr. Wagner says, “Avoid dairy, spicy, or fatty foods that can further upset the stomach. Do not use anti-diarrheal medications without consulting a doctor. And to avoid spreading the disease, do not handle or prepare food for others until you have fully recovered.”

Stung by a jellyfishH

Doing

Dr. Wagner says, “Rinse the affected area with vinegar to neutralize the poison. Remove any tentacles with tweezers, taking care to avoid direct contact with the skin. And seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or if the sting covers a large part of the body.”

Do not

Dr. Wagner says, ‘Do not rinse the area with fresh water as this can activate any remaining poison. Do not use alcohol or urine to rinse the stinger as these can worsen the injury. And don’t ignore the signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips or throat.’

Bitten by a poisonous spider, snake, centipede or scorpion

Doing

Dr. Wagner says, “Keep the bitten area immobilized and at or below heart level to slow the spread of venom. Clean the wound with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection and apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling and pain.

“And seek medical attention immediately, especially if the bite is from a venomous snake or spider. It is important to note that not all hospitals or medical facilities carry antivenom, but they can refer you to the nearest facility that does.”

Do not

Dr. Wagner says, ‘Don’t try to suck out venom or make incisions near the bite site, as this can worsen tissue damage.

‘Do not apply a tourniquet or pinch band over the bite as this can trap venom in the affected area. And don’t delay seeking medical help, even if the symptoms are mild. Venomous bites can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.”

Wasp stings

Doing

Dr. Wagner says, “Remove the stinger by scraping it off with a credit card or blunt object, being careful not to squeeze it. Wash the affected area with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection and apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth to relieve pain and swelling. Take over-the-counter antihistamines or pain relievers if necessary.”

Do not

Dr. Wagner says, ‘Do not use tweezers to remove the stinger as it can force more venom into the wound. Do not scratch or rub the affected area as this can increase inflammation and discomfort. And don’t ignore the signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or throat. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.’

Dehydration

Doing

Dr. Wagner says, “Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes. Rest in a cool, shady place to prevent further fluid loss through sweating. Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or if dehydration persists despite attempts to rehydrate.”

Do not

Dr. Wagner says, ‘Don’t consume alcoholic or caffeinated drinks, as they can increase urine production and worsen dehydration. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink fluids, as thirst is a late sign of dehydration. Don’t ignore the symptoms of dehydration, such as dry mouth, dark urine, or dizziness.’

Freezing

Doing

Dr. Wagner says, ‘Immerse the affected area in warm (not hot) water or apply warm compresses to gradually rewarm the tissue. If possible, elevate the affected area to reduce swelling. And seek medical attention for severe frostbite or if the skin looks white, numb, or waxy.”

Do not

Dr. Wagner says, ‘Do not use direct heat sources such as a heating pad or fire to rewarm the skin as this can cause burns. Do not massage or manipulate the affected area as this may increase tissue damage. And don’t ignore the signs of hypothermia or shock. These may be associated with severe frostbite and require immediate medical attention.”

Hypothermia

Doing

Dr. Wagner says, “Go to a warm, dry area and remove wet clothing. Wrap the person in blankets or warm clothing and give warm drinks if he or she is conscious and able to swallow. And monitor breathing and pulse and seek medical attention if necessary.’

Do not

Dr. Wagner says, ‘Don’t try to warm the person up too quickly, as this could cause shock or cardiac arrest. And don’t rub or massage the person’s limbs, as this can cause further tissue damage. Also, do not give the person alcohol, caffeine, or tobacco, as these can worsen hypothermia.”

Bite from a wild animal

Doing

Dr. Wagner says, “Clean the wound with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection. Apply an antiseptic cream or ointment to the wound and cover it with a sterile bandage. And seek medical attention for proper wound assessment and possible vaccination against rabies or immunoglobulins, especially if the animal is unknown or suspected of being a carrier of rabies.’

Do not

Dr. Wagner says, “Don’t ignore the bite wound, even if it seems small, as wild animal bites can lead to serious infections or diseases such as rabies. Do not attempt to administer rabies vaccinations or treatments without medical supervision. And don’t wait to seek medical help, because quick treatment can prevent complications and guarantee good wound care.’

For more information from Doctor, visit ER www.youtube.com/@DoctorER, twitter.com/DoctorER And www.instagram.com/doctor.