Frozen or lazing down version, the holidays bring their share of small hassles. Among the most predictable: bruises, insect or plant bites or even muscle pain or aches linked to a sporting practice or an unusual physical exercise.
Various solutions, drugs or not, can be recommended in curative or on the occasion of the preparation of the pharmacy kit of the holidays, in addition to the essential dressings, antiseptic, analgesic and topical against sunburns.
Hits, blue and bumps
The cold. The application of a cold pocket for about fifteen minutes is the first gesture recommended to limit the formation of edema and soothe pain. Practical, instant -formed single -use cold compresses (Nexcare Coldhot Cold Instant, Tensocold Pack …) easily slip into a bag and allow you to act quickly.
L’Arnica. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory, arnica is traditionally used in local application to relieve bruises in particular, this use being recognized by the WHO. In case of punctual trauma, creams (Arnican cream 4 %, Arnica Weleda cream …) or gels (Arnicagel, Arnigel, Natural Arnica Geling Lehning, Baby Gifrer’s Arnica Gel …) are more appropriate than oils more suitable for massage (Actikiné, Dayang, Puressentiel …).
In practice: from 1 year generally depending on the formulas. Allergies are possible.
Local anti-inflammatory drugs. Topics based on anti-inflammatory agents also have an indication for relieving bruises and bumps: salicylic acid associated with analgesic and/or revulsive components (resorcinol, also analgesic and antiinflammatory, veratrol and levomenthol) in the Synthol or Gel solution, from 7 years; Polysulfate pentosan (also anticoagulant) in Hemoclar, from 1 year; Magnesium sulfate (associated with lidocaine in Osmogel, from 15 years old)…
In practice: the synthol solution is used pure, in friction, or diluted at 50 % on an applied compress 30 to 60 minutes. The other references apply 2 to 3 times a day in very light massage. No use in the event of convulsion history for Synthol drugs.
Insect bites
Plants (Calendula, lemon balm, etc.) or soothing essential oils (lavender, mint, chamomile, etc.) quickly calm localized itching linked to mosquito or plant bites. The rollerblading is a practical nomadic version: Roll’on soothing Mousti Ko, Roller after-piqûres Aromapic de Pranarôm, five out of five soothing roll-on, dapis Boiron stick, insect screen after -piqûres … In the event of a more annoying reaction, an antihistamine can be preferable (Phenergan, Sedermyl…) possibly associated with lidocaïine (onctose…).
In practice: avoid sun exposure after application.
Corticosteroids. If the reaction is more important, a local corticosteroid soothes the inflammatory reaction and in particular the edema linked to the sting of wasp, bees or marine animals: alone (cortapaisyl, dermofenac …) or associated with an antihistamine and lidocaine (hydrocortisone onctose …). The application of the Synthol solution, with anti -inflammatory and analgesic properties, is another option.
In practice: withdraw the dart if necessary (a mini-pump type aspivenin can be useful) and disinfect before the topical application.
What about heated patches?
By promoting local blood circulation thanks to a vasodilator effect (which optimizes oxygenation and evacuation of toxins) and by inducing the relaxation of muscles and tissues, the heat brings well-being and a rapid analgesic effect.
In practice. Diffusing a gentle and continuous heat, the heated patches act approximately 8 hours. They are based on calorific agents (iron, water, activated charcoal) such as myocalm, phytosun arôms, syntholkiné, thermacare, urgo … or plant components (capsaicin, camphor … sometimes associated with vanillyl-noise) like the Saint Bernard stall. Gaulthery patch (with hot/cold effect) … not diversionable, the first can apply on clothes if the feeling of heat is felt too strongly. Those with plants can be cut.
Precautions? Not before 12 or 15 years old generally. Avoid tight clothes above the patch and a night port (risk of burns). Beware of possible irritations or allergies with essential oils, which are also contraindicated in the event of pregnancy or a history of convulsion.
