As beautiful as Hawaii's beaches are, visitors can come away with more than just a tan. Too much sun, too little water and not enough knowledge about local sea life can painfully halt plans for a dream vacation. Here are some tips to help beach goers avoid trouble in paradise.

Sunburn Prevention Avoid direct sun 10:00 a.m. - 3 p.m. Apply sunscreen before sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming. Treatment Take a cool bath and apply aloe lotion to alleviate pain and itching. Drink lots of fluids, but take a pass on the Mai Tai or iced coffee. Beverages with caffeine or alcohol will cause further dehydration. Call the Urgent Care Clinic of Waikiki - If sunburn is severe. Jellyfish sting

Prevention Stay out of the ocean if warning signs are posted. Treatment If stung, see the lifeguard on the beach. Ice packs and antihistamines, such as Benadryl, may relieve pain and itching. Call the Urgent Care Clinic of Waikiki If you have multiple stings, severe pain or an allergic reaction.

Portuguese Man-of-War sting Prevention Pay attention to lifeguards and warning signs on the beach. Treatment See the lifeguard on the beach. Don't rub the area. Instead, wash it gently with alcohol. Apply a meat tenderizer paste for 10 to 15 minutes. Call the Urgent Care Clinic of Waikiki If you have hives that are widespread or there is any problem with breathing.

Coral cuts
	Treatment See the lifeguard on the beach.Wash out the coral with fresh water and soap within the first hour of injury. Call the Urgent Care Clinic of Waikiki To help prevent infection. Coral cuts may look small, but they can easily become infected under the skin.

Heat exhaustion/heat stroke and dehydration Prevention Avoid direct sun by wearing a hat. Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily if you are active in hot weather. Call the Urgent Care Clinic of Waikiki If you experience fatigue, weakness, dizziness, nausea or cool, flushed skin.

Sea urchin spines Treatment See the lifeguard on the beach.To destroy the toxin and relieve pain, soak the injured area in hot water or vinegar for 10-15 minutes. Call the Urgent Care Clinic of Waikiki If large spines are still in the wound. Large spines, the size of pencil lead, should be removed by a physician. Small spines, the size of a fine sewing needle, are readily dissolved by the body in two to three weeks.

For all your medical needs on Oahu
Urgent Care Clinic of Waikiki
Open every day, 8 :30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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