Oooh, Burn! Summer Myths Busted

Urine, or things like vinegar or alcohol, can make skin hurt even more. Use plain hot water and a pain reliever like lidocaine to numb the area. Saltwater also works. To avoid getting stung, keep an eye out for jellyfish while you’re swimming and on the beach. Even a dead one can sting you if you step on it.

Garlic wards off vampires in the movies, but there’s no proof it keeps real-life bloodsuckers at bay. Eating bananas, onions, or other foods won’t do the trick either. Use bug spray and wear pants and long sleeves when you’re outside to protect yourself.

Nope, not even if you touch someone’s ivy-inflicted skin. You get an allergic reaction by touching the sticky oil that oozes from the plant itself. You’ll have an itchy, blistery rash that looks like streaks or lines.The saying about poison ivy goes, “Leaves of three, let them be” -- so watch out for plants with three-leaf clusters.

Turns out mom was wrong. You don’t need to wait a specific amount of time before going back in the water. You should be fine to swim after a small meal or snack. Use common sense, though. If you jump back in after a big meal, you could get cramps or heartburn. 

The milk makes a film that will ease the discomfort. And the coolness will dial down the hot feeling. Next time you go outside, cover up, use sunscreen, or head into the shade. And remember: Even a tan means your skin is unhappy.

Sharks don’t usually hunt people. When they do, it’s often because they mistake us for sea turtles or other prey. But the reality is, more people die each year from accidents involving Christmas lights than shark attacks. Still, if they’ve been spotted in the water, stay away. And don’t take a dip in the ocean early in the morning, at dusk, or at night. That’s when they tend to look for food.

If water stays in too long after a swim, you could get an ear infection. Tilt your head so it can run out. You can also pull your earlobe gently in different directions to drain the liquid. If that doesn’t work, use a blow dryer. Put it on the lowest heat and speed, and hold it a few inches away from your head. To keep water out in the first place, wear ear plugs or a swim cap.

You can’t blame your sniffles and sneezes on going from outdoor heat to indoor chill. Colds are caused by viruses, not by changes in the temperature. So just wash your hands often and stay away from sick people to help keep yourself healthy.

Yes, chlorine kills some germs, but it won’t get rid of everything -- and it doesn’t work right away. So shower off before and after you take a dip. And try not to swallow the water, since it could make you sick if it has sweat, pee, or other yucky stuff in it. Also, stay out of the pool if you have diarrhea.

Protect your peepers when you go outside, because too much sun can make them red, painful, and sensitive to light. They may also tear up a lot and feel like there’s dirt in them. Wear sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection and a wide-brimmed hat or cap to shield your face.