little disasters

My heat rash is super itchy.

THE FIX: A heat rash occurs when sweat glands are blocked and perspiration gets trapped in the skin. First off, wear loose, breathable clothing, which allows sweat to evaporate, so the rash doesn’t worsen, says Rebecca Baxt, a dermatologist in New York City. Apply a 1 percent cortisone cream to the affected area two to three times a day until the rash is gone. To calm the itch, apply cool compresses and Sarna Sensitive Anti-Itch Lotion ($10, drugstore.com) multiple times a day. (Store the lotion in the refrigerator to make it extra soothing.) Joely Kaufman, a dermatologist in Miami, swears by Simple Soothing Facial Toner ($7 at drugstores), which can also be used on the body. It contains chamomile and witch hazel, says Kaufman.

My towels are stiff, even though I have soft water.

THE FIX: WASH TOWELS IN HOT WATER WITH ONLY THE RECOMMENDED AMOUNT OF DETERGENT, AND SKIP THE LIQUID FABRIC SOFTENER, SAYS MARY MARLOWE LEVERETTE, THE LAUNDRY EXPERT FOR ABOUT.COM; THE ROUGHNESS COULD BE FROM DETERGENT RESIDUE. STILL NOT SOFT? ADD A CUP OF DISTILLED WHITE VINEGAR TO THE RINSE CYCLE NEXT TIME. IT CAN BREAK DOWN LEFTOVER GUNK.

Andra Chantim

Peter Oumanski I’m recovering from an ear infection, but I’m flying tomorrow.

THE FIX: You need to follow a three-step remedy. An ear infection, along with the sudden change of pressure during a flight, can be painful because they both hinder proper drainage, says Darius Kohan, M.D., the chief of otology and neurotology at Lenox Hill Hospital, in New York City. He suggests: (1) If you have normal blood pressure, take a decongestant (like Sudafed) and use a spray (like Afrin) an hour before takeoff and six hours later, if you’re still in the air. (2) Before takeoff and during ascent and descent, wear earplugs designed to prevent pressure from building up quickly ($9, earplanes. com). (3) Chew gum during takeoff and landing. This will cause you to produce and swallow more saliva, opening the eustachian tubes in your ears that allow drainage.

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