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What to Put in a Summer First-Aid Kit, According to a Doctor

August 08, 2026

A summer first-aid kit should have more than just bandaids.

Between cuts, bug bites, swimmer’s ear and dehydration, warm weather can bring plenty of mishaps that call for supplies most pre-made kits leave out.

“Most people buy a pre-made kit and think that’s enough. But a lot of what sends people to urgent care in the summer could have been handled at home with a few extra items,” says Syed Hussain, MD, with Hartford HealthCare Medical Group.

So what should you add? Dr. Hussain breaks down the summer first-aid kit essentials worth keeping on hand.

1. Wound care basics are the foundation of any first aid kit

Wound care starts with the essentials. Wash the wound with soap and water first. Avoid applying peroxide or iodine directly to an open wound, as it can cause tissue irritation and sometimes necrosis (tissue damage). Then reach for adhesive bandages in multiple sizes, gauze pads, antibiotic ointment and butterfly strips.

Most pre-made kits stop at the first three. But butterfly strips are needed when there’s a cut that a regular bandage can’t hold.

“Gauze, antibiotic ointment and a good range of bandage sizes cover most of what you will see,” notes Dr. Hussain. “But butterfly strips are the one thing I always tell people to add. They close a wound tight enough to keep it from reopening until you can get it looked at.”

Be sure to also include saline solution or wipes, a pair of disposable gloves and tweezers for splinters and tick removal.

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2. A cold pack handles sprains and swelling

An instant cold pack is one of the most useful things you can keep in a first aid kit. The kind you shake or twist to activate works without ice or a freezer, which means it is ready to use anywhere and at any time.

“For a sprained ankle or wrist, hold it in place with an elastic bandage to keep the swelling down while you figure out next steps,” explains Dr. Hussain. He cautions against putting the ice pack directly on the skin to avoid ice burn.

Most minor sprains feel better after 20 minutes of cold and compression. If the pain is severe or you can’t put weight on it, have it looked at as soon as possible.

> Related: 3 Ways to Help Ease Swelling

3. The same products that treat sunburn also work on insect bites

Sunburn and insect bites are two of the most common summer complaints. A few of the same over-the-counter products help relieve both.

“Aloe vera gel and 1 percent hydrocortisone cream handle most sunburn and bite-related irritation,” adds Dr. Hussain. “Keep an oral antihistamine in there too. For a bigger reaction like a bee sting or poison ivy, it works faster and covers more ground than cream alone.”

Dr. Hussain also notes that oral antihistamines can cause drowsiness and advises patients to avoid driving or operating machinery after taking one.

Keeping travel-sized versions of each ensures that your kit stays light enough to take with you on the go.

4. Ear drops are a necessity for water activities

Most people don’t pack anything for their ears. But swimmer’s ear is one of the more common reasons people end up at urgent care in summer, and it is almost entirely preventable.

Skip the preventive drops if you have ear tubes, a perforated eardrum, ear drainage or have had recent ear surgery. If any of those apply, check with your doctor before use.

“A bottle of swimmer’s ear drops is a low-cost way to stop the infection before it starts,” continues Dr. Hussain. “A few drops after swimming or showering dry out the ear canal so bacteria have no chance to settle.”

See a doctor within 24 to 48 hours if ear pain develops after water exposure. Swimmer’s ear does not clear on its own.

> Related: Is the Weather Causing My Headache?

5. Electrolytes beats water alone

Your body can lose more fluid in the first hour of summer activity than water alone replaces. The signs of dehydration such as fatigue, dry mouth, dizziness and lightheadedness, can come on faster than most people expect.

“Oral rehydration solution, like Pedialyte or Gatorade, is more effective than water in the early stages of heat-related dehydration,” shares Dr. Hussain. “A few packets take up almost no space and can make a real difference when someone is already showing signs.”

Packing a cooling towel alongside these solutions is also helpful. Wet the towel and wrap it around your neck to bring your temperature down fast.

> Related: 4 Skin Rashes to Watch Out for This Summer

First-aid kits need to be checked and restocked every 3 months

Check your kit every three months. A first aid kit that has not been looked at since last summer is probably carrying something expired, used up or already broken down from the heat. That goes double for anything stored in a car or outdoor bag.

“Pull everything out, check dates and replace what you have used,” warns Dr. Hussain. “And restock right away, not at the next check. The kit is only useful if it is ready when you need it.”