A well equipped first aid kit should always accompany a hiking party. The following should be included:

Common medical ailments on Namibian Hiking trails:

Blisters

Blisters can be prevented by covering spots prone to blistering with zinc oxide plaster before setting off. Remember to keep toe nails short. 'Hot spots' should be covered with gauze padding and plaster immediately. Should a blister form and the hike has not been completed, it is best to pierce the blister with a needle, taking care to avoid infection. Gently press out the fluid, dab the blister with antiseptic ointment and cover it with a dressing and zinc oxide plaster. Check the affected area for infection every evening. If the hike has been completed, the blister should preferably be left to heal by itself.

Sunburn

After blisters, sunburn is probably the most common ailment suffered on Namibian hiking trails. Remember to wear a sun hat and apply sunscreen lotion frequently, especially on the nose, face and back of the neck.

Heatstroke or Sunstroke

Heatstroke occurs as a result of failure of the sweating process and other body heat regulatory mechanisms. The condition can set in very rapidly and symptoms are an excessively high body temperature, dry red skin, headache, and finally, collapse and unconsciousness. Cool the patient down immediately by putting him in the shade (if necessary construct a shelter with your space blanket), taking off tight clothing, pouring water over him or wiping him down with wet cloths and fanning him. If he is conscious, administer fast acting aspirin and plenty to drink. No further exertion should be allowed and should his condition deteriorate, medical help should be sought as soon as possible

Adventure Activities & Day Trips | Namibia
Hiking in Namibia