News

SUMMER FUN & SUN SAFETY TIPS

SUN

  • Don't forget the SUNSCREEN!! We don't mind if kids tan but we don't want burns (and trust me neither do you-a sunburned child is no fun to deal with.)
  • Use an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 25 or 30 (for very fair children possibly 45). SPF's higher than 30-45 have more skin irritants in them. Whenever you use a new sunscreen test it on a small area of the child's skin first to make sure you don't get an unwanted allergic reaction.
  • Babies under 6 months need to be kept in the shade and out of direct sunlight. Their sensitive skin is more likely to burn and often cannot tolerate sunscreen.
  • Remember the sun is strongest between 10am and 4pm and this is when you are most likely to get burned, so use caution during those times.
  • Reapply sunscreen frequently, especially if swimming, as kids are in and out of the pool often and may rub much of the sunscreen off with drying.

BUGS

  • The best way to keep bug bites from itching is to avoid getting them in the first place. Insect repellents containing DEET are ok to use in children, however check the label carefully and make sure the DEET concentration is less than 10%. This product is absorbed through the skin to some degree and overuse could be a problem, so apply only 2 to 3 times in a 24 hour period.
  • In young children be cautious not to apply the insect repellent on hands and lower arms, as younger children tend to keep their hands in their mouths a lot and to rub their eyes.
  • Repellents with citronella are also safe to use; again be cautious around hands and face.
  • Avoid scented soaps, perfumes or brightly colored clothes.
  • If your child gets mosquito or chigger bites, try to keep him from scratching (good luck). Trim nails to decrease risk of spreading infection with scratching. You may use topical hydrocortisone  - 1% or topical Benadryl to help with the itching. Oral Benadryl may also be used if the child is itching a lot or had widespread bites.

TICKS

  • If you find a tick on your child, remove it carefully with your fingers or a pair of tweezers. It is best to try to remove the tick while it is still alive as it is less likely to release any germs that cause disease if it is removed alive.
  • Check your child closely after playing outside, especially if you have many trees in your yard or they are playing in tall grassy areas. Ticks like to hide in enclosed places on the body like the groin, navel, armpit and anywhere on the scalp. Ticks are less likely to transmit infections if they are removed within 24 hours.

    After you remove the tick, do not be surprised if a red bump appears which may last for several weeks. If you remove the tick from the scalp, do not be alarmed if an enlarged lymph node appears on the side of the neck. This is a normal reaction to a tick bite. If the node is very tender, red, hot to the touch or continues to enlarge or if you are concerned about it, give us a call.

STINGS

  • If your child is stung by a bee, wasp, etc., remove the stinger by scraping it off. Rub the area with a cotton ball soaked in meat tenderizer to neutralize the venom. If none is available, apply ice to the area.
  • The pain from a sting is usually better after 2 hours but the redness and swelling may progress for the next 24 hours.
  • Benadryl will usually help with swelling and itching.
  • If your child receives multiple stings or complains of difficulty breathing or swallowing, call us immediately or proceed to the nearest emergency room.

POOLS

  • NEVER leave children alone by the pool-not even for a minute. A young child can quickly get himself into trouble near a pool.
  • Be certain there is always supervision by an adult who can swim.
  • The most effective way to prevent accidental drowning is to keep the pool fenced with a sturdy 4 to 5 foot fence that has a self-closing and latching gate.
  • Keep rescue equipment and a portable phone near the pool.
  • Children who are not well potty trained need to be in an appropriate swim diaper to prevent fecal contamination of the pool.
  • You can help prevent swimmer's ear (a very painful infection of the skin of the ear canal) by rinsing the ear with a solution of equal parts rubbing alcohol and white vinegar. Place 3 to 4 drops in ear and then drain.

ITCHY PLANTS

  • Poison Ivy This is the most common itchy plant in our area. Poison oak and poison sumac cause similar reactions but are seen in other areas of the country.
  • The rash associated with poison ivy is usually a patchy or streaky red area on the exposed skin with blisters. It is very itchy and usually appears one to two days after exposure in the yard or forest.
  • There is no treatment which will eliminate poison ivy once it has developed but there are some things you can do to alleviate the symptoms:
    • Soak the area with cool water or an ice cube. Have child soak in a cool oatmeal bath. You may apply a 1% Hydrocortisone cream 2 to 3 times per day for 5 to 7 days to help with the itch. Oral Benadryl will also help with the itching.
  • The blisters of poison ivy are not contagious so don't be overly concerned if they pop and the fluid gets on other places or other children.
  • The oil of the leaf is what causes the reaction so be sure to wash clothes and shoes well. Also be aware that the oil can collect on pet fur and the child may be picking it up from the family pet. (Sorry, Spot, but this means you get a bath, too).
  • Call us if your child has poison ivy on the face, eyes or lips, if the itching is severe, or for signs of infection, such as significant crusting or oozing.

WHEELS

  • ALWAYS wear a helmet when riding a bike, scooter, rollerblades, skateboard, etc., basically anything that has wheels. You only have one brain and we need to protect it!
  • When traveling, make sure everyone (that includes you, too, Mom and Dad) is appropriately buckled in with a seat belt or age and weight appropriate child safety seat.
  • Children under 12 should not ride in the front seat if equipped with an airbag.

    Remember-Back is Best.