Fun in the Sun not the Summertime Blues!
Fun in the Sun not the Summertime Blues!
Summertime is a wonderful time of the year. Families are outdoors, enjoying many activities. Often, along with the fun, there is the potential for some summertime blues. Too much sun, water accidents, biting insects and plants that cause rashes are some of the things that can cause problems. Here is a simple guide to keep the fun in and the blues away.
SUNBURN
Here is some bad news and some good news. First, the bad news, sunburn is visible radiation damage to the skin. The radiation damage from sunburn is irreversible. No treatment exists. UV rays can reflect off water, sand, cement and even grass. Cloudy days are no protection. Some medications can enhance sun damage (acne medication, some antibiotics). Tanning beds are not a safer option. Mild sunburn usually lasts 3-5 days. Moderate or severe sunburn usually lasts at least several days longer.
The good news is that sunburn can be prevented. Avoid peak sun hours (in the middle of the day), Sunscreen, hats and loose clothing are key to preventing sunburn. PABA free sunscreen with SPF of at least 15 for dark skinned individuals and at least 30 for fair skinned individuals is recommended. Apply your sunscreen at least 30 minutes prior to sun exposure for maximum benefit. Reapply it after getting out of the water or at least every two hours if you are not engaging in water activities. Apply a lip balm with a sunscreen to prevent burnt lips and don’t forget the sunglasses. If your child does get a sunburn, there are some ways to decrease the discomfort. Cooling and keeping the skin moisturized are important.
A cool Aveeno bath followed by moisturizing with a non-alcohol based lotion or cream will help. Aloe and Vitamin E can be helpful ingredients but topical anesthetics are not of much help. Ibuprofen will decrease the pain and redness.
If there is blistering, fever, or dehydration, the child should see their provider for further evaluation and treatment.
MOSQUITO BITES
An unpleasant reality of summer are those pesky bugs. Mosquitoes love infants and children-Kids get bitten by mosquitoes more than other insects. Mosquitoes can carry harmful viral illnesses. Their bites can leave your child with itchy red bumps.
Prevention is again the best treatment. Use an insect repellent with DEET. This compound can give up to 8 hours of protection. Products for children contain 6-10% DEET but insect repellants with 30% DEET or less are proven safe and recommended for children over 1 year. Wear light clothing that covers most of the body. Avoid bright, floral colors. Fragrant shampoos, lotions, colognes and soap are added attractions. Most mosquitoes bite from dusk to dawn, so avoid being out during these hours if possible.
If your child does get bitten, cool compresses, anti-itch medicines, anti-inflammatories and topical steroids can help. Apply a washcloth that has been dipped in ice water to the bite to decrease discomfort. A paste of baking soda and water may be applied to the bites as can Calamine lotion. These help soothe the skin. Benadryl or other antihistamines will help with the itch. Over the counter Hydroscortisone 1% applied to the bites three times a day can help. Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) will help decrease redness. Keep some topical antibacterial cream handy (Neosporin, Triple Antibiotic Cream) to apply to bites that have been scratched. Remember, our skin is a suit of armor and a bite or scratch can decrease it’s ability to protect us from germs.
If bites becomes more red, more swollen, increasingly tender or begin to drain see your healthcare provider for treatment.
BEE STINGS
Bees are a wonderful part of nature. They help pollinate flowers and make delicious honey. They are, by nature, not aggressive creatures. Their stingers are for defense, not aggression. Typical insect repellents do not work for bees. So what can a parent do?
Try not to attract them or frighten them. Sweet smelling soaps, hair sprays, lotions, bright colors all are an attraction to bees. They are also attracted to ultraviolet – so a shirt that shines under a black light is a curiosity for a bee. Be careful with food, an open can of soda is tempting and a bee will become frightened if a child attempts to drink the beverage he has landed in. Skin-So-Soft makes bees less likely to explore.
If a bee lands, do not frighten it. Tell your child to hold still. You can blow gently on the bee to encourage it to move on. Wear shoes, a bee will become frightened if stepped on or if you are stepping near it. A baseball cap helps protect a child also – it has been proven that bees sting people with hats less often. Furry animals steal their honey, so they are in a heightened state of awareness around hair or fur!
If your child does get stung, remove the stinger as quickly as possible. Apply a solution of one part meat tenderizer to four parts water. Do not leave this on for longer than 30 minutes or the skin may become irritated. If this solution is not available, you can use an antiperspirant containing Aluminum chlorahadrate – it is less effective than the meat tenderizer. Apply cold to the sting – use ice or cold water for 10-30 minutes after the sting. An antihistamine, such as Benadryl, will help. Calamine lotion or a paste made from baking soda and water can further soothe the skin. Hydrocortisone 1% will also provide symptomatic relief. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen will help with the pain.
If hives, difficulty breathing, hoarseness, dizziness, vomiting, increased swelling in other parts of the body occur – this is a medical emergency and immediate treatment must be sought at the closest emergency room.
WATER SAFETY
Going to the lake, the beach or the backyard pool is a highlight for summer fun. Remember that with the fun, there are some necessary safety measures.
Always supervise children around water. Do not depend on “floaties” as a life saving device. Locked gates around pools and/or pool safety covers are a must. Older children or adolescents need a swimming buddy for safety. Wear approved life jackets when boating.
POISON IVY/OAK/SUMAC
A hike in the woods or a back yard cleanup can leave your child with an unpleasant surprise. Poison ivy/oak/sumac together account for more allergic contact dermatitis rashes than any other allergen.
The oils from these plants are the culprit and can stick to anything (including the family dog). Even when dried, the oil remains potent. Recognizing the plants is the first step in prevention. You may want to use barrier cream (IvyBlock) before an outing. If you suspect your child has come in contact with one of these plants, have him/her wash thoroughly with lots of warm (not hot) water and soap. If you don’t have water use rubbing alcohol. Do not use a washcloth – this can spread the oil. A shower is preferred to a bath. If you remove the oil within 5 to 10 minutes, you may minimize the rash.
Since the oil sticks, wash all clothing, shoes, toys and towels with hot soap and water. If not available, soak in rubbing alcohol. Wash your hands thoroughly (and don’t forget the DOG!) Once the oil is removed, the rash or oozing blisters are not contagious. Most people find a cool compress soothing. A blowing fan over the compress will further diminish the heat of the rash. After cooling, apply calamine lotion. This will help dry the rash. Use over the counter hydrocortisone cream three times a day to help suppress the itching. Benadryl will also help with the itch.
The goal of reducing the itch is to cool the skin, drying the rash and quieting the allergic reaction. In severe cases of poison ivy, see your healthcare provider for treatment.
Please do not be afraid to call our office with any questions. We will take your name and number when you call and our telephone nurse will call you back. Please be patient as she does return all calls the same day. During flu season our calls increase and sometimes it takes a little longer to get to each of you.
SUMMER NECCESSITIES
• Insect Repellent
• Motrin and Tylenol
• Calamine lotion
• Sunblock
• Benadryl
• Skin Moisturizers
• Meat Tenderizer
• Topical Antibiotic cream
• Aveeno Bath
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Baking Soda
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