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Forms and Instructions
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As the temperature rises we have to take precautions to keep our kids safe in the heat and sun of summer. Here are some summer safety tips.
It is very important to hydrate properly when outside. It is best to drink before you are feeling thirsty. If kids are exercising outside, they should drink 2-4 cups of fluid each hour. Avoid sugar and caffeine as these can cause an increase loss of fluids. Electrolyte drinks, such as Gatorade are okay for prolonged strenuous outdoor activity, but normally water is the best way to hydrate.
Kids should drink enough so urine stays a light yellow color. Symptoms of heat stroke include dry red-hot skin, no sweating, body temp greater than 103 degrees, rapid pulse, headache, dizziness and nausea. If heat stroke is suspected, call 911, move to shade and provide cooling measures like spraying with a hose as soon as possible.
Insects are another summer hazard. Mosquito bites are very common in the summer months. It is best to use an insect repellant with DEET or picaridin for prevention and these can be used in children as young as 2 months old. I recommend less then 15% DEET in children and not to use combination bug spray/sunscreen products. Sunscreen should be reapplied often and insect repellants stay on for several hours and should not be reapplied often. Repellant should not be used on open skin or on the hands of young kids (where they could rub their eyes or get it in their mouths). If you’re looking for natural alternatives, lemon eucalyptus or 2% soybean oil are also good options.
Some children are “allergic” to mosquito saliva and get large local reactions to mosquito bites with swelling and redness around the area. This can be treated with ice, Benadryl and observation as long as there is no fever or pain. The swelling should go down after 48 hours.
Bee stings can be treated with ice and if a stinger is still in the skin it should be removed. You can do this by using a straight edge of a credit card. There will be swelling and redness for a few days. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include breathing problems, hives in areas other then the bite site, pallor and vomiting. For allergic reactions that involve systemic symptoms you should call 911.
Sun protection is also very important in the summer. For children 2 months and older, a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or greater should be used and it should have protection against UVA and UVB rays. A wide brim hat and sunglasses are helpful as well. If possible avoid peak intensity between 10 am and 4 pm. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating.
Have fun and enjoy the summer safely!
Dr. Heather Isaacson is a board certified pediatrician at Longmont Clinic. She can be reached at 720-494-3133.
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