Ask Dr. Cavallo
As a parent, what summertime hazards should be on my radar?
Sunburn
Use sunscreen with the highest SPF for the greatest UVB protection. Reapply often, especially after swimming or activity. Remember hats and sunglasses. Treat sunburn with fluid intake, anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen and aloe vera gel. Blistering burns may need antibiotic ointment to help heal, but do not pop them. Remember that certain medications such as acne creams and pills may increase sunburn risk.
Poison Ivy
To relieve the itch, try oral antihistamines and hydrocortisone or calamine lotion on the skin. Zanfel™ works well if started a day or two after exposure. Call your pediatrician about outbreaks on the face or groin; these tend to be more severe cases and may require steroids like prednisone.
Heat Syndromes
These range from cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion symptoms include fever, headache, malaise, nausea, decreased urination or dark urine, and a high heart rate or low blood pressure. Treatment includes rest and cool drinks, but consult with your doctor first. Heat stroke includes the same symptoms plus fever of 104 or more, a very high heart rate and lack of sweating. Heat stroke requires emergency room treatment.
Swimmer’s Ear
Water left in the ear canal can lead to infection by disrupting the skin’s normal protective mechanisms. To prevent, dry the ear canal nightly with a few over-the-counter drops (such as Swim-EAR® and AURO-DRI®) or a homemade solution of half vinegar, half alcohol. Infections require prescription drops containing antibiotics and steroids. More severe cases may require oral antibiotics.
Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease
Caused by the coxsachievirus, this mild, but highly contagious disease spreads person-toperson, usually through unwashed hands. Look for fever and sore throat with blisters on the tonsils or roof of the mouth. Younger children also often get rashes on the hands, buttocks and feet, with the red bumps turning into small blisters. Generally, it resolves within a week. Ease symptoms with fever/pain reducers, moisturizers, and fluids.
Charles Cavallo, MD, is a pediatrician with Pediatric Associates, PSC, in Northern Kentucky.
