Sun Safety

Tips for sun safety:

• Choose a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher, water resistant, and broad spectrum (protects against both UVA and UVB).
• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside. This will give the sunscreen time to work.
• Use an ounce of sunscreen or a handful to cover the entire body.
• Wear a cap or hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or after swimming or excessive sweating.
• If swimming, check the label on your sunscreen. Most water resistant sunscreens stay on for about 30-40 minutes in water.
• Use even on cloudy days. Over 70% of the sun's rays still get through the clouds.
• Limit activity between 10:00am and 4:00pm when the sun is strongest.
• Don't forget for your child's lips, ears and scalp.
• Infants under 6 months of age should be kept in the shade and out of direct sunlight. Dress babies in long sleeves and a hat or cap.
• Once outdoor activities are over, we recommend bathing as soon as possible to remove any sunscreen residue.

Is your sunscreen from last year still good? Check the expiration date. The FDA requires sunscreen to have a shelf life of 3 years. However, our providers recommend a new sunscreen each year.

If your child should get a sunburn, they will be the most uncomfortable the first 24 hours. To ease the pain, you can give your child Tylenol or Motrin. Cool compresses and cool baths can also help. Your child should drink plenty of extra water to replace the fluid lost into the swelling of the sunburned skin. Our advice nurses are always available during office hours to answer any questions that may arise in relation to outdoors, summer, and any other safety issues.

The American Academy of Dermatology is a great source for more info:

http://www.aad.org/stories-and-news/news-releases/sunscreen-101-dermatologists-answer-burning-questions-about-sunscreens

 

Parent of a Teenager?

In January this year, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices (ACIP) updated the recommended use of Menactra to include a booster dose at age 16 or five years after the first dose. The original decision was to vaccinate children between the age of 11 and 12, hoping protection would last ten years. Research now shows that antibody levels have declined in some children.

Menactra vaccinates against meningococcal disease and septicemia. Individuals at high risk include children going to summer or sleep away camp, college freshman, and adults entering the military. If you think your child may need a booster dose, call and we can check the immunization record. If your child has had a check up within the last year, you can schedule a quick visit with the nurse to receive the booster. If it has been more than a year since your child's well visit, the doctor will want to see you.

Bugged by Bug Bites?

Most insect bites usually cause a small red bump and begin to disappear the next day. Often times, it may look like localized hives, one large or several small ones. The red bump is the body's allergic reaction to the venom injected by the insect.

For itchy insect bites, apply calamine or a 1% hydrocortisone cream. If the bite is extremely itchy, try an oral antihistamine, like Benadryl.

For painful insect bites, give Tylenol or Advil for pain relief. You can also apply an ice cube in a wet washcloth for 20 minutes.

Insect repellents protect against biting insects, mosquito, chiggers, flies, ticks, and fleas. Choose one that contains at least 10% DEET and no more than 30%.

• Do not use on infants under 2 months of age.
• Do not use a combination sunscreen/bug repellent product. Sunscreen should be reapplied often.
• Products with DEET should only be applied every six hours.
• Do not apply to the hands if your child sucks his fingers or thumb.
• Bugs can be attracted to lotion, perfume or hair spray. Use sparingly.

If you have any other concerns or questions, contact the office.