CAR SICKNESS: Many children experience car sickness. Rarely are they able to tell you they are feeling sick until it’s a little bit too late and the car has to be detailed! If you know that your child has complained of headaches, tummy aches or dizziness while riding in the past go ahead and talk to your pediatrician about safe medicines that can be used to combat the nausea. This usually consists of a very small dissolvable grape flavored tablet that the children love. If you are already on the curvy roads position them in the middle of the back seat (safely buckled in their appropriate restraint) and allow flow of fresh air from the windows. Encourage older children not to read while riding if they feel ill and turn off the DVD player (gasp!) if your little one starts to feel sick.
TICK BITES: If you are travelling to the mountains this summer, even as nearby as Arkansas, make sure and do your tick checks at night. Ticks love warm dark areas including leg creases, scalp areas, underarms and other unmentionable areas. If you happen upon a small black or brown tick embedded in your child’s skin or scalp do not panic but attempt to remove the tick as best you can including the legs and body. Pull directly upwards on the tick with fine pointed tweezers. Once removed clean the area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. If your child develops a fever, rash, joint pain or similar illness in the subsequent few weeks then notify your pediatrician and make sure and tell your doctor of the tick.
SUNBURN: No matter how diligent you are with your sunscreen we have all had a little too much sun at some point in our life! If your child experiences a sunburn, bathe them in a cool bath, use your aloe vera gel for soothing and you may even consider a dose of children’s ibuprofen or Motrin for the pain and discomfort. Worrisome signs to observe for are severe headache and vomiting at which point they need to be evaluated by their pediatrician. They may need IV fluids for rehydration. Consider using a long sleeve swim shirt but be vigilant and don’t let your child get overheated.
SCRAPES AND SCRATCHES: Everyone is bound to have a skinned knee or elbow at some point. There have been many changes in wound care over the years. Many of the current grandparent generation would reach for the hydrogen peroxide. Do not reach for the hydrogen peroxide! Stick with simple warm water and soap to remove dirt and debris. Place some Neosporin or triple antibiotic ointment on it and a clean dry band-aid. Watch for any signs of infection and let it heal. If it appears angry or red or there is thick drainage then of course see your pediatrician.
MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM: This one always throws moms and dads for a loop! Some children will develop a cluster of small flesh colored, warty looking lesions on their body in any area that is certain to alarm parents. It is very often located on the trunk or torso or in areas where a bathing suit rubs the skin. Typically, they do not itch but if scratched will bleed, spread and sometimes become infected. They can come in populations of 2 or 200. There are treatment options through the dermatologists that include burning and blistering so the pros and cons must be weighed. My personal choice is to allow the body to fight the viral infection itself unless it is disfiguring or causing a child to be self-conscious.
Enjoy your summer and remember these are thetimes to make memories with your kiddos. Slow down, be patient and enjoy the little moments!
Dr. Susannah Walker was born and raised in Shreveport. She attended Loyola College Prep and the University of the South. She and her husband, Graham, have three wonderful little girls. She is a pediatrician and continues to love what she does more and more. In her spare time you can find her running or hanging out in her yard at home with her family.
