Common Summer Questions

June 21st marks the first day of summer this year. Less than a month away!! Yesterday at work we had a "Lunch & Learn" and one of our Doctors went over some of the common summer questions that we get from parents. Although we hear it each year--it is always good to get a refresher!

(this picture doesn't have anything to do with this post--I just thought it was a cute one of Milla from this weekend!!!)

SUMMER INFO:
Sunscreen: it is recommended to keep babies under 6 months old out of direct sunlight--but, if that is unavoidable--use sunscreen (at least SPF 15 and reapply every 2 hours). If your baby has really sensitive skin-the most hypoallergenic sunscreen is "Vanicream". If your baby is under an umbrella at the beach they can still get a sunburn from reflective rays--especially off the pretty white sand. Before you try a sunscreen for the first time--do a "test patch" on the under side of arm the night before and watch for reaction. Insect Repellent: OK to use as early as 2 months old- safe to use a product with up to 30% deet. Wash it off at the end of the day. Try not to use the combo sunscreen/repellent because you would need to reapply the sunscreen more than you would want to apply the repellent. Bee Stings: Remove the stinger. Apply meat tenderizer or baking soda paste (this breaks down the proteins that are causing the burning/stinging). If you are allergic to bee stings (and carry an Epi pen) be careful around fire ants because you could have a similar reaction. Of course call 911 if any difficulty breathing or other signs of severe reaction.
With any kind of bite/sting...bee, mosquito, spider...etc monitor for signs and symptoms of infection (redness, swelling, pus, tenderness, warmth, fever)--go to Dr. if so Ticks: mark the date of the bite on your calender. Remove the tick with tweezers--the head may stay in when you pull it off but that is okay--your body will see it as "foreign" and push it out. -just monitor site for S/S of infection--if you get a rash along with a tick bite--GO TO YOUR DR.--we are watching for Lyme Dz. (which is uncommon in the south) and RMSF (Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever) Swimmers Ear: for those of you that live in the water during the summer--after swimming put alcohol on a cotton ball and squeeze into ear (the alcohol dries up the water in the ear canal). You can use alcohol + vinegar--but, it smells bad and just Alcohol by itself works best.