Poison Ivy Known as Rhus Dermatitis in the doctors’ world, the rash is a contact dermatitis which pops up where the skin touched the sap of any of the “Poison” plants. It typically forms some streaks where the sap was drawn across the skin, either directly or indirectly (by picking up some sap on the hands then rubbing the “tired” eyes, etc. The rash itself is not contagious (not even the draining blisters) but it typically has some remnant sap on it, so scratching will move the sap to a new place and cause it to spread. To care for the rash, it is important to make sure the sap is removed. This can be accomplished after exposure with commercial poison ivy products like Zanfel, but good old reliable Fels Naptha Soap (yep, the same thing your grandmother used to wash her clothes and still located in the “Laundry Aisle”) does well. In addition to removing the sap, steroids like hydrocortisone can be applied to the rash or, in worse cases, steroids by mouth can be prescribed by your doctor. These will tell the skin to “relax” and ease the discomfort. In addition, an antihistamine, like Benadryl, can be taken by mouth to ease the itch flare-ups. They tend to be especially big when the skin gets warm, as in falling asleep or taking a bath.
Babies Younger than 6 months: Avoiding sun exposure is the way to do it. Babies can overheat under the sun more easily. Shade is much cooler than protective clothing. Apply a minimum amount of sunscreen on exposed areas for brief sunshine. Children older than 6 months: Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside even on cloudy days. The SPF should be at least 15.Stay in shade whenever possible and. avoids sun exposure between 10a.m and 4 p.m. Be sure to apply at least 1oz. of sunscreen per sitting and reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or after swimming. Wear a hat with a three inch brim, sunglasses that block 99% of ultraviolet rays, and wear cotton clothing.
Pool Safety Children should never be left alone without supervision. A four feet fence should be installed all around the pool. Make sure the latch on the gate is at a height that the children cannot reach .Rescue equipment and a portable telephone should be accessible. Developmentally children are not ready for swimming until after the fourth birthday. ‘Floaties’or inflatable swimming devices are not substitutes for approved life vests and can give children a false sense of security. Infants and toddlers should have adults in the pool with them at arm’s length providing “touch supervision”. Simple messages
For further practical messages www.healthyswimming.org
Bugs and insect repellants Avoid scented soaps, perfumes or hair sprays on your child. Avoid stagnant pools, uncovered food, and gardens in full bloom where insects tend to congregate. Stingers from skin can be removed using a blunt object like a credit card by scraping off the stinger. Insect repellants should contain DEET, which is the active ingredient of the repellant. The amount of DEET used in children should be less than 30%. Avoid using combination products with repellant and sunscreen together. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to outdoor activity and insect repellant just prior to outdoor activity. Insect repellants should not be applied more than once a day and do not use on infants younger than 2 months. Avoid applying insect repellants near mouth, mucous membranes or fingers. For maximum protection when camping out apply permethrin to clothing, tents and sleeping bags. Please check out www.foodallergy.org the web site has some good suggestions to minimize food allergies at summer camp. Have a fun filled safe summer!!!
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