Spring is Here… and so are Bug Bites, Burns and Breaks!

Biking, hiking, baseball, soccer, skateboarding… spring is finally here! Although this is a favorite season for most, it’s also one of the busiest times in our office. Allergies, injuries, sunburns and insect bites are among the most common reasons parents have for bringing their children into our MDxpress office these days. So, here are our top Spring Health Tips for all parents to know in order to keep children safe and healthy. 1. Avoid and Treat Spring Allergies that can cause a lot of sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, watery eyes, itchy throat and coughing. Your child may be developing a habit of rubbing his nose or he may develop dark circles under his eyes, which is related to nasal congestion. Allergies seem to run in families, so please be aware of this and know that up to 40% of children in the U.S. suffer from seasonal allergies. Also keep in mind that untreated allergies can lead to sinus infections, ear infections and difficulty focusing at school. So, please bring your child in to us if he is suffering from allergy symptoms and we’ll be able to recommend medication that can give him relief until the season ends. 2. Sun Safety rules are important to follow since over-exposure to the sun can often lead to skin damage and skin cancer in adulthood. Did you know that most children get 50-80 percent of their lifetime sun exposure before age 18? We recommend that your children apply sunscreen, even on cloudy days, about 15-30 minutes before they go outside. Reapplying often, wearing a hat and a light-colored shirt is also important to do. Regular use of sunscreen can lower the risk of skin cancer by almost 78%. Please remember that even if you double up on sunscreen, it must be applied properly and time spent in the sun needs to be limited. 3. Insect Bites can unfortunately cause spring safety problems for children, especially insects that bite or sting. Bites that parents should be most concerned with are spider bites, tick bites and bee stings. After a bite or sting, parents should be extra vigilant and watch their child for difficulty breathing, faintness or vomiting. If any of these symptoms occur, parents should seek medical attention immediately. We recommend the use of insect repellents to keep bugs away and lessen the risk of insect borne illnesses. For families concerned with the pesticide DEET (which can offer the longest lasting protection) we recommend instead products containing citronella, soybean oil or tea tree oil to help repel insects. However, please note that even with the use of repellants, if your child has been playing where ticks can be found, be sure to inspect children when they return home. Removing a tick within 24 hours reduces the risk of Lyme disease. 4. Sports Safety that includes protecting children with helmets, elbow and knee protectors are especially important. Set a good example for your by wearing a helmet yourself when biking. Carry a first aid kit with you at all times. Band-Aids and antiseptic sprays will always come in handy in the spring!