Summer Newsletter 2007

BABIES UNDER 6 MONTHS

The top recommendations for preventing sun exposure are to dress infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and large brimmed hats that shade the neck, or simply avoid the sun altogether. Clothing with SPF factors is now available. However, when adequate clothing and shade are not available, parents can apply a minimal amount of sunscreen with an SPF factor of at least 15 to small areas, such as the infant's face and back of the hands. Blue Lizard sunscreen is approved for young babies.

FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, and use sunscreen even on cloudy days. Try and avoid sun exposure between 10am and 2pm. Encourage the use of wide brimmed hats, sunglasses and SPF clothing. Sunscreens should provide UVA and UVB protection.

FOR OLDER CHILDREN

The first and best line of defense against the sun is covering up. Wear a hat with a 3 inch brim or cap with a forward facing bill, sunglasses (look for sunglasses that block 99-100% of ultraviolet rays) and lightweight clothing with SPF protection. Stay in the shade whenever possible and limit sun exposure during 10am and 2pm. Use a sunscreen with an SPF factor of 15 or greater. Apply the sunscreen liberally, about one ounce per sitting for a young adult. Re-apply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating. Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand as they reflect UV rays and may result in sunburn more quickly.

Do not push your child to ride a two-wheeled bike until he or she is ready, at about age 5 or 6. Consider the child's coordination and desire to learn to ride. Stick with coaster (foot) brakes until your child is older and more experienced for hand brakes.

Take your child with you when you shop for the bike, so that he or she can try it out. The value of a properly fitting bike far outweighs the value of surprising your child with a new one. Buy a bike which is the right size, not one your child has to "grow into." Oversized bikes are dangerous.

Your child needs to wear a helmet on every bike ride, no matter how short or how close to home. Many accidents happen in driveways, on sidewalks and on bike paths, not just on streets. Children learn best by observing you. Whenever you ride, put on your helmet. When purchasing a helmet, look for a label or sticker that says the helmet meets the CPSC standard. A helmet protects your child from serious injury and should always be worn. Remember wearing a helmet at all times helps children develop the helmet habit. A helmet should be worn so that it is level on the head, not tipped forwards or backwards. It should be securely fastened, and you should not be able to move the helmet in any direction. A helmet's sizing pads can help improve the fit.

Papular urticaria is a skin reaction which results from a hypersensitivity to insect bites. The lesions are papules, vesicles and wheals commonly grouped in linear clusters and present on exposed areas such as the face, neck, arms, and legs. The diaper area, palms, trunk and soles are invariably spared. Intense itching accompanies the eruption. The prevalence of papular urticaria increases in the spring and summer months when insect populations are peaking in the United States. The primary insects associated with this reaction are cat and dog fleas, mosquitoes, and bed bugs. This reaction is usually seen in children 2-10 years of age. Lesions usually appear in a "meal cluster", sometimes described as "breakfast, lunch, and dinner." Lesions in sensitized patients usually begin as itchy, red, edematous, hive-like papules, which develop a central vesicle within 1-3 days. Rubbing may cause crusting and secondary infection. The eruption heals in 4-6 weeks. Treatment includes use of Benadryl for itching, short fingernails, and good handwashing. Using moisturizers may also help.