WHAT: Summer is finally here! As children rush to play outdoors and enjoy the warm weather, the fun activities they participate in can be hard on their skin, leaving them vulnerable to certain minor skin infections.
Especially during sporting events, day-camps, and pool or beach outings, children sometimes get minor cuts and scrapes. These small abrasions can allow bacteria on the surface of the skin to enter the body, causing an infection.
Parents should watch for signs of a skin infection:"¢ Ingrown hairs and boils"¢ Redness, tenderness and swelling around a wound"¢ Pain, swelling, warmth and redness around broken skin (Cellulitis)"¢ An area of red skin, followed by blisters and crusting lesions (Impetigo)
Children with these symptoms should be taken to a pediatrician for proper diagnosis. If the infection is caused by bacteria, oral antibiotics may be prescribed. In the meantime, parents can elevate or immobilize the affected body part to reduce swelling and pain. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (never aspirin) may also help reduce discomfort.
After one or two days of antibiotic treatment, the doctor may schedule an office visit to make sure the symptoms are improving. Even if the child is feeling better, it is important to take the full course of treatment to help prevent antibiotic resistance. To make treatment easier for you and your child during the busy summer months, ask your doctor for an antibiotic that does not require refrigeration and tastes good. Research suggests that an effective, pleasant-tasting antibiotic may lead to better compliance, as young children may be more willing to take it.
WHO: Experts are available to discuss ways to prevent and treat summer skin infections. Doctors can also provide tips on how to keep your child healthy as they head outside to play in the warm summer sun.
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