The Best Way to Treat Toddler's Sunburn

What's the best way to treat my toddler's sunburn?
Give your toddler plenty of fluids, to help him heal and replace lost fluids from being out in the sun. To soothe the sunburned area, soak a clean, soft washcloth in cool water, wring it out, and gently place it on his skin for ten to 15 minutes a few times a day, making sure your child doesn't get chilled.

He might also appreciate a cool bath; to make it more soothing, add baking soda or an oatmeal-based bath treatment. like Aveeno Pat your toddler's skin dry (don't rub!) and apply a water-based (nonalcohol) moisturizing lotion or an aloe vera gel to relieve itching, which can increase if the burn starts to peel.

Ask your doctor if it's okay to give your toddler some children's acetaminophen or ibuprofen to ease the pain. (Stay away from aspirin, as it can put your child at risk for Reye's Syndrome.)

Dress your child in loose clothing that won't irritate his burned skin, and make sure you keep him out of the sun until he's completely healed, because it will be very easy for him to get a second burn now.

Why is a sunburn so serious?
A sunburn is literally burned skin. Your toddler's sunburn might be a first-degree burn, which would cause redness, mild swelling, and pain. A second-degree burn, which is more serious, would be more painful, with much swelling, redness and blisters.

A first-degree burn usually heals in two to five days, while a second-degree burn can last for a couple of weeks. And if your toddler's spent too much time in the sun, he may also be in danger of heat stroke.

Your toddler's sunburn may not peak for a day or two, so keep an eye on his symptoms for at least that long.

When should I call the doctor?
If it's a mild sunburn and your child's skin is just a little pink and tender, you don't need to call the doctor. But do call your child's doctor if your child:

• starts to blister in the first 24 hours

• has swelling on his hands or face

• has signs of an infection (there may be pus or red streaks).

• is running a fever or has chills.

• has a headache.

• seems to be in extreme pain or just doesn't feel well.

• vomits or faints.

A few don'ts

• Don't put petroleum-based products like Vaseline on your toddler's skin. These prevent heat and sweat from escaping and can worsen a burn. The same goes for butters and oils.

• Don't use first-aid sprays or ointments that contain benzocaine, which can irritate your child's skin or cause an allergic reaction.

• Don't put ice or ice water on your toddler's skin.

• Don't pop any blisters; these have formed to protect your child's underlying skin and breaking them open can lead to infection. If they do break, gently trim off the dead skin and apply an antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin.

Source: http://www.babycenter.com/

Bites and Stings -- Ticks

Some ticks transmit bacteria that cause illnesses such as Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Your risk of contracting one of these diseases depends on what part of the United States you live in, how much time you spend in wooded areas and how well you protect yourself.

If you've received a tick bite:

1. Remove the tick promptly and carefully. Use tweezers to grasp the tick near its head or mouth and pull gently to remove the whole tick without crushing it.
2. If possible, seal the tick in a jar and keep it for a week or two. Your doctor may want to see the tick if you develop symptoms of illness after a tick bite.
3. Use soap and water to wash your hands and the area around the tick bite after handling the tick.
4. Call your doctor if you aren't able to completely remove the tick.

See your doctor if you develop:

• A rash
• A fever
• Muscle aches
• Joint pain and inflammation
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Flu-like symptoms

If possible, bring the tick with you to your doctor's appointment.

Call 911 or your local emergency number if you develop:

• A severe headache
• Difficulty breathing
• Paralysis
• Chest pain or heart palpitationssouess

source: http://www.mayoclinic.com/
pic: www.allcountyhomeinspections.com

Bites and Stings -- Insect

Signs and symptoms of an insect bite result from the injection of venom or other substances into your skin. The venom triggers an allergic reaction. The severity of your reaction depends on your sensitivity to the insect venom or substance.

Most reactions to insect bites are mild, causing little more than an annoying itching or stinging sensation and mild swelling that disappear within a day or so. A delayed reaction may cause fever, hives, painful joints and swollen glands. You might experience both the immediate and the delayed reactions from the same insect bite or sting. Only a small percentage of people develop severe reactions (anaphylaxis) to insect venom. Signs and symptoms of a severe reaction include facial swelling, difficulty breathing and shock.

Bites from bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and fire ants are typically the most troublesome. Bites from mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies and some spiders also can cause reactions, but these are generally milder.

For mild reactions:

• Move to a safe area to avoid more stings.
• Scrape or brush off the stinger with a straight-edged object, such as a credit card or the back of a knife. Wash the affected area with soap and water. Don't try to pull out the stinger; doing so may release more venom.
• To reduce pain and swelling, apply a cold pack or cloth filled with ice.
• Apply 0.5 percent or 1 percent hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion or a baking soda paste — with a ratio of 3 teaspoons baking soda to 1 teaspoon water — to the bite or sting several times a day until your symptoms subside.
• Take an antihistamine containing diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Tylenol Severe Allergy) or chlorpheniramine maleate (Chlor-Trimeton, Teldrin).

Allergic reactions may include mild nausea and intestinal cramps, diarrhea or swelling larger than 2 inches in diameter at the site. See your doctor promptly if you experience any of these signs and symptoms.

For severe reactions:

Severe reactions may progress rapidly. Dial 911 or call for emergency medical assistance if the following signs or symptoms occur:

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of your lips or throat
• Faintness
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Rapid heartbeat
• Hives
• Nausea, cramps and vomiting

Take these actions immediately while waiting with an affected person for medical help:

1. Check for special medications that the person might be carrying to treat an allergic attack, such as an auto-injector of epinephrine (for example, EpiPen). Administer the drug as directed — usually by pressing the auto-injector against the person's thigh and holding it in place for several seconds. Massage the injection site for 10 seconds to enhance absorption.
2. After administering epinephrine, have the person take an antihistamine pill if he or she is able to do so without choking.
3. Have the person lie still on his or her back with feet higher than the head.
4. Loosen tight clothing and cover the person with a blanket. Don't give anything to drink.
5. If there's vomiting or bleeding from the mouth, turn the person on his or her side to prevent choking.
6. If there are no signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement), begin CPR.

If your doctor has prescribed an auto-injector of epinephrine, read the instructions before a problem develops and also have your household members read them.

source: http://www।mayoclinic।com/

If Your Tooth is Knocked Out

If your tooth is knocked out, get emergency dental care. It's sometimes possible to remedy tooth loss by successfully reimplanting permanent teeth that have been knocked out. But this is an option only if you act quickly.

• Handle your tooth by the top only, not the roots.
• Don't rub it or scrape it to remove dirt.
• Gently rinse your tooth in a bowl of tap water. Don't hold it under running water.
• Try to replace your tooth in the socket. Then bite down gently on gauze or a moistened tea bag to help keep it in place.
• If you can't replace your tooth in the socket, immediately place it in whole milk, your own saliva or a warm, mild saltwater solution (1/4 teaspoon salt to 1 quart water).
• Get medical attention from a dentist or emergency room immediately.

If you participate in contact sports, you can often prevent tooth loss by wearing a mouth guard, fitted by your dentist।

source: http://www.mayoclinic.com/

How To Treat a Sunburn

Sunburns are caused by UV radiation rather than heat (we can get sunburns on snowy days). Sunburns destroy skin, which controls the amount of heat our bodies retain or release, holds in fluids, and protects us from infection.Using sunscreen will help prevent burns. Remember always, if you think a burn of any type is significant, do not hesitate to call 911 immediately.

Make sure to know sunscreen myths versus facts when out in the sun.

Difficulty: N/A

Time Required: Up to several days

Here's how to treat:

1. Get out of the sun. Staying in the sun after the burn is present will make it worse.
2. Look for blisters. Blistering means the skin is completely damaged and complications are likely. If the area with blisters is bigger than one entire arm or the whole abdomen, seek medical attention by calling 911 or visiting the emergency department.
3. Take a cool shower or bath to soothe the pain.
4. Apply aloe or another cooling agent. Whatever you use - DO NOT APPLY BUTTER OR OIL TO ANY BURN!
5. Over the counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used for the pain of a sunburn। If stronger pain relief is needed, contact a physician or go to the emergency department.

Tips:

1. Burns cause swelling. Burns of the face and neck can sometimes swell enough to cause difficulty breathing. If that happens, call 911 immediately.
2. Burns that completely circle the hands or feet may cause such severe swelling that blood flow is restricted. If swollen or tight hands and feet become numb and tingly, blue, cold, or "fall asleep," then call 911 immediately.
3. While the burn is healing, wear loose natural clothing like silks or light cottons. Harsher fabrics will irritate the skin even more.
4. Too much sun can also cause heat illness. Learn how to recognize and treat heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

source: http://firstaid.about.com/