Sun Safety

Taken from the American Academy of Pediatrics

· The sun's rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. try to keep out of the sun during these hours.

· The sun's damaging UV rays can bounce back from sand, snow, or concrete; so be particularly careful in these areas.

· Most of the sun's rays can come through the clouds on an overcast day; so use sun protection even on cloudy days.

· When choosing a sunscreen, look for the words "broad-spectrum" on the label - it means that the sunscreen will screen out both ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) rays.

· Choose a water-resistant or waterproof sunscreen. Sunscreens that are "waterproof" should be reapplied every two hours, especially if your child is playing in the water.

· Zinc oxide, a very effective sunblock, can be used as extra protection on the nose, cheeks, tops of the ears and on the shoulders.

· Use a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.

· Rub sunscreen in well, making sure to cover all exposed areas, especially your child's face, nose, ears, feet and hands, and even the backs of the knees.

· Put on sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors - it needs time to work on the skin.

· Keep your child completely out of the sun until the sunburn is totally healed.

Sunscreens should be used for sun protection and not as a reason to stay in the sun longer.

Allergies in Children

Taken from American Academy of Pediatrics

Guidelines for Parents

You probably know a child who has asthma or allergies. Perhaps it is your ownchild. Asthma, hay fever, hives, and eczema are familiar words for most of us.In fact, in the United States over 35 million adults and children have theseallergy-related problems. Allergies can be as minor as sneezing and itching. For some children, however, allergies can become very serious or even life-threatening. Whether minor or serious, allergies can be prevented and controlled. The more you understand about allergies and asthma—the symptoms, causes, and treatments—the better prepared you will be to help improve the quality of life for you and your child.

What is an allergy?

An allergy happens when the human body’s natural defense system (the immune system) overreacts to an otherwise harmless substance (like pollen).

There are many ways in which an allergy can exhibit itself:

• Asthma is when airway swell and air passages in the lungs become narrow. This may be triggered by an allergic reaction, although nonallergic triggers can be involved.

• Allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction mainly in the nasal passages. It can occur in one or more “seasons” (seasonal allergic rhinitis or “hay-fever”) or all year long (perennial allergic rhinitis).

• Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic, itchy rash, most commonly found in young children. It may be made worse by certain allergies.

• Hives (urticaria) are itchy welts that may be due to allergies, viral infections, or unknown causes. Certain foods, viral infections, and medications are most likely to cause hives.

• Contact dermatitis can be just a skin irritation or an allergic reaction. The allergic type is an itchy skin rash caused by touching, rubbing, or coming into contact with things like poison ivy, chemicals, or household detergents.

• Food allergy is an allergic reaction to food that can range from stomachache to skin rash, to a serious respiratory and medical emergency.

What causes allergies?

The causes of allergies are not fully understood. Children get allergies from coming into contact with allergens. Allergens can be inhaled, eaten, injected (from stings or medicine), or they can come into contact with the skin. Some of the more common allergens are:

• pollens

• molds

• house dust mites

• animal dander and saliva (cat, dog, horse, rabbit)

• chemicals used in industry

• some foods and medicines

• venom from insect stings

The tendency to have allergies is often passed on in families. For example, if a parent has an allergy problem, there is a higher than normal chance that his or her child also will have allergies. This risk increases if both parents are allergic.

How can I tell an allergy from a cold?

The symptoms of an allergy include:

• an itchy runny nose, with thin, clear nasal discharge and/or a stuffy nose

• itchy watery eyes

• repeated attacks of sneezing and itching of the nose, eyes, or skin that last for weeks or months

• no fever

• often seasonal (spring, summer, fall before frost)

Cold symptoms include:

• stuffy nose

• nasal discharge that is usually clear initially but can turn colored and thick

• a duration of 3 to 10 days, with or without fever

• occasional sneezing

• absence of itching

When do allergies in children first show up?

A few children show signs of allergic reactions during infancy. Other children experience their first problems during adolescence. The first signs of eczema often occur in the first few years of life. Children with asthma and hay fever usually start to show signs during preschool or at least by early grade school. For some children, allergies lessen around the time of puberty. Others will continue to have problems into adult years.

Do drug treatments help?

There are many good medicines to treat allergies and asthma. Some, like anti-histamines,are available over-the-counter. They may help relieve many of the symptoms of hay fever and eczema, especially itching, sneezing, and runny nose. Other kinds of medications must be prescribed by your pediatrician. Both allergy and asthma medicines may have side effects. Some antihistamines may cause sleepiness, sometimes interfering with mental tasks. Decongestants (like pseudoephedrine) and oral asthma medications (like albuterol) may make your child irritable. Before using any medication you should talk to your pediatrician and carefully read the warnings listed on the label. If any of these medicines fail to relieve the symptoms, or if side effects interfere with rest, school, or play, you should call your pediatrician. Your child may need a different medication or dose.