Summer vacation is over and fall team sports are picking up again inside and outside of school. This increased activity comes with an increased risk of injury and heat-related illnesses.
“Children, especially when they’re young, fall frequently,” says Dr. Monica Barajas, a pediatrician at Nemours Children’s Health in Vero Beach. “I often see children with minor injuries, scrapes, cuts and bruises. I also regularly see patients who have foreign objects lodged in their skin, such as thorns, splinters, glass and even fish hooks. In school-age athletes, I see ankle and wrist sprains, bruises, concussions and occasionally broken bones.”
Knowing how to assess and treat some of these injuries can make life easier for you and your child if an accident does occur. Doctors at Nemours Children’s Health offer tips to help parents and caregivers.
Most cuts and scrapes heal without medical attention. Simply rinse the wound with mild soap and water, dry it, and cover it with a bandage. You can also use a mild antibiotic ointment under the dressing.
If the wound is bleeding, wash it and place a clean cloth over the wound. If possible, raise the bleeding part above the child’s heart and apply even, direct pressure with the palm of your hand. Do not apply a tourniquet. If the cut is deep and continues to bleed, or was caused by an animal or human bite, burn, electric shock, or puncture wound, seek medical attention.
Insect stings and bites are generally harmless and cause red bumps, itching, mild swelling and irritation. If your child has been stung and you can see the insect’s stinger, remove it by scraping the skin horizontally with the edge of a credit card or your fingernail and wash the area with soap and water. Then apply ice wrapped in a towel to the skin to reduce pain and swelling.
If you notice any signs of infection such as increased redness, pain, warmth or pus, you should consult a doctor.
If you notice swelling of your child’s face or mouth, difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing, or dizziness or fainting after a bite or sting, your child could be having an allergic reaction. These are potentially life-threatening symptoms that require prompt medical attention. If a doctor has prescribed epinephrine (EpiPen), give the shot immediately and call 911. If you don’t have epinephrine and your child is conscious, give diphenhydramine (Benadryl), then call 911.
Hot summer weather can last into October in Florida, so always use insect repellent when outdoors. Choose an insect repellent that has 10 to 30 percent DEET on the label. Insect repellent for children ages 2 to 12 should contain no more than 10 percent DEET and should not be applied more than once a day.
Even if school sports resume, heat and sun exposure can still be dangerous for children.
“It’s important to take the proper precautions to protect your children from the dangers of heat-related illness,” advises Dr. Barajas. “Staying hydrated, wearing light, breathable clothing (when possible), and being alert to signs of heat illness are the best ways to protect children from high temperatures.”
Recognizing common heat-related illnesses and knowing how to treat them is important for all parents, coaches and caregivers.
Heat rash appears as a cluster of red bumps on or in the folds of the skin, often appearing on the upper chest, under the arms, and on the neck. Moving the child to a cooler, less humid environment and keeping the affected area dry will usually clear up the outbreak.
Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms in the abdomen, arms, or legs. Staying in a shaded, cool area and drinking plenty of water or a cool beverage will relieve the cramps in most cases. Wait several hours before resuming strenuous activity, and seek medical attention if the cramps do not go away.
Heat exhaustion begins when your body cannot compensate for the heat. Symptoms include cool, clammy skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, weakness, thirst, irritability, and rapid heartbeat. This is a potentially dangerous condition.
If it occurs, whether during a neighborhood play session or practice on the soccer field, the child should lie down, drink plenty of water and cool drinks, and cool down with ice packs or cool compresses. Do not participate in any more physical activities that day. If symptoms worsen or do not improve after an hour, go to an outpatient clinic or emergency room for medical care.
Heat stroke is the most serious consequence of heat exposure. The child may become confused, faint, or have seizures. Excessive sweating and red, hot, dry skin, along with a very high body temperature, are warning signs. This is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately and move the child to a cool, shady place while you wait for emergency services to arrive.
Remove outer clothing and loosen underwear, then fan the child and apply cold packs to the armpits. Wet the child with cold water, apply ice, and give fluids as quickly as possible.
Children should drink about a cup of water every 15 to 20 minutes, no more than six cups per hour. Children under 100 pounds should drink about half their body weight in ounces each day.
Most children are heavily exposed to the sun and suffer skin damage before the age of 18, so it is extremely important to take precautions to reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Babies under 6 months should stay out of the sun if possible. Older children should wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and apply sunscreen to exposed skin 15 to 20 minutes before going outside. Use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and broad spectrum (UVA and UVB). Reapply sunscreen about every two hours or after swimming or sitting for long periods.
When children participate in sporting activities, common sense and adult supervision should be used.
“Good warm-up and cool-down routines are critical to injury prevention,” said Dr. Barajas.
“It is also important that young athletes wear the proper protective equipment, including helmets, mouthguards and padding for their particular sport or activity.”
Children are children and accidents happen. Knowing how to deal with them is one of the most important tasks of parents, teachers and coaches.
Dr. Monica Barajas received her medical degree from Wake Forest University School of Medicine and completed her internship in pediatrics at the University of Texas Health Science Center. Her practice is located at 1155 35th Lane, Suite 201A, Vero Beach. Call 772-562-5662.