Category Archives: Summer

The truth about poison ivy

There’s that little bumpy rash, trying to keep from scratching, pink lotions… Just reading the description makes you start to itch.

More time out of doors in the summer leads to more exposure to lots of things, including poison ivy. But there are lots of myths about how it’s spread and how to treat it.

True: The rash results from exposure to a poison ivy plant. All poison ivy is three-leaved, but it doesn’t all look the same. Sometimes the leaves have a reddish tint; sometimes the plant is all green. It can grow low to the ground or vining up a tree. Leaves can be quite small or 8 to 10 inches across. The rule often quoted is: “Leaves of three, let it be.” Good advice.

True: It’s the oil of the plant that causes the rash. So, it’s possible to get a rash even if you were wearing long pants through a poison ivy patch, by touching the clothing later. Some people have contracted poison ivy when burning brush, as they inhaled the smoke.

False: You can get a poison ivy rash by touching someone else’s rash, especially if it is oozing fluid. This is only true if there is still oil from the plant remaining on the rash—an unlikely scenario. You can, however, get the oil from the fur of a pet that has been out of doors. And if you have the oil on your hands, any skin that you touch can develop a rash.

False: Some people are immune to poison ivy. While it’s true that everyone’s susceptibility level is different, exposure to enough of the plant oil can cause anyone to break out in a rash.

According to an article by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), if you believe your child has been exposed to poison ivy, wash the affected area as soon as possible with soap and water for several minutes, and wash the clothing immediately. Use calamine lotion 3 or 4 times per day to reduce itching, and/or 1% hydrocortisone cream to decrease swelling. Call your pediatrician if the rash covers a very large area or doesn’t respond to treatments, if there’s a severe rash on the face, a fever or any other indication of infection, or a new outbreak.

The best treatment of all is to avoid contact with the plant in the first place, so teach your child what it looks like.

Shelby, age 5

Swim safely!

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Though it’s been so rainy here lately you could almost go boating in your back yard, it IS summer, and we know that hot days will return and the kids (and grownups!) will want to go to the pool to cool down.

Of course, you want your family to be safe, so here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re swimming this summer.

Make sure your children learn how to swim, but don’t become overconfident of their abilities. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) recommendation is that children age 4 and older should have formal swim lessons. (See their specific advice here.) Those at highest risk of drowning are toddlers and teenaged boys.
Don’t dive into anything shallow, or where you can’t see the bottom. This includes ponds and creeks, but also pools that have become cloudy. Spinal cord or other serious injuries can result.
Follow the rules set by lifeguards. It’s their job to protect your safety while you have fun with your friends.
Never allow any child to swim unsupervised. A responsible adult should always be present, even if it’s just at a wading pool. Don’t leave a wading pool with water in it.
If you have an in-ground or above-ground pool, make sure it’s properly fenced and that the gate is locked. No matter how much you tell your children not to go into the pool area alone, it can be very tempting!

That AAP article cited above contains good information about lifejackets, boating, lakes, and piers. It also spells out more about fencing, swim lessons for children younger than 4, and other water safety specifics. Check it out.

Stay cool this summer, and be safe!

Joel, age 10

Summer reading FUN!

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Is your child gaining or losing ground this summer in reading? According to RIF (Reading Is Fundamental), children who don’t read during the summer lose two months of reading achievement. That’s why teachers have to spend so much time each fall reviewing the previous year’s studies. All it takes to stop this slide in reading sharpness is, well, READING!

Summer reading can be lots of fun. Here are some suggestions.

Read with your child. Take turns reading aloud to each other. If you have older children and teens, let them suggest one of their favorite books for you to read. Then discuss it over lunch or after supper.
Show how reading can make things more interesting. With small children, teach them to read road and store signs. Write a note or make a greeting card. For older children, plan a trip, even if it’s just to the mall, with a map. As you’re driving, your child can follow along the route. Go online together and read about your destination. (Check out other summer reading ideas from RIF.)
Always pack a book—for trips to the pool, grandma’s, the doctor’s office.
Plan regular visits to the library—it’s free. They have great events, and your children can learn the joy of picking out their own books. Here are the lists of summer activities at Scott County and Lexington Public Libraries.

So, when your children tell you they’re bored this summer, help them find a good book and open up a world of learning and adventure. And be happy that you’re also keeping them on track for going back to school.

portrait of Queen Dr. Riebel and self-portrait of Princess Ava, age 5

New blog and summer sun!

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Welcome to Georgetown Pediatrics’ new blog! Every couple of weeks you can check this space for information related to your child’s health needs. We welcome your ideas for future posts.

Now that school is out, nearly everyone will be spending more time in the sunshine, which is a good thing (mostly). Sunlight elevates mood and provides vitamin D. But the sun’s rays also lead to burns now and to possible skin cancers down the road. Here are some tips to keep your children and teens healthy and happy in the sunshine this summer.

Limit exposure. Find a shady spot, use an umbrella, and cover up when possible. This is especially important for infants, who should have a hat that shades the neck, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt.
Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen. These sunscreens are rated to protect against two types of rays that damage skin: UVA (that cause wrinkles when one ages) and UVB (that cause burns). Consumer Reports recently released an excellent study that ranked sunscreens, and found that two of the least expensive brands were most effective. CBS News has the rundown here. If you use a spray, don’t spray directly on the face, but on your (or your child’s) hands, then rub it onto the face. Be sure to cover the back of the neck, the ears, and the tip of the nose. Use products with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15, though some dermatologists recommend an SPF of 40 or above. Reapply every two hours, and after swimming or sweating.
Use a lip balm that contains sunscreen.
Remember that water and sand are reflective and increase the exposure risk.

Finally, have fun! Summer only comes around once a year!