As our much-awaited Michigan summer reaches full swing, I hope you are taking time to enjoy the warm sunshine, the smell of delicious outdoor barbeques, and the joys of making new memories with friends and family. I know the kids who visit our practice are excited to be out of school and on vacation! Kids are arguably the most active population in our communities during the summer – whether they’re at the playground or pool, hanging out with friends, playing sports, or attending camp. Which begs the question, what are some common summer injuries your child may be at risk for?

One of the most common summer injuries in the pediatric population are scrapes. Most of the time they are either on the knee or the elbow. In the medical world, a scrape is called an abrasion. It can affect the epidermis, dermis, or deep dermis. Most abrasions do not go past the dermis, and they will usually bleed right after the injury and may also be painful.  The best way to approach an abrasion is following these simple steps. First and foremost, you want to wash the area with warm soap and water. Then, if there is any visible debris in the wound carefully remove it using tweezers. If there is no debris present, you may pat the wound dry after washing it. Using a topical antibiotic such as Neosporin is within reason, although not required. Lastly, wrap the area with a bandage or wound dressing. It is very important that the bandage or dressing is changed every day and given a chance to be cleaned.

Sunburn is also extremely common. The best method to combat this is using sunscreen and applying it frequently. There are many different types of sunscreen and strengths available. For kids, the best recommendation is to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 or more. In addition, use enough sunscreen to cover all exposed areas particularly the face, nose, ears, feet, hands and behind the knees. If you notice a sunburn on your child and they are younger than 1 year old, call your child’s doctor right away. For kids older than 1 year who have sunburn along with blistering, pain, and fever, call your child’s doctor. For sunburn relief, it is very important to ensure your child is well hydrated. Using Tylenol or Motrin is appropriate for painful blisters. Using medicated lotions should be discussed with your child’s doctor. Some people find relief with aloe vera which may be beneficial. Be sure to check with your child’s doctor prior to using aloe vera as some kids may not tolerate it well.

Summer is an amazing time, but with outdoor activity comes the risks of common summer injuries. Being prepared and up to date on how to handle them will help everyone relax and have fun. As always, consult your child’s doctor if you have any questions regarding the above-mentioned injuries. Have a great summer!

Common items everyone should pack in your family’s travel bag for summer trips:

• Bandages: Assorted sizes and types
• Gauze: For larger wounds, and a roll of adhesive tape
• Antiseptic wipes or alcohol wipes: For cleaning wounds and hands
• Tweezers: For removing splinters or ticks
• Scissors: For cutting bandages or medication packaging
• Pain relievers-acetaminophen or ibuprofen for headaches and muscle pain.
• Antihistamines for allergies or insect bites
• Anti-diarrheal medication: Imodium or Pepto-Bismol
• Motion sickness medication
• Sunscreen: For preventing sunburn
• Insect repellent: For protection against mosquito and other insect bites

Dr. Paramveer Swaich, DO, Family Medicine, Corewell Health East-Grosse Pointe. For more information, please visit: www.corewellhealth.org.