Tips for Summer Skin Care

Here is the thing with sensitive skin, it’s all about maintenance and products!  In the summer, sunscreens, chafing in swimsuits and bug sprays can cause so many skin flares!  Here are some summer skin care tips to get you through the season. 

Tip #1:  Choose Products Wisely

Even if you have used the same products for years and the lavender sleepy soap has never bothered them before, reactions can occur.  Switch to dye-free and fragrance-free products.  Our very favorite is VaniCream.  All of our patients report back that it has worked wonders.  Try out the soaps and moisturizers.

Tip 2:  Moisturize

Keep lotion in the pool bag!  Once your child is done swimming, lather them up before heading home.  Moisturizer is your best friend. Apply twice daily as part of their routine with changing clothes.  If there are any flare ups, start with topical cortisone cream one a day + moisturizer + aquaphor over the top.  Baste that baby like a turkey!  This will cure most dried or flared up skin.  If not, it’s time for a topical prescription.  Perfect time to schedule a texting or virtual appointment!

Tip #3. Sunscreen Selection

Sunscreen is a tricky and hot topic!  Mineral? All Natural? Aerosol? Alcohol? It can be so confusing! On a sensitive face that is prone to irritation and redness, try out Neutrogena Pure Zinc Baby-you’ll be blown away.  You have to apply product less frequently and they do not get burned or irritated.

Water Safety

Things are heating up!  It’s a great time to think about water safety with your kids. Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1-4.  Here are some safety tips to help prevent a tragic accident.

At Home

It is easy to leave items that hold water around the house that you wouldn’t think are drowning hazards. For example, you should always empty those kiddie pools every time you are done using them and store buckets empty and out of reach of children.  Don’t ever leave a child unattended in the bath.  It is easy to walk out of the room for the second and that second could be all it takes!

Large Bodies of Water

When at the lake, river, ocean, pool or any large body of water, put your child in a well-fitted US Coast Guard approved life jacket.  At social events, take turns with other adults being “water watchers”, even when a lifeguard is present.  Stay within arm’s reach of your child.

Home Pool or Hot Tub

Does your home have a pool or hot tub?  The AAP recommends adding fences and alarms to home in ground and above ground pools and hot tubs.  The fence should be at least 4 feet tall and have a self-latching gate.  When visiting friends and family who have pools or ponds behind their house and no fence or safety latches, it is a good idea to put a well-fitted life jacket on your child when outside.

A temptation for kids are toys. Remove all toys from in and around the pool when not in use. This can be a fun way to end the pool day with your child by cleaning up all the toys and floaties.

Concussions-What You Need to Know

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a brain injury that is caused by a bump or a blow to the head.  Symptoms of a concussion can include pain, nausea, loss of consciousness, vomiting, light sensitivity or dizziness. 

Spring sports are in full swing.  Be prepared for what to do if you are concerned your child might have a concussion.

When to Seek Care?

Anytime you as a parent are concerned, you should seek care from a provider.  Things such as vomiting, loss of consciousness or excessive sleepiness are reasons to seek emergent care care immediately.  Sometimes it is harder to know if your smaller child has lost consciousness.  If your child cries immediately after the fall/hit, you can rest assured they did not lose consciousness.  If you are concerned about your child’s irritability, our team is available for appointments.

What Can I Do For My Child?

If your child has been seen by a provider and cleared to be at home, the best thing for your child is to have brain rest.  Resting, dimming the lights and having low stimuli activity is key.  Only use Tylenol for the first 48 hours after a head injury.  DO NOT USE MOTRIN/NSAIDS as they can increase the risk of bleeding.  Your child should avoid looking at screens such as televisions, phones or iPads as that can make symptoms worse.

When to Return To Activities

Each child is different and will need to be evaluated to determine if they are ready to return to full activity/sports.  Give us a call and we can evaluate your child.  Any time after an injury to the head, children should rest and take it easy for a few days.  Once your child feels up to activities have them start slowly.  If they begin to experience symptoms again that means more rest is needed. 

Reminder!

What would happen if your child returns to sports with a concussion?  Something called Second Impact Syndrome can cause permanent damage to the brain if it is hit again while still injured.  This is why it is very important to be honest about the symptoms your child may be experiencing and allow rest when advised. 

If you are concerned that your child might have a concussion, the providers at Saving Grace are here to answer all of your questions.  If you are in the OKC or Tulsa Metro areas, we are also able to evaluate your child with an in-home visit.  Give us a call or schedule a virtual or in-home visit. We are here to help!