Summer time is for families- traveling, swimming, exploring and making memories. What have you guys been up to this summer?
The weather has been intensely hot here in Southern California but that doesn’t stop us from enjoying our summer to the fullest! The only problem is that living by a river and tons of greenery, we are frequently visited by annoying insects like mosquitos, flies and other bugs.
In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported illnesses from mosquitoes, ticks and fleas have tripled in the U.S. since 2004.
As a mom of three kids, I understand that the best practice to be outdoor ready is prevention and being prepared with a good first-aid kit. No matter how busy we are with our personal and work lives, this is one area that shouldn’t be overlooked!
My brand partner KnowYourOTCS created this helpful video that provides step-by-step instructions to packing a first-aid kit, an essential part to being outdoor ready this summer.
Some must-pack items include bug protection such as bug spray, anti-itch cream and antibacterial bandages, sun screen, antibiotic ointment and antiseptic wipes. And of course, a reliable container to hold all your first aid essentials along with water and snacks!
Here are four great summer bug tips for parents from Dr. Swanson of Seattle Mama Doc:
- Don’t use bug repellent on young infants
- Only apply to healthy skin and on outside of clothes
- Apply bug spray 15-20 minutes before going outdoors
- DEET is safe to use and VERY effective
You can find more specific information on bug spray, DEET and how long bug sprays are effective before needing to re-apply by visiting here from healthychildren.org. The website also includes tips for teaching your children about bug bite prevention, which is especially useful for those with older kids who might be going to sleepaway camp.
Here are three tips to remember when your kids can’t stop scratching their bug bites:
- Consider OTC allergy medicines (aka diphenhydramine) for finding relief from itchiness.
- Use an emery board to soften your child’s nails so that when they scratch in their sleep, their nails will be soft and less likely to break the skin.
- Cover up bites that drive kids crazy with band-aids or clothing as a cue for them not to scratch (the cycle of scratching and itchiness can go on and on- avoiding the scratch helps them calm down.)
For treatment tips for bug bites, please link to this page on skin protectants featured on KnowYourOTCs.org,
Lastly, Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson of Seattle Children’s Hospital and Seattle Mama Doc advises that when a bug bite results in an allergic reaction, it’s safe to use anti-allergy meds (diphenhydramine) to alleviate itching. It’s also safe to use OTC hydrocortisone cream or ointment on bites that aren’t scratched open.
And that’s it for today! I hope you guys enjoyed these tips from KnowYourOTC’s.org. Be sure to check out their website for more valuable information to keep your family safe and protected this summer and beyond!
