Summer is filled with bike rides, pool days, playground adventures and backyard fun. Unfortunately, it’s also the season of scraped knees, bug bites, sunburns and the occasional trip to urgent care. While most summer mishaps can be handled at home, knowing when to seek medical attention can help parents feel more confident when accidents happen.
According to Dr. Joey Korah, a pediatrician with Akron Children’s Pediatrics in Mayfield Heights, the key is paying attention to how your child responds and trusting your instincts.
“Peace of mind is worth a visit if parents are losing sleep or the child is sicker than they usually are with an illness,” he says.
Bug Bites, Bee Stings and Poison Ivy
Korah notes that bug bites, bee stings and poison ivy are among the most common summer complaints. Most cause localized redness, itching and swelling, but parents should watch for signs of infection, including increasing pain, fever or red streaks spreading from the affected area.
More serious reactions require immediate medical attention. Korah says that difficulty breathing, widespread hives or swelling away from the bite site could signal a severe allergic reaction.
Sunburns and Heat Illness
A painful sunburn can quickly derail summer fun. Korah says blistering sunburns should be evaluated by a medical professional because they indicate a second-degree burn. Younger children are especially vulnerable because their faces make up a larger percentage of their body surface area.
Parents also should be alert for signs of dehydration and heat exhaustion, including fatigue, dry mouth, excessive sweating, lack of sweating, crying without tears and fever. Severe dehydration may require IV fluids and should be treated in an emergency room.
Poolside Problems
Swimming season often brings cases of swimmer’s ear, an infection of the ear canal caused by trapped water.
Ear pain after frequent swimming is a common symptom. For children who are prone to swimmer’s ear, Korah advises using over-the-counter drying drops and ear plugs to help prevent future infections.
Build a Summer First-Aid Kit
Every family should keep a few essentials on hand. Korah recommends sunscreen, bandages and antibiotic ointment. Most minor scrapes can be cleaned effectively with soap and water.
Know When to Worry
Most childhood illnesses and minor injuries can be managed at home or with a call to the pediatrician. However, Korah advises parents to seek medical care if symptoms persist beyond expected timelines, such as a fever lasting more than three days or cold symptoms continuing beyond a week. It’s also concerning when a child doesn’t respond to typical treatments, such as fever-reducing medication.
For breathing difficulties, severe dehydration or cuts requiring stitches, the emergency room is usually the best option.
Bikes, Trampolines and Playground Falls
Summer also means more injuries from active play.
Korah commonly sees rolled ankles, hyperextended knees, concussions and broken bones from trampolines, playground equipment and bicycle accidents.
Helmets remain one of the simplest ways to prevent serious injuries.
“A helmet might make the difference between coming into an office for a concussion evaluation versus the ER for head trauma,” he says.
It’s Still OK to Go Outdoors
Korah’s biggest piece of advice? Don’t let fear keep your family indoors.
“Our summer weather is some of the best in the country, so take advantage of it and get outside with your kids,” he says. “We will blink and be cooped up indoors once again, once our inevitable winters return.”
With a little preparation and common sense, parents can spend less time worrying about summer boo-boos and more time making memories.