The following are common injuries and problems encountered in Florida. Most of these are more common during the hot summer months, but can be encountered at any time during the year. We provide these helpful prevention and treatments tips and as a service to visitors to and residents of Florida. |
 Sunburn |
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Prevention:
Limit Children's amount of sun exposure and encourage playing in the sun only before 11:00 a.m. and after 2:00 p.m.
Use sunscreen at all times and reapply frequently. SPF ratings of 15 are sufficient and higher values are not necessary. Avoid sun products containing alcohol or perfumes on sensitive skin.
Encourage wearing hats, shirts, sunglasses and water shoes as much as possible.
Treatment:
Cool compresses on local areas or tepid baths. Administer cool fluids to drink frequently. Aspirin (not Tylenol or Motrin) may help reduce inflammation and pain. May apply aloe-containing products topically. Do not apply products containing PABA or perfumes to burned skin. (That HURTS!)
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Heat Exhaustion |
Prevention:
Never leave children or animals in hot and/or poorly ventilated areas, even for several minutes. Limit vigorous activity periods On hot days and avoid long- term sun exposure. Offer cool fluids to drink frequently on hot days.
Treatment:
The cause of this problem is not elevated body temperature but dehydration and electrolyte (Chemical) imbalance. Give cool WATER to drink in large amounts. (Do not offer soda, Gatorade or other salt-containing fluids.) Rest in cool area. If fever by thermometer (not by touch) or disorientation occur, go to hospital Emergency Department immediately!
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Water Worries |
Prevention:
Never leave ANY child unattended without DIRECT adult supervision. Have intact safety fence (minimum 4ft.) secure around pool or at waters edge at all times. Must not be climbable.
Provide ALL children from 6 months of age with swimming and/or water survival lessons.
Life jackets in boats should be mandatory for ALL children. Make sure they fit properly and are securely fastened correctly. Some life jackets when inflated will float the child face DOWN. Check your jackets BEFORE you need them!
Learn CPR now! Call the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross for more information.
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Jellyfish or Stingray Bites |
Prevention:
Shuffle; don't take steps when walking in shallow or jellyfish infested waters at the beach. Breeding season is usually in/around August locally. Wearing water shoes is most helpful.
Treatment:
Apply white vinegar soaks for 20 minutes alternating with warm water soaks. Continue for several hours. Elevate affected limb. Take mild analgesics for pain. If severe or pain persists, call M.D.
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Ant and Spider Bites |
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Prevention:
Spray nesting areas. Identify dangerous insects and educate children to stay away.
Treatment:
Apply cool compresses to affected area for 20 minutes. Mild analgesics for pain may be helpful. Benadryl by mouth and/or Calamine lotion on the skin may reduce itching. Caladryl is Calamine with Benadryl in it. As this can be absorbed through the skin, it is NOT appropriate over large areas for use on infants without M.D. supervision. Consult M.D. for proper pediatric doses when necessary.
For cases of rapid or severe swelling or persistent pain, seek medical attention immediately! If bite is Black Widow or Brown Recluse spider, KILL spider and bring it with you to closest hospital ER immediately.
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Lumps, Bumps and Bruises |
Prevention:
Basic play and equipment safety and constant adult supervision.
Treatment:
Most non-bleeding injuries can be treated by applying ice wrapped in plastic or a thin towel (never directly to the skin) and elevating the injured area (above heart level) to reduce swelling and pain. Possible fractures or more severe injuries should be splinted in the deformed position and an M.D. with x-ray facilities should be consulted.
Never attempt to straighten a distorted limb position. A rolled up newspaper, cardboard or a pillow make great homemade splints.
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Open Wounds |
Treatment:
Apply constant, firm and direct pressure using a clean bandage material over the injured area. If the wound is dirty, irrigate with Peroxide and rinse copiously with water. Do not apply any creams or ointments into an open wound. Consult M.D. for further instructions or treatment. |
