Summertime risks Summertime risks (July 09, 2004)

How to keep the kids safe when they're outdoors

Q: I've been teaching my infant to swim, and he seems to drink a lot of pool water. Is this bad for him?

A: Small amounts are generally not a problem, but it is very difficult to gauge how much water a child is actually ingesting. Watch carefully for signs of water toxicity. They are severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.

Public swimming pools are treated with chlorine, which is a toxic chemical. In concentrated form, chlorine is a potent irritant in humans to the eyes, the upper respiratory tract and the lungs. Even diluted in a pool, ingesting chlorine is not desirable.

Q: It's barefoot season. If my child steps on a bee, what should I do?

A: Immediately scrape the area with your fingernail or a credit card to remove the stinger. The venom continues to pump even if it is detached from the bee. Put ice on the sting and give your child a pain reliever (like aspirin or Tylenol) if needed. Stings take a while to heal, and will most likely be more swollen two to three days after. If the swelling persists, check with your pediatrician before giving your child an antihistamine.

Q: My child seems to get a lot of rashes in the summer. Why?

A: When it's hot, heat rashes are common for youngsters. They often look worse when they're warm, like just out of the bath or up from a nap. Cool your child down with a drink and a fan. Children may also develop a reactionary rash to sunscreens or bug repellents. Be sure to bath them at the end of the day if you've applied lotions.

If your child is still in diapers, he may get more rashes in hot weather because the plastic disposable diapers restrict drying. Change his diaper more frequently, and give him some bare bottom time on a towel outside to give his bottom a breather.

If a rash persists or if it is accompanied by a fever, call your physician.

-- Pediatrician James Kim

Do you have a question about your health? E-mail it to Cynthia Greaves at greavec@caminomedical.org or call her at (408) 523-3279.

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