11 Essentials for your Summer Medicine Cabinet

Ah ... what could be more perfect than summertime and childhood? They go together like peanut butter and jelly. Like fireflies and empty mayo jars. Like … banged up knees and Bactine.

Yep, it’s that time of year. Summer is filled with adventures and excitement for our pint-sized explorers. But it’s also filled with bug bites and bee stings. And the occasional sunburn ... that itchy poison ivy. So maybe summer isn’t so perfect, but it can be pretty close if you are prepared.

To help parents and kids enjoy a healthy and safe summer season, I sat down with Dr. Michele Marshall, co-founder of Children’s Choice Pediatrics in Stow and asked her what parents want to know: what summer essentials do I need to have on hand to handle life’s little bumps, bruises and occasional stings?

Marshall offered Stow Patch a list of 11 helpful products and practices for every parent. So sit back, grab a bottle of sunscreen and enjoy:

1. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen (generic for Tylenol and Advil/Motrin) for bumps and bruises. According to Marshall, “Ibuprofen may be better for injuries and inflammatory type things, such as falling and hurting a leg or arm. But both are acceptable for your common simple injuries.”
2. Benadryl liquid (generic term: diphenhydramine) for bites, stings and itchy rashes. This is an oral liquid medication so the dosing typically starts for ages 2 and older. It can be given to younger children, however, in the correct dosage. Parents should contact their child’s doctor for the proper dosing amounts if they are unsure.
3. Hydrocortisone cream for bites, stings, itchy rashes as well. This is a topical cream, so dosing may not be as exact as if you were giving a dose by mouth.
4. Antiseptic wash, such as Bactine or hydrogen peroxide to clean cuts and scrapes. “The best thing to do for cuts and scrapes is use soap and water if you are able to,” Marshall said. “But if you don’t have soap and water, that’s when you use Bactine or hydrogen peroxide.”
5. Ice packs, ace wraps and bandages for strains and sprains. Marshall cautions anything that “looks deformed or if you heard a crack or a pop, the child needs to be seen. Is he or she in a good amount of pain? You need to seek attention. Keep your eye on twists or turns and if they do not get better, seek help.”
6. Tweezers to pull splinters. 
7. Sunscreen. Marshall recommends a sunscreen with at least a SPF of 15 or higher. “Sunscreens formulated for babies are fine, but you don’t have to use those,” she said. “Just as long as you are using a sunscreen, that is what’s important.” She also cautioned parents to be on the lookout for heat exhaustion. “Lethargy, fever, vomiting and abdominal cramps may be a reason to call the child’s physician.” She encourages parents to give plenty of fluids. If children are going to be outside for a prolonged time, start the fluids early. Look for additonal tips to stay safe in the heat from Stow Fire Capt. Mark Stone .
8. Insect repellent. Look for repellents with at least 10 to 30 percent DEET. Marshall cautions parents against using a combination insect repellent and sunscreen. “You only need to put repellent on once, whereas you need to reapply sunscreen throughout the day. DEET is water insoluble, therefore does not need to be applied over and over throughout the day.”
9. Simple medicine dropper. This will ensure the correct dosage of oral medication for your child.
10. Emergency numbers. Keep a list of numbers readily available including your child’s physician, poison control and your local emergency department or urgent care center. If the child is in a babysitter’s care, make sure mom and dad’s contact numbers are on the list as well.
11. Additionally, staying cool at a pool is a popular option for many parents and kids. Marshall encourages parents to be vigilant while at the pool with their child. “Make sure you keep your eye on your child at all times,” she said. “It’s amazing the number of parents who aren’t paying attention to their kids because they think they can rely on the lifeguards. Don’t trust other people to do it for you because they can’t watch your child like you can.”

So expect a few bumps, bruises and skinned knees this summer. Probably some bug bites too. But now that you know what you need to help them feel better, your kids can get back to being kids again. And you can enjoy your summer too.