.svg)
3 Summer Safety Reminders: What to Pack in Your First-Aid Kit to Prevent Bug Bites, Sunburns, Rashes, and More
3 Summer Safety Reminders: What to Pack in Your First-Aid Kit to Prevent Bug Bites, Sunburns, Rashes, and More
Summer is here and with it comes more glorious time spent outside in the sunshine. But it can also come with bug bites, rashes, sunburns, blisters, and scratches. Luckily, there are a few items you can pack in a first-aid kit to ensure your summer spent outdoors is a safe one.
This article was written by
3 Summer Safety Reminders: What to Pack in Your First-Aid Kit to Prevent Bug Bites, Sunburns, Rashes, and More
3 Summer Safety Reminders: What to Pack in Your First-Aid Kit to Prevent Bug Bites, Sunburns, Rashes, and More
3 Summer Safety Reminders: What to Pack in Your First-Aid Kit to Prevent Bug Bites, Sunburns, Rashes, and More
Jump to a section:
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Jump to a section:
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Summer is here and with it comes more glorious time spent outside in the sunshine. But it can also come with bug bites, rashes, sunburns, blisters, and scratches. Luckily, there are a few items you can pack in a first-aid kit to ensure your summer spent outdoors is a safe one.
For Preventing & Treating Bug Bites: Pack Anti-Allergy Medications, Hydrocortisone Cream, & Insect Repellent
When it comes to bug bites some people get bit all over and hardly react while others will have enormous, and tremendously ITCHY welts. There truly are people who are mosquito-bite sensitive and people who are not. If you do get bit and experience discomfort or itchiness, it’s safe to use as directed an over-the-counter (OTC) anti-allergy medication, such as one that contains the active ingredient diphenhydramine, to help you find relief. It’s also safe to use an OTC hydrocortisone cream or ointment on bites that aren’t scratched open or raw.
To help prevent bug bites, I recommend using an insect repellent (many safe choices, see below!) and wearing long sleeves when possible. Just makes things easier. But having grown up in the Midwest (a mosquito haven), I am aware that sometimes bugs can even bite through clothes! Some insects are also more active in the evenings after the heat of the midday sun is gone. To protect yourself while inside your home, you should fix broken screens on doors and windows, especially in rooms where you and your family sleep. Lastly, avoid using fragrant shampoo and perfumes that sometimes attract insects!
What to Know About Insect Repellent:
- Don’t use it with infants under 2 months of age.
- Only apply it to healthy skin (avoid open scratches or wounds) and it IS okay to apply on the outside of clothes.
- Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents, which means they have been evaluated for safety and effectiveness. Reapply insect repellent every few hours as directed on the bottle.
- Use a repellent that contains DEET, which is safe to use as directed and VERY effective at keeping insects away. The best protection comes from a repellant that contains 30% DEET.
- Don’t use combination products (i.e. products that contain sunscreen and an insect repellent) — the intervals of reapplication are different. If you plan to use both, put on sunscreen first, then apply the bug repellent.
- Additional information about insect repellents is available on HealthyChildren.org.
Use broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. As a reminder UVA rays cause aging of the skin and UVB rays cause burns. Sunscreen isn’t the BEST protector for our skin– the shade is. But we know that being outdoors in the sunshine is the essence of summer. Consider using sun protective clothing like long-sleeve “rash guards,” or UV-blocking sunshirts, hats and sunglasses. And try to avoid planning outdoor activities between 10am and 4pm, when the sun is the most intense.
When it comes down to it, the best sunscreen is the one you put on prior to being outside and reapply every couple of hours, so choose a product you like well enough to use! More important than what kind of sunscreen is how you use it. Apply 20 minutes prior to sun exposure and every 1-2 hours while in the water or high activity.
Important Update: Acetaminophen
There’s been a lot of talk recently about misleading claims that taking acetaminophen during pregnancy can cause autism. We’ve pulled together some FAQs and answers to help families.
Learn more and get the facts about acetaminophenTo Treat Cuts, Scrapes, & Blisters: Pack OTC Topical Antibiotic Ointments, Bandages, & Pain Relievers
After a fall or injury, the first thing you should do is clean any cuts or scrapes immediately with water. Rather than soaking, let water run over and through a cut or abrasion to irrigate it. There’s no need to use hydrogen peroxide, iodine or an iodine-containing cleanser, which can be irritating to tissue already injured. Water is a safer bet for cleaning out the wound. Tap water is safe (you don’t need sterile water) and the pressure from a faucet can sometimes really help irrigate a cut or abrasion very well. Consider irrigating the cut or scrape for 3-5 minutes. Tap water that is tepid tends to be the least irritating. After the cut or scrape is clean, cover it up with an OTC topical antibiotic ointment and repeat the application of the ointment about 2 or 3 times daily with a loose bandage for the first couple days.
And for the regular aches and pains associated with illness and injury it’s also wise to keep OTC ibuprofen and acetaminophen in your first-aid kit. Remember to keep the dosing device with the medicine!
A NOTE ABOUT DYE-FREE PRODUCTS: Dye-free medications and supplements are a great option for individuals who prefer or require products without dyes, such as those with allergies, sensitivities, or personal preferences. Importantly, both dye-containing and dye-free options are held to the same rigorous safety and quality standards. If you’re unsure which is right for you or your family, talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider. They can help you choose the option that best suits your needs.
References:
- http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/30/AR2005093001998.html
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR602285/DSECTION=precautions-
- http://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/multivitamin.html
- http://www.naturemade.com/resource-center/articles-and-videos/immune-health/timing-your-vitamins
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/912.html
- http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-HealthProfessional/
- http://www.prevention.com/food/healthy-eating-tips/your-breakfast-giving-you-cancer
- http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/
- http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/yf/foods/fn1607.pdf
- http://www.fda.gov/Food/DietarySupplements/UsingDietarySupplements/ucm110567.htm
Safe Use Tips & Takeaways
Heart Health Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water, soil, and some foods. It strengthens your enamel, repairs early signs of damage, and makes teeth more resistant to acids from bacteria and sugar.
Is fluoride toothpaste still the most effective option, or are fluoride-free formulas just as good?
Fluoride is still the gold standard for cavity protection. Fluoride-free options can clean your teeth, but they don’t offer the same enamel-strengthening power.
Is fluoride safe for daily use?
Yes. When used as directed, fluoride is safe and effective. It’s been trusted and recommended by major health organizations for over 70 years.
How does fluoride actually protect teeth?
It strengthens enamel, repairs early signs of decay, and makes teeth more resistant to acids from bacteria and sugary foods.
Are there any risks to using fluoride long-term?
The main risk—especially for young kids—is swallowing too much, which can lead to mild fluorosis. Using the right amount prevents this. For parents, supervise brushing to ensure kids spit out the toothpaste and don't swallow it.
At what age should kids start using fluoride toothpaste?
As soon as the first tooth appears!
* Under 3 years: a tiny rice-sized smear
* Ages 3–6: a pea-size amount
Supervise brushing so they don’t swallow it.
* Under 3 years: a tiny rice-sized smear
* Ages 3–6: a pea-size amount
Supervise brushing so they don’t swallow it.
Is fluoride still safe and recommended for kids with all the claims online?
Yes. A lot of online claims can be confusing, but decades of research show fluoride is safe and strongly recommended for cavity prevention when used properly.
How much fluoride should my child get from toothpaste?
Use age-appropriate amounts and brush twice a day. If your water isn’t fluoridated, ask your dentist about additional options.
How do I know which kids’ toothpaste claims are real and not just marketing?
Check for the ADA Seal of Acceptance and choose brands your dentist recommends.
Do fluoride-free or “natural” toothpastes protect kids from cavities?
They can help clean teeth, but they don’t provide the same cavity protection as fluoride toothpastes.
Are fluoride-free toothpastes just as effective for adults?
Not for cavity prevention. Fluoride-free toothpastes can help with cleaning and freshening breath, but they do not protect against cavities the way fluoride does. For adults, or anyone who is prone to cavities, fluoride toothpaste remains the most effective option for preventing tooth decay.
Do fluoride alternatives like nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) make a difference?
Yes—nHAp can help with sensitivity and early enamel repair. But it hasn’t matched fluoride’s cavity-prevention strength in studies.
How do I compare fluoride vs. fluoride-free options if I have sensitivity or enamel wear?
Fluoride is best for strengthening enamel. nHAp may help with sensitivity. Some people benefit from using both in a balanced routine.
Are whitening toothpastes safe to use with fluoride or fluoride-free products?
Most are safe but can be abrasive. Choose gentle formulas and avoid using them every single day—especially for kids.
What should I look for when choosing an OTC toothpaste?
Pick products with proven active ingredients (like fluoride), check for the ADA Seal, and avoid unnecessary additives or sweeteners.
Does fluoride affect hormones or the brain?
No credible scientific evidence shows fluoride at levels used in toothpaste or fluoridated water disrupts hormones or causes neurodevelopmental harm.
What should I do if my community stops adding fluoride to the water?
Use fluoridated toothpaste, consider fluoride rinses, and talk to a dentist about fluoride supplements for kids.
Do fluoride supplements have side effects?
They’re safe when used under dental guidance and typically recommended for children in areas without fluoridated water.
What’s the best way to make sure I’m getting enough fluoride?
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, drink fluoridated tap water if available, and ask your dentist for personalized advice if you’re cavity-prone.