Summer is a fun time to be outside, but it also brings small skin problems like cuts, bug bites, and rashes. Most of these can be treated at home but sometimes you may need to call your doctor.
Caring for Small Cuts
At-home care:
- Rinse the cut with warm water
- Apply antibiotic ointment
- Cover with a clean, loose bandage
- Change the bandage and ointment 3 times a day
Call the doctor if:
- The cut is deep, won’t stop bleeding, or won’t close
- The skin becomes red, swollen, painful, or has thick discharge
- It doesn’t heal after 5 days
Some families use “Red Medicine Water”—that’s fine. Just keep the cut clean and watch for signs of infection.
Treating Bug Bites
Prevent bites: Wear long sleeves and use bug spray when outside.
At-home care:
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Apply anti-itch cream (like Benadryl or 1% hydrocortisone)
- Keep nails trimmed and wash hands to avoid infection
- Don’t scratch—it slows healing
Call the doctor if:
- the bite becomes painful, red, swollen, or has thick discharge.
Handling Summer Rashes
Common causes:
- Sunburn or dry skin
- Reactions to lotions or sunscreens
- Viral rashes (like hand-foot-mouth or measles)
At-home care:
- Use gentle, fragrance-free products
- Test new lotions on a small patch of skin
- Use sunscreen and keep skin moisturized
Call the doctor if:
- your have a rash with fever or blisters.
Allergic Reactions: Know the Signs
Serious allergic reactions can be dangerous. Watch for:
- Swelling of lips or eyes
- Hives all over the body
- Trouble breathing
- Panic or fear
If your child has an allergy, use an epinephrine auto-injector right away and call 911. Don’t wait—Benadryl is not enough for a severe reaction.
Not Sure? Call Us
If you’re ever unsure about your child’s skin problem, call your doctor for advice. To schedule an appointment at our clinics, call 1-628-228-2828.
Article provided by Dr. Lyra Ng, Pediatrician at Gellert Health Services.
Disclaimer: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
