Pediatrician Dr. Mabaso Talks Common Summer Illnesses in Kids

Skin diseases

Skin diseases can range from a simple heat rash, sunburn, eczema, and insect bites to numerous viral exanthems and even bacterial infections. Viral exanthems include Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease (HFMD), measles, chickenpox and molluscum contagiosum, to name a few. These viral conditions may be preceded with fever and other non-specific manifestations.

Bacterial skin infections could range from a simple folliculitis or impetigo to a much worse conditions, like ecythma and abscesses caused mostly by bacteria, such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. These skin disorders can range from simple redness of the skin to a more prominent lesions like maculopapular rashes, pustules, and abscesses. Several preventive strategies could be practiced to avoid these skin lesions. Good personal hygiene is very important and keeping children cool by frequent bathing, wearing light clothing, and moisturizing the skin. Avoiding areas which could be nesting grounds for mosquitoes and insects could also be considered. Application of DEET-free or DEET insect repellants of no more than 30% can also help prevent insect bites. Sunburn can likewise be prevented by applying sunscreen with SPF 30 and above to the child’s skin, especially when playing outdoors.

Fungal infections are also most common in Summer, especially in warm, humid weather. Candida thrives in warm, humid areas. These fungal infections include Tinea and vaginal candidiasis, which is triggered by chlorine found in swimming pools and wearing tight non-breathable undergarments. To avoid these incidences, if your child is susceptible to this condition, please buy breathable clothes (preferably cotton-made), keep their skin as dry as possible, prevent excessive sweating which also triggers fungal infection, and consult with your Pediatrician if the condition is persistent for further advise and treatment.

The Respiratory System

The respiratory system is also affected during Summer with diseases like allergic rhinitis, dry cough (especially at night due to postnasal drip), and asthma attacks due to being exposed to a plethora of allergens. Mycoplasma Pneumoniae infection is most common in Summer and is contagious. A visit to your friendly Pediatrician would be helpful so that you will be properly advised on how to avoid the occurrence of such symptoms.

Gastroenteritis

Summer is that time of the year when most families will try out different restaurants, have picnics, and attending big events. These outtings could impact the gastrointestinal system, causing events like food poisoning and diarrhea. To avoid incidents of food poisoning, make sure that you select the proper place to get clean food and beverages, clean vegetables before cooking them, and practice hand hygiene at all times.

During the Summer, kids can also be prone to dehydration, so it is important to keep them well hydrated by giving them more fluids.

Traumatic injuries

Traumatic injuries are most commonly observed during the Summer, such as an accidental fall, head injuries, drowning, abrasions, or lacerations. Anticipate these accidents and try to preven them as much as possible, especially when children are playing outdoors. Adult supervision is always important and wearing helmets and protective gear cannot be overemphasized.

Vaccinations and Screening

There are no recommended screening tests and vaccines specifically for Summer, but parents must make sure that their children do not miss their scheduled vaccinations, and if they do due to certain circumstances, they must make sure their children receive catch-up vaccinations as soon as possible. If you will be traveling to, for an example a Malaria endemic area, please make sure to have proper prophylaxis, mosquito nets, and insect repellent with you and also follow recommendations for that particular region.

With schools coming to a close by Summer, make sure that children be given enough activities to keep them busy, even at home. Physical activity is important to curb obesity. You can enroll them in some online lessons, give them art activities, or even indulge them in some musical instruments. Reading books is another good activity for kids.

Limit television screen time each day. Make sure that at home, they are given a healthy, well-balanced diet including fruits and vegetables. Have them drink enough water, at least 1 liter per 25kg of weight per day and make them go to sleep early to ensure that they get at least 8 hours of sleep per night. Keep them away from severe sun exposure between 10:00 AM -14:00 PM, the time when UV rays are highest.

Screenings for COVID-19 are available in our Hospital, especially if the family is going on vacation or traveling to another country.

Final Thoughts

Always remember to wash your hands regularly and carry a small hand-sanitizer in your pocket, especially when there is no clean, running water available. Wear your mask at all times to protect yourself and others, and most importantly, respect the rules and regulations wherever you are.

In honor of International Children's Day, celebrated June 1st, BJU is offering a bonus benefit for our pediatric membership card, valued at 1000 RMB. In addition to one free Family Medicine or Pediatric Outpatient consultation with every purchase of a new membership card, if you buy the membership card in June, you will also have the choice of either one free orthodontics screening or one free eye exam. For more information, call our 24hr service center at 4008-919191.

Dr. Lungile Mabaso practices as a Pediatrician, receiving extensive training in all areas of pediatric care, including neonatal intensive care, pediatric inpatient and outpatient conditions, and pediatric emergency care. Dr. Mabaso has over 10 years of clinical experience in pediatrics and is in the process of completing her residency in pediatrics and her master’s in Medicine. In addition to her medical training, Dr. Mabaso is a qualified teacher who loves teaching. She is also involved in charity work, giving back to underprivileged children. Our Department of Pediatrics ensures that your child will receive high-quality, international pediatric outpatient and inpatient care while your family is here in Beijing. Our pediatricians have many years of experience in caring for children here in China and internationally. They are trained to prevent and manage healthcare problems in infants, children, teens, and young adults. To make an appointment with Dr. Mabaso or one of our other Pediatricians, please call the 24hr Service Center at 4008-919191.

Pediatrician Dr. Mabaso Talks Common Summer Illnesses in Kids

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