Miami offers a multitude of locations for cooling off with our tropical heat. RiteCare offers some suggestions if your child encounters these swimming issues.
Swimmer’s Ear
If your child’s ear is red and itchy — and the pain gets worse when you tug on it — your child probably has swimmer’s ear, which may be caused by a bacteria or fungus. There may be drainage from the ear, too.
First, purchase over-the-counter ear drops at your local pharmacy. Most of the time, these ear drops will work. Also, keep your child away from the beach or pool for a few days — or have them swim with their head above water. Don’t insert objects into the infected ear including headphones or cotton swabs. If the pain doesn’t let up within 24 hours, see your doctor, who may prescribe drops.
Before the kids go swimming, pick up some earplugs (the type that molds to the ear) to block out water. If your kids are prone to swimmer’s ear, limit diving and underwater swimming when you head to the beach or visit the pool.
Jellyfish Stings
For the Miami Beach Surf Report about jellyfish sightings, click here to know before you go. If you or your child encounters a jellyfish, start the steps right away.
Soak the wound in vinegar water to help remove the tentacles. As you gently scrape away the jellyfish tentacles — a credit card will do the trick — rinse the area with salt water. (Don’t use your hands or rub them off with clothing or towels because it could discharge more venom.) In fresh water, the tiny tentacles can expand and actually sting your child all over again.
If your child is stung on or around his face or genitals, seek immediate medical care at an urgent care center.
