How long do I need to keep my child at home? (We have answers!)
May 30, 2022
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It is one of the most common questions when you have a little one sick at home.
It’s not uncommon… you go to the beach and someone in the family ends up with irritated skin. When you are exposed to the elements, there is a list of potential causes of skin irritation. Sunscreen reaction? Sand? ‘Swimmer’s Itch’? Many people put it down to ‘Sea lice’ – and in their head, envision tiny creatures that live on jellyfish until they find a human to annoy!
The truth is, sea lice aren’t actually a specific creature. Australian Marine Stinger Advisory Services director Lisa Gershwin explains;
“‘Lice’ is a general term for anything that causes skin irritation, itching, or pain in the ocean. Sometimes it’s little crustaceans that might give us a little itchy, niggly feeling. Other times it might be fragments of jellyfish tentacles or even little tiny species of jellyfish.”
So there you have it! ‘Sea Lice’ covers an array of potential skin irritants found in the ocean. The most important thing – if it causes distress or the condition worsens, it is always best to seek medical attention.
For further reading, visit ABC’s story ‘Sea lice: What are the tiny ocean irritants?’
It is one of the most common questions when you have a little one sick at home.
They’re tiny, shiny, and can be tempting to little explorers — but button batteries are one of the most dangerous items a child can swallow. In just two hours, a lodged battery can burn through tissue and cause life-threatening injuries. That’s why first aid guidelines have changed, and why every parent, grandparent, and carer needs to know what to do. Research now shows that giving honey (or jam for under 12 months) before reaching the hospital can help slow the damage and buy critical time — knowledge that could save a life.
Did you know that Medicines given incorrectly by parents and carers is one of the most common reasons for accidental poisonings in children under 12 months?