Learn more than you ever wanted to know about the creepy, crawly--and let's face it, gross--side of summer, in my two-part UT Healthleader series on "Yuck-ology." First, let's talk bedbugs. In part one, I talk with infectious disease expert, Charles Ericsson, MD, professor of medicine and director of the travel medicine clinic at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) Medical School, about how to avoid the pesky critters on your summer vacation. Tip: check your bed, sheets, and all the areas around your bed for signs of bedbugs, even if you are staying in a four-star hotel.
“You don’t have to be staying in a youth hostel or a homeless shelter to find bedbugs,” Ericsson says. “These things can pop up in the finest hotels, so if you are on the road, it is not unwise to check for them.”
In part two of "Yuckology," I consulted experts at UT Health about how to identify and treat other pests and infections that are common in children during summer including lice, pinworm, impetigo and scabies infestations.
Parents shudder at the thought of their child having a parasite or oozing infection. But these conditions are more common than you think.
“Parents should not be embarrassed but should understand the ease of transmission among children since they are so touchy-feely,” says Johnnie Frazier, MD, a pediatrician and associate professor of pediatrics for UTHealth Medical School. “Early detection is important, because all of these ailments are highly contagious.”
The take home message? Don't let these pests ruin your vacation. Learn how to spot an infestation or infection, get prompt treatment and seek medical help if necessary. Most importantly, enjoy your summer!