According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, about 7,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the United States each year. However, about half of all venomous snakebites are “dry,” meaning the snake does not release venom.

“Snakes are often in bluebonnets. You may want to reconsider sending your kids to sit or lay in them,” said Sharon Evans, injury prevention manager at Cook Children's Health Care System.

Snakebites are most common between April and October, with snakes typically most active in the morning and at dusk. Texas is known for two types of venomous snakes: pit vipers and coral snakes. North Texas is home to three species of pit vipers: copperheads, cottonmouths (also known as water moccasins) and rattlesnakes.

“If you are bitten go to the Emergency Department or Urgent Care Center for treatment and evaluation,” said Evans.

Once at the hospital, patients with moderate to severe envenomation may receive antivenom, which is readily available at Cook Children’s Medical Centers. Patients are closely monitored for symptom progression and may require hospital admission for observation and supportive care. 

Cook Children’s reported three snake bites as of March 2026. Last year, 25 snake bites were reported, the first one in April. In 2024, the first snakebite was reported in March. The system treated 27 snakebites that year.

Bluebonnets may not just be home to some slithery friends, but insects too. In cases of insect bites, such as fire ants, Evans suggests caregivers call the North Texas Poison Center.

“Be careful when your children are getting in there,” said Evans.

Evans shared advice for caregivers on how to enjoy the beautiful flowers, while avoiding a trip to the emergency department.  

Keeping safe:

• Look before you walk.
• Avoid walking in tall grass.
• Wear protective boots.
• Never attempt to touch or handle a snake, even if it appears dead.

 What to do if bitten by a snake:

• Do not try to capture, photograph, or kill the snake.
• Do not apply ice, tourniquets, or attempt to suck out venom.
• Immobilize the affected limb and keep it at heart level if possible.

 Signs of venomous snake bite:

• Blurred vision
• Convulsions
• Dizziness
• Excessive sweating
• Fainting
• Fang marks
• Fever
• Increased salivation
• Localized pain and burning
• Muscle contractions
• Muscle incoordination
• Nausea and vomiting
• Numbness and tingling
• Rapid pulse rate
• Skin discoloration
• Swelling in the bite area
• Thirst
• Tissue death
• Weakness

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Summer Safety: Protecting Your Kids from Snakebites in Texas

Burns are common during the hot summer days because the sun and its UV rays are a common source of sunburn that can develop quickly on exposed skin that is not protected by clothes or sunscreen.

Sun exposure is not the only source of burns in children, other culprits include thermal heat from hot appliances, stoves or hot liquids among others. Knowing the different types of burns that can occur can help determine the kind of care that is necessary.

• 1st-degree burns occur when skin turns red/pink but there is NO blistering. An example is a mild sunburn.
• 2nd-degree burns are when the outer layer of skin is burned and some of the dermis (deeper layer of skin) is damaged. This burn usually causes blistering and is painful.
• 3rd-degree burns are when skin appears charred or white. Both the epidermis and dermis layers are damaged usually with irreversible damage.

For minor burns care at home including the following is appropriate:

• Cool the burn by using cool water over the burn for a few minutes. Do not put ice directly over the burn and do not rub or break blistering as this can increase the risk of infection and worsen the injury.
• Cover the burned area with a clean bandage that will not stick to the burned skin. Do not apply anything to the burn site before discussing this with your pediatrician.

If a burn is blistered and swollen or covers a large portion of skin (larger than the size of a child’s hand) or involves the skin of the hand, feet, genitals or over a joint (elbow/knee/ankle) then a child should be seen by their pediatrician or in the emergency room.

When it comes to sunburns, prevention is key. Zinc oxide-based sunscreen is best for exposed skin and re-application if outside and exposed to the sun for a prolonged time is usually the best way to prevent sunburn. Covering skin with SPF clothes is another way to protect your child’s skin.

If you are worried about any burn, even if it seems minor then consulting your child’s pediatrician is always a good idea. 

As your family travels to the beach this summer, remember to include health and safety measures to ensure you and your children have the best vacation possible. 

Sunscreen often comes to mind, however, there are some other precautions to consider. Cook Children’s Medical Advisor for Digital Health, Dr. Diane Arnaout, M.D., shared helpful tips when preparing for the beach. She sees a variety of beach-related medical conditions each year and offers tips to avoid trouble.

Dr. Arnaout reminds us it only takes 15-20 minutes for a sunburn to form. Hence, it’s essential to apply and reapply sunscreen routinely and ensure all body parts are covered.

“Don’t forget the top of the ears -- that’s where I tend to see the most sun damage, especially in boys because they don’t have that hair covering their ears. I see lots of freckling and burned skin here,” Dr. Arnaout said.

Dr. Arnaout also talked about using shade and clothing, such as longer swim shorts and shirts to avoid harmful, cancer-causing ultraviolet (UV) rays. By doing so, we can protect our kids from day one. 

“Try to keep kids, especially under 6 months, completely covered with an umbrella or some kind of shade because they can burn much more easily,” she said. Parents should know, according to Dr. Arnaout, that you CAN put sunscreen on your child at that age, but doctors prefer an umbrella, with exceptions for their feet. 

Lifejackets & Riptides

When taking your child to the lake, lifejackets are commonly used for children. However, Dr. Arnaout observed that many parents do not think to bring a lifejacket to the beach.

“When we go to the beach, people will assume the kids will be playing in the sand without any danger, but kids can wander off and get swept into the water very easily,” Dr. Arnaout said.

Although riptides are not ordinary on the Texas coast, it is important to keep them in mind. Dr. Arnaout shares some tips in the event your child runs into riptides. 

“Especially older kids, if it’s dragging them, do not fight it, but let it take you in the direction it needs to,” Dr. Arnaout said. “You can tire out easily trying to fight a riptide.”

Skincare & Jellyfish Stings

We’ve all seen it in the movies, TV shows or heard stories of someone peeing on a jellyfish sting, so surely that’s the way to cure one, right? Contrary to popular belief, that is false, according to Dr. Arnaout. 

Dr. Arnaout shares that peeing on a jellyfish sting is only a myth. It might make the sting worse. The most effective treatment is vinegar. However, there are other things you can do if your child is stung by a jellyfish. 

“The tentacles of jellyfish have these little stingers that can get stuck in your skin. One of the best and immediate things you can do is go back in the water and a lot of them will wash off. You don’t want to rub it off, but you can take a credit card and gently scrape the stingers off, ” she added. 

Last but not least, it’s time to talk about skincare and gentle clothing at the beach. Be aware of mesh lining and life vest straps, which they can harm the skin.  Dr. Arnaout says she has seen many instances where the mesh lining or buckles from lifejackets irritate private parts, especially for boys. It is important to be aware of the materials inside your children’s swimsuits. 

“I think it’s not well known that the mesh lining of these suits or even the straps that go down in that area can be super abrasive and can cause a lot of chafing and a lot of pain,” Dr. Arnaout explained.

Summer is nearly here! Let's quickly hit some of the most common questions I get around this time of year - about sunscreen, DEET, and life jackets.

1. Sunscreen:

Use it! Even on a cloudy, not-very-hot day! 80% of the sun's rays penetrate clouds! And bounce off sand and snow!

Start using it at age 6 months. Prior to 6 months, do not have your baby in direct sunlight - put them under heavy shade and put a hat on them. If you can't find shade, use sunscreen on small amounts of their skin and try to cover skin with clothing.

Go with SPF 30-50 for your kids. I don't care about brand.

Zinc oxide (the stuff that won't disappear when you rub it in) is the best. It physically blocks the harmful rays. Great for nose, ears, cheeks, tops of shoulders.

Put it on 15-30 min BEFORE YOU GO OUT.

Reapply every 2 HOURS.

PUT ON MORE THAN YOU THINK YOU NEED. 1 teaspoon per limb is about right. 1 tsp for back, 1 tsp for chest. 1/2 tsp for face.

I don't like the sprays. They miss spots and can be inhaled. If you have to use them, spray a ton on your hands and rub it it in good.

More good info about sunscreen here: https://www.checkupnewsroom.com/5-tips-to-protect-your-chi…/

2. DEET:

DON'T BE SCARED OF IT. It is not "DDT"! It is safe down to age 2 months. It is the BEST way to prevent insect bites and this has been proven time and again in medical studies.

Read a ton about this in another article I wrote here:

https://www.checkupnewsroom.com/the-deets-on-deet/

If you absolutely don't want to use DEET, go with Picaridin.

Those wrist bands ain't gonna do anything.

3. Life jackets!

Use only life jackets that are approved by the US Coast Guard.

Here are the types (compliments of the AAP Healthy Children website):

TYPE 1: This jacket floats the best. It is designed to turn most people who are unconscious in the water from the face-down position to an upright and slightly backward position. This jacket helps the person to stay in that position for a long time. It is to be used in open water and oceans. It is available in only 2 sizes: 1 size for adults more than 90 pounds and 1 size for children less than 90 pounds. (Type 1 is the most bulky but has the greatest ability to turn a child "face-up".)

TYPE 2: This jacket can turn a person upright and slightly backward but not as much as the Type 1 jacket. It may not always help an unconscious person to float face up. It is comfortable and comes in many sizes for children. (More comfy but will only turn SOME children "face-up".)

TYPE 3: This jacket is designed for conscious users in calm, inland water. It is very comfortable and comes in many styles. This life jacket is often used for water sports and should be used only when it is expected that the rescue can be done quickly. (Least bulky, most comfortable. Good support for children who have some swimming skills.)

This summer, I will be using Type 1 lifejackets for my kids when we go to the ocean or are at the lake. I will be using Type 2 when we are in the wading pool. My kids are 2 and 4 and I will be within a few feet of them at all times when they are in/around water.

WATCH YOUR CHILDREN AT ALL TIMES WHEN THEY ARE IN OR AROUND WATER. DROWNING IS SILENT.

Let me say that again: DROWNING IS SILENT.

Cook Children's has a great drowning prevention resource page. Click here to learn more.

Hope this helps answer your burning hot summer questions!

Hugs,

Dr. Diane Arnaout