Wichita Clinic physicians at Bethel in Newton have seen a number of cases of poison ivy, ticks, and ear aches.

For ear aches, see your doctor if your ear ache lasts more than one day, you haven’t been swimming, and if supportive measures fail.

Be aware of poison ivy and try to avoid it. Symptoms include itchy skin, read streaks or general redness on the skin, small bumps or larger raised areas, blisters filled with fluid. To treat, wash the area with water immediately after contact. To relieve symptoms, use wet compresses and take cool baths. Nonprescription antihistamines and calamine lotion may help relieve symptoms. Moderate or severe cases of the rash may require treatment by a doctor.

To prevent tick bites apply insect repellent, cover as much of your skin as possible when working or playing in grassy or wooded areas, wear gloves when you handle animals or work in the woods. Usually, removing the tick, washing the site of the bite, and watching for signs of illness are all that is needed. Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove a tick. Pull the tick straight out until its mouth lets go of the skin. Do not twist or “unscrew” the tick. Wash the area with warm water and soap. Apply an antibiotic ointment if the bite becomes irritated. See a doctor if new or different symptoms develop, if you develop an expanding red rash, develop flu-like symptoms, develop a rash or sore, or if symptoms or a skin infection develop.

Wichita Clinic Murdock Immediate Care physicians are seeing sunburns and an increase in injuries from recreational activities as the weather gets warm and nice.

Family Medicine physicians in Andover have been busy with sports physicals.

Family Medicine physicians in Augusta have seen patients with allergies, sinusitis, inflammation of the skin and insect bites.

Derby pediatricians have had several patients with vomiting and diarrhea in younger children. It is important that they do not become dehydrated. Signs of dehydration are decreased in urinary output, the mouth is not moist and fewer tears are produced when an infant cries. Physicians are also doing a lot of sports physicals.