Children in summer. Hazards under control

Basic recommendations during the summer for children

Skin under control

Solar radiation causes skin burns and can cause. The best recommendation is to apply sun protection factor in the exposed areas about 20 or 30 minutes before going outside. If you go to the pool or the beach, you must apply sunscreen every time you get out of the water or every two hours. On the market there are fabrics that protect from the sun (both for sports and for bathing), they are a good solution to protect the skin.

Avoid the hours of maximum radiation

It is essential to avoid sunburn. Ideally, go to the beach or the pool before 12 am and after 4 pm.

Heat stroke

Continued exposure to the sun, especially in the hours of highest incidence of radiation, can raise the temperature of the body causing damage to our body. It can be mild or so important that it requires hospital admission. Symptoms are: confusion, rapid breathing, sweating, and rapid heartbeat. Go to an emergency center immediately. To avoid this, our children should do outdoor activities avoiding noon, cover their heads with hats and drink water continuously.

Food poisoning

In summer it is essential to handle food with care and maintain proper refrigeration, especially in those made with raw eggs such as mayonnaise or raw meat and fish such as carpaccio and tartars. If we go out with our children, it is better to bring packed mayonnaise and fruit jars (in the case of babies who eat fruit) and a refrigerator to transport everything.

Insect bites

They are the nightmare of many parents ... One way to combat them is to avoid areas with puddled water at home or gardens. Covering exposed areas or using citronella patches on clothing can help. In over two years you can apply a few drops of tea tree oil on wrists, ankles and temples.

Pools and beach

One of the most frequent causes of accidents with serious consequences is drowning. Never leave other children in charge of the little ones. They must always be watched when they are in the pool or on the beach, even if they wear flotation elements, such as bubbles, hoses or float. In these cases, the child's life depends on a few minutes. A good way of prevention, aside from vigilance, is to teach children to swim and float in water as soon as possible.

Prevent dehydration

In the heat, children sweat and lose a lot of fluids. It is very important to offer them water and always carry bottles or canteens. Sugary or carbonated drinks do not hydrate as much as water and provide a lot of sugars.

Planning trips

Plan the trip, with stops to rest, go to the bathroom or eat and drink. Putting the child the type of safety seat that is his / her age and checking the car before making the trip are essential safety measures.

Health does not go on vacation

• When faced with certain symptoms, it is important to have the advice of a pediatrician who will attend to us when we need it, at any time of the day or night.

• Sunburn, heat stroke and dehydration are consequences of inadequate exposure to the sun that we must control.
• Food poisoning in summer is more frequent due to heat, so extreme precautions must be taken when preparing and handling the food of the little ones.

Dra. Esther Martínez García Pediatric Specialist