It's summertime. School's out and the kids are ready to play! Don't let their summer fun be ruined due to over-exposure to the sun's harmful rays. By following these easy preventative measures, you and your little one can have a summer full of laughter and memories to last a lifetime.
- Don't let the weather be your guide. Sunny? Cloudy? Doesn't matter. Get in the habit of applying sunscreen every day.
- Choose a sunblock with UVA and UVB protection, a spf of 30+, use a physical block rather than a chemical block.
- Apply sunscreen (SPF 30+) at least 15-20 minutes before going outside. Reapply every 1-2 hours and after swimming (even if it says waterproof).
- Wear a hat. Hats keep out 50% of UV radiation.
- Avoid long periods of time in direct sun during the hours of 11-3 pm, choose a shady spot if possible.
- Keep babies under 6 months old out of the sun. Remember that your baby's skin is thinner than yours and therefore burns more quickly than an adults. Dress him or her in light loose clothing, have a parasol on the carriage, have them wear a hat, keep them in the shade.
- Don't forget the "forget-ables"- double check to make sure the back of their neck, under eyes, tips of ears and toes have been covered.
- Be a good example. These sun suggestions are not just for children, they're for us too!
- Offer plenty of fluids and watch for signs of heat exhaustion/ heat stroke. Symptoms of heat stroke include a body temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit, red, hot, dry skin (no sweating), quick pulse, confusion, dizziness, headache, nausea and unconsciousness.
A typical sunburn (caused by UV radiation- which is why you can get a sunburn on sunny or cloudy days) is a superficial burn, also known as a first-degree burn. They are red and warm, but there are no blisters. Skin may peel after a few days. This type of burn does not leave scars and actually requires little care.
- Communicate that yes, their skin got burned, that's why it hurts but the great thing about skin is it has already started to heal itself and will be "back to normal" very soon.
- Keep them out of the sun.
- Cool the burn with running water, a tepid shower for older children is nice.
- Dress in loose fitting clothing.
- Give Ibuprofen (if older than 6 months) or Tylenol because burns hurt.
- Never apply ice, grease or butter to a burn as they may cause more damage to the skin and increase the risk of infection.
Things you can do to make your little one feel better:
- Keep them out of the sun.
- Cool the burn with running water.
- Blisters provide a barrier to infection: leave them intact until seen by a doctor. Do not pop/drain the blister.
- Cover burn/blisters with a clean bandage.
- Give Ibuprofen (if older than 6 months) or Tylenol because burns hurt.
- Check burn for infection every day. Signs of infection: redness, drainage, increasing swelling, worsening pain, fever.
- Never apply ice, grease or butter to a burn as they may cause more damage to the skin and increase the risk of infection.
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