Lube up the little ones

The lazy days of summer are quickly approaching and it won’t be long before carpools and homework are replaced by outdoor fun, summer camps and family vacations. Unfortunately, the very features that make the summer so fun and exciting also can be very dangerous and can quickly turn an idyllic summer day into a nightmare. Luckily, a bit of planning and a tad of common sense can keep your family safe without interfering with even an ounce of fun. Today I’m going to cover the basics of summer – the heat and the sun. Next week I’ll cover the hidden dangers in the recreational side of summer.

Do you know that the heat and the sun do not necessarily go hand in hand? It is possible to have sun without intense heat and hot temperatures without a lot of sun. And, when they occur together, there is double the trouble. And, it is even possible to burn in the shade!

Babies under 6 months of age should never be in direct sunlight – they burn too easily and sunscreens are not safe for children so young. Try to keep these tots covered in light clothing or shaded by an umbrella or stroller cover – and don’t forget the hat.

Small infants and children dehydrate quickly in the sun and heat so keep on hand some rehydration solutions or some good sports drinks. We all lose sugars and salts when we sweat and its important to replace those BEFORE there is a problem. This is especially important in small children who tend to not want to drink when they feel very warm.

For older kids, sunscreen SPF 15 or higher, hats with a brim, sunglasses and limiting sun exposure during the peak sun times (10am to 4pm) are the current recommendations of the American Academies of Pediatrics and Dermatology. Lube the entire body including feet, hands, noses, ears, back of the ears, lips. And, don’t forget to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours of if playing sports or swimming. It’s also important to have your children rest and have some sun-free time complete with lots of fluids. Keep popcicles on hand as well as sports drinks and encourage your child to carry a water bottle filled with either ice water or a sports drink.

Sunburns are true burns of the skin and can be serious if large and blistered. The discomfort of simple sunburns can be relieved with cool baths, moisturizers with aloe, and hydrocortisone. Large blistering areas many require more elaborate medical management and you should consult your doctor if large areas of blistering occur.

Bodies can get overheated to very dangerous temperatures. Any sunburn with headache, chills, fever is a medical emergency and its important to call your doctor or take your child to the nearest emergency room. Other warning signs to seek help for include lethargy, not tearing, vomiting and not urinating. Also remember not to leave a child in a car on a summer’s day even for a few minutes – a car can quickly heat up like an oven to temperatures that can and do take lives each summer.

So, as you prepare for the summer heat, stock up on

• rehydration solutions and/or sports drinks
• sunblock SPF 15 or higher
• hats
• sunglasses
• stroller coverings or umbrella
• fans for your house or an air conditioning unit if possible
• portable water bottles
• fans or air conditioning units if your home/apartment allows

Here’s to beating the heat this summer.

© 2005 Pediatrics Now. All rights reserved. PEDIATRICS NOW is a trademark of Pediatrics Now.

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