As the countdown to the summer holidays begins, the warm weather and sunshine bring a buzz of excitement for the imminent BBQ’s, adventures and trips to the seaside that we’ve all been craving after the long, wet winter! Summer is the perfect time of year for many al fresco family activities, it’s also the time of year doctors and medical staff see an increase in the number of patients affected by the heat and sun. Wearing sunscreen and drinking water are a good start but let’s see if there’s anything else we can be aware of to help protect our families this summer.
Sunburn is probably the first thing we worry about when taking our little ones out on a hot day so of course we slather on the factor 50 and pop their sun hat on! But this is not just restricted to really hot and sunny days. It is often on cloudy days with a slight breeze that we underestimate the strength of the sun while we are outside.
Sunburn is often a superficial burn to the outer layer of skin, it will be red, sore and swollen. If it looks raw and blistered, this indicates a partial thickness burn that’s damaged 2 or 3 layers of skin. For babies and children, we should seek medical advice for any burn to their delicate skin, as should anyone where the burn covers a large area. This could range from a call to your GP or 111 to visiting a minor injuries unit or emergency department. Any burns to the face, hands, feet, genitals or a circumference burn need hospital treatment.
With advice, mild sunburn can most likely be treat at home. Move the child indoors or to a shaded area and cool the skin with a cool shower or a cool, wet compress or sponge. Never cool the skin with ice. Have the child drink plenty of fluids, ice pops and lollies come in handy here! Paracetamol and ibuprofen can be taken if safe to do so. Gently applying a water based lotion or petroleum jelly will help keep the skin cool and moist. Until the skin has healed, keep it covered and out of direct sunlight. If at any point your child becomes unwell or you have any other concerns, seek medical advice.
Severe sunburn can include blistering, swelling, fever and chills. Never burst the blisters, cool as before and cover with cling film. Headaches, vomiting and dizziness could also indicate heatstroke, sunstroke or heat exhaustion so a medical assessment will be required. Severe sunburn can occasionally need hospital treatment with medications and dressings.
Of course the easiest way to treat sunburn is to prevent it. Babies under six months should always be kept shaded and out the way of direct sunlight. Children should wear suitable clothing, a hat, a minimum SPF of 15 which includes both UVA and UVB protection and ideally play in the shade from 11am to 3pm. Personally, I always go for a factor 50 on my two. Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before going out and reapplied regularly. No sunscreen is truly waterproof so where splashing, paddling and swimming are involved, reapply every 1 ½ – 2 hours.
Heat Exhaustion is more likely to affect babies and children. This is the body’s reaction to loss of water and salts through excessive sweating and the core body temperate rises above 38*C. Symptoms often occur in the late afternoon or early evening and if left untreated, can quickly lead to heat stroke.
Symptoms to look out for include tiredness, weakness, feeling dizzy or faint. Pale clammy skin that feels hot to touch although the child may say they feel cold. Intense thirst, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps. As well as racing pulse, headache and decreased urine output.
Respond to these symptoms by moving the child to a cool, shaded area. Let them lie down and remove any excessive clothing. Cool skin as mentioned above and offer water or fruit juice to rehydrate. Ideally oral rehydration solutions and isotonic drinks are best as they also replace the lost body salts and aid recovery. Always read the instructions and gain parental consent if treating a child in your care. Always obtain medical advice, even if the child recovers quickly.
Heat Stroke is less common but a very serious condition where the body is no longer able to cool down, the temperature control part of the brain fails along with the ability to sweat. This leads to fevers rising dangerously high above 40*C and requires immediate emergency treatment. Symptoms include a throbbing headache, feeling dizzy, nauseous and vomiting similar to heat exhaustion but may also include fainting, confusion, disorientation, low levels of consciousness and the possibility of a seizure. Skin will looked flushed and will be hot and dry to touch. Move the child to a cool shaded area and call 999/112 for help. Remove clothing and wrap in a cool wet sheet until the temperature returns to normal. Take care not to over cool the child too quickly.
As with sunburn, the easiest way to treat heat exhaustion and heat stroke would be prevention. Along with sunscreen, light clothing and shade between 11am and 3pm remember to stay hydrated throughout the day, plenty of cool food and drinks, salads, fruit, ice lollies and a cheeky ice cream will all help! Cooling your skin with a damp cloth or a sprinkle of water is a good idea too. Don’t forget to take a peek in the toilet after a wee, if it’s darker than normal or you’re going less often, it’s time to top up your water bottle!
Jill Santonastaso
jill@daisyfirstaid.com
Daisy First Aid Classes for Parents & Carers last 2 hours and cover responding to a medical emergency, CPR, recovery positions, head injuries, febrile seizures, choking, allergic reactions, meningitis, fractures, poisons, burns and bleeding.
You can follow Daisy First Aid Newcastle & South Northumberland on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! We offer useful first aid tips and advice as well as promoting offers from local baby and toddler groups!