Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital Pediatrics Specialist Dr. Şebnem Kuter talked about the precautions that parents should take to protect children from sunstroke; made important recommendations and warnings.
Child Health and Diseases Specialist Dr. Kuter made the following suggestions: “Noon hours when the sun's rays come at a right angle to the earth (11.00-15.00) are the hours when the temperature is at its maximum. Sunstrokes are most common during these hours. Therefore, avoid exposing your child to the sun at noon. Choose light-colored clothes that will reflect the sun's rays. Also, wear clothes made of thin and breathable fabrics that allow perspiration. Reduce sun exposure by wearing wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.
Apply high sun protection factor cream to your child's skin 30 minutes before going out in the sun to protect it from both sunstroke and the carcinogenic effects of sun rays. Since sunscreen products are effective for about 3-4 hours, be sure to repeat the cream when you spend time outside.
One of the most important ways to protect children from sunstroke is to not dehydrate their body. Water keeps the skin moist through perspiration. Thus, the rise in body temperature can be prevented. Make sure to drink plenty of water and fluids to replace the bodily fluids lost through sweating. Young children (1-3 years old) do not realize that they are thirsty. For this reason, make your child drink 1-1.5 liters of water by spreading it throughout the day without waiting for thirst.
Children already have a high metabolic rate. Avoid strenuous activities such as sports and swimming, especially at noon, so that their metabolic activities do not increase further. A warm shower is a good method for children to maintain their temperature balance. Make sure she takes a shower often. In hot weather, children's body temperatures can rise rapidly. Never leave it unattended in closed areas, such as a car, which is heated by exposure to sunlight. One of the most effective ways to reduce temperature and humidity in hot weather is air conditioning. Try to reduce the ambient temperature by using well-maintained air conditioners. ”
If you have these symptoms, watch out
- 40 or more fever
- red skin
- Rapid breathing
- increase in heart rate
- Speech disorder
- restlessness, agitation
- Gait and balance disorder
- Nausea, vomiting
- desire to sleep
- Dryness of mouth and lips
- dark urine
If your child develops one or more of these symptoms after hot contact, you should act immediately. “Removing your child from the sun and taking him to a cool, shaded place should be the first step. Remove excess clothing, if any. If he is conscious, you can try to drink water, but if he is unconscious, avoid giving water because of the risk of suffocation. Circumferential cooling with towels soaked in cold water is another method you can use. Afterwards, you should definitely apply to a health institution”.
Be the first to comment