Sun-care tips for children

THE outdoors is like a magnet for children, especially as they enjoy every minute of freedom they get during the summer holidays. But this desire usually leads to overindulgence and overexposure, which could see many little ones suffering from sunburns.

Dr Anona Griffith, paediatrician at Gateway Plaza, Old Harbour, who has treated her fair share of sunburnt children, said that it is natural for children to desire the outdoors, especially since they live in a tropical climate. But overexposure to the sun, especially when it’s at its peak during the summer months, can lead to sunburn.

“Sunburn, as the name implies, is damage to the superficial layers of the skin as a result of overexposure to the sun. The sun emits rays in the form of ultraviolet light mainly of two types, A and B, which are associated with skin damage,” Dr Griffith said.

She pointed out that with the depletion of the ozone layer which acts as a protective barrier against these excessive rays, sunburn can occur not only on a bright sunny day but also on a relatively overcast day as well. This, she said, is directly linked to the fact that ultraviolet rays are present in both cases.

Dr Griffith said that there are a number of ways that you can protect your little ones from the harsh ultraviolet rays. Some of these include:

• Wear protective clothing. Cover exposed areas when not participating in water activities. It is thought that the thicker the fabric the better the protection,

•Use broad hats to shield the face, neck and upper body.

• Sunglasses and shades are highly recommended.

• Sun protective lip balm should be applied.

• Use sunscreen or sun protectants. These products now come in various forms other than thick creams which were the major form of presentation previously. They are formulated to protect against both ultraviolet A and B rays. Generally, the sunscreen protection factor rating recommended is 30 or more, and should be applied generously 15- 30 minutes before going into the sun, and reapplied every two to three hours.

• Children younger than six months should avoid direct sunlight and should be covered at all times. Avoid using sunscreen on them, however, since no tests have been done to see if it has any effect on them.

• Children over six months may have limited exposure.

• Avoid exposure between the hours of 10:00 am to 4:00 pm when the sun is most intense.

• Seek shade where possible and as often as you can.

• Keep them hydrated.

Sunburn could present in a number of ways. Generally, Dr Griffith says it manifests through:

•Redness in the affected area.

• The child complains of pain in the area and often cries if you touch the area.

• Swelling and blisters.

• Headaches, fever, chills.

Dr Griffith said that it could take several hours after exposure to see the true extent of skin damage, but it is generally easy to manage if the burns are not extensive. Below she shares how:

• Pain relievers may help to control pain and discomfort. But avoid application of topical painkillers especially those containing “caine” compounds.

• Keep hydrated. The skin is the largest organ and is protective in nature. If damaged, fluid loss from the area can pose a problem. Water is the most important fluid.

• Keep cool. Frequent baths and cool compresses are encouraged. Baking soda added to bath water may offer a soothing effect.

• Moisturise and moisturise some more. This helps to soothe peeling skin.

• Aloe vera gel is a naturally occurring product that has been useful as a soothing treatment and moisturiser.

• Hydrocortisone creams in very low doses may reduce irritation and swelling of the affected area. It may also speed up the healing process.

• Do not rupture any blisters that may form, as this may increase the risk of the area becoming infected.

• Avoid further sun exposure.

Dr Griffith said that you may not be managing the sunburns well enough or they may be too extensive to treat at home if:

• Burns are extensive.

• There is severe pain.

• There are weeping blisters with crusting or pus.

• There is fever.

• There is dehydration, which is possible if the area affected is extensive and the burns severe.

Dr Griffith said that sunlight in moderation can be healthy as it provides the body with vitamin D.

“It is possible to enjoy what we have been blessed with and to do it safely, so just keep in mind the ways that I have shared on preventing an unpleasant consequence of too much fun in the sun,” she said.