Young children are particularly exposed to the harmful effects of the sun and the effects of heat. Long exposure to the sun and high temperature causes skin problems - dermatitis, heat rash, burns, sunburn, and even heat stroke. How to protect a child from the sun and heat, and what to do when problems arise?
There is no need to convince anyone about the importance ofprotecting your child from the sun and heat . In the first years of life, the thermoregulation mechanism is not yet fully operational - this is why the youngest are particularly exposed to heat stroke and overheating. In addition, young children have very delicate skin, usually with a tendency to dry out, because the lipid barrier of the epidermis, which protects against drying, is not yet well developed. In summer, when it is hot outside, skin problems may increase - the skin becomes dry, itchy, and there are more frequent burns or heat rash.
Potówki, or red skin
These are tiny red lumps the size of a pinhead scattered over a child's reddened skin. Prickly heat is the result of the baby overheating and sweating. They most often appear on the skin covered with clothing - on the back, breasts, in the folds of the neck, around the perineum, and least often on the legs. On some prickles, tiny bubbles form, which burst - as they dry out, they become darker.
Sweats can be prevented by avoiding overheating the baby. The child should be dressed according to the weather - if it is hot, all you need is a diaper and a bodysuit, there is no need to wear a romper or a jacket. Prickly heat is not dangerous, but when it appears, it is worth bathing the child in water with chamomile infusion for a few days, because it has disinfecting and anti-inflammatory properties. Instead of chamomile, you can use potassium permanganate (the water should be slightly pink).
The skin can be looked after in the usual way, unless the rash widens instead of disappearing - then the cream could irritate the skin. In this case, you can apply a cream containing zinc (found in most anti-chafing cosmetics) to your baby's skin or contact a dermatologist who will recommend appropriate treatment.
Dermatitis and itching
Newborns, infants and often slightly older children usually have a tendency to dry out, becausethe epidermal lipid barrier, which protects against dryness, is not well developed yet. This problem occurs - or is exacerbated - on hot days when it is dry outside. If you feel that your baby's skin is rough, first of all, change the care method. Do not skip bathing, but instead of soap (which makes the skin alkaline and dries it) use a medicated washing bar, oil or moisturizing gel (available in pharmacies).
Pour a few drops of baby oil, a special moisturizing oil or gel or an emulsion containing liquid paraffin or soybean oil into the water - thanks to this, the baby's skin will not be dry after the bath. Remember that the baby's bath should be short (approx. 5 minutes) and the water should have a lukewarm temperature (approx. 27-30 degrees).
After taking the baby out of the water, do not rub the skin with a towel, so as not to cause irritation, but gently dry it. Then lubricate the child with a cream or lotion for very dry or atopic skin, which seals the lipid barrier and thus prevents further water loss (if necessary, you can use the cream 2-3 times a day). The cosmetic should not contain dyes or fragrances.
To moisturize the skin "from the inside", in hot weather, put your baby to the breast more often, and if you are bottle-feeding, give your baby plenty of drink (low-mineralized water or baby lenses are best). If the skin is flaky and red, it may be a sign that your little one is prone to atopy. Then it will be necessary to visit a pediatrician or an allergist who will recommend the appropriate procedure, and complete replacement of cosmetics with safer cosmetics for a child with skin allergy. Creams for atopic people should contain ingredients that rebuild the lipid barrier, but also substances that alleviate inflammation and itching. Each company uses different compositions of ingredients, so it is worth reading the leaflet or the information on the packaging carefully before buying.
Skin burns in the sun
Children must not sunbathe, and before going outside, the child's skin should be covered with a thick layer of sunscreen with a factor of at least SPF 30, preferably SPF50 +. But if, after returning from a walk or a beach, you notice that your baby's skin has turned pink from the sun:
- put your baby in a cool room and give him something to drink
- lubricate the skin with a baby lotion intended for use after sunbathing or a soothing foam with propolis, allantoin, glycerin and d-panthenol.
Instead of the cosmetic, you can use curdled milk or whey. If your baby's skin is very red and your baby has a high temperature and is crying, ASAPcontact your doctor. Until the pediatrician arrives, cover the baby with gauze or a towel dampened in cool water. The fever will also be lowered by a slightly warm bath - immerse the child in water at a temperature of 36-37 ° C for about 5 minutes.
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