Protect your child from sunburn
By Donya Betancourt
SANUR, Bali (JP): Welcome to Indonesia, where sunburn is likely to be a major concern for you.
Sunburn is a first degree burn and is easily treated. However, it is easier to prevent than to cure.
Ultraviolet rays are invisible and the most harmful to the skin. They can also reach the skin through reflection from sand, water, sidewalks and grass.
Babies' skin is delicate; they love to play on the beach without nappies, so make sure to put suncream on their bottoms.
Outdoor activities should be scheduled to avoid the peak exposure time between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
What are some symptoms of sunburn?
They may range from a mild, symptomatic redness to a more severe reaction with redness, tenderness, pain, swelling, fever and sometimes blister formation.
What is sunscreen and SPF?
Sunscreen is topical preparation designed to protect the skin from the effects of ultraviolet light. Sunscreens are classified on the basis of their "sun protective factor" (SPF).
What SPF level should be used?
A rating of 4 is limited protection; 8 is maximum sunburn protection (allows tanning and limits sunburn); and 15 gives ultra protection (absorbs burning as well as tanning rays). Anything higher than this is usually unnecessary. Suncream needs to be applied frequently during the day because it looses its ability to block the sun's rays unless it is waterproof.
What is the treatment for sunburn?
The treatment is as follows: * Drink plenty of liquids. * Apply cold compresses or take cool baths a few times daily. * Do not "pop" the blisters. * Keep the burned area clean to prevent infection. * Wear sunscreen to prevent future burns. * Leave the skin uncovered indoors, but loosely covered outside -- cotton is best.
Acetaminophen may be taken to ease the pain. Apply a soothing cream such as aftersun cream, calamine lotion or preparations containing aloe.
Topical cortisone (1 percent hydrocortisone) may be applied to the burned area.
Contact your doctor if: 1. The child has fever, headache, chills, is vomiting, drowsy or confused -- it may be heatstroke. 2. There is no improvement in three days. 3. There are signs of infection. 4. The pain becomes unbearable.
What is "heatstroke"?
Heatstroke occurs when a person is extremely overheated and his body-temperature regulating mechanism is broken down. It is truly a life threatening emergency, and children are very susceptible to it.
A common occurrence is a child is left alone in a car on a hot day, even with the window slightly open.
What are symptoms of heatstroke?
If the child has heatstroke: *The temperature is up to 104 F or higher. * He might not sweat, even though it is very hot. This is a common symptom. * Skin will become flushed, hot and dry. * He will become disorientated, confused or may slip into a coma.
Is there first aid for heatstroke?
Get medical help as soon as possible and cool your child off immediately with cold water, a fan or cool room until his temperature goes down to 102 F. Then stop and keep watching and make sure the temperature continues to drop and: * Place a child in a tub of cold water, or under a cold shower. Never use ice or icy water. Use a garden hose to cool him down if there is no tub or shower. * You can wrap him in cold, wet towel or sponge him with cold water. * Remember to cool his head. * The air conditioner and fan can cool him off too. Cool your child quickly, but don't overcool or chill him!
What is the different between "heat exhaustion" and "heatstroke"?
"Heat exhaustion" results from overexertion in hot weather. His body temperature regulating mechanism is still good and functioning. He will sweat, his skin feels clammy, he may be weak, have a headache, vomit and faint.
Take your child inside or to a shaded area. Give him something to sip on if he is alert. Lay him down, elevate his feet, loosen his clothing, apply a cold compress and fan him. Call your doctor immediately.
The writer, a pediatrician based in Sanur, Bali, welcomes questions, comments and concerns at drdonya@hotmail.com.