The start of summer is just underway in the Northeast, and most of us will be reveling in the days of barbecues, summer activities, and beach excursions. While summer can be fun and leisurely, it can also bring a slew of health concerns – especially for our littlest population. Children can be susceptible to all sorts of summer ailments, like sunburn, dehydration, injuries, and bug bites. This article will cover a few of the most common concerns, including prevention and treatment.
Sun Protection
It is important for children to be adequately protected from the sun to prevent issues like sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging. An effective way to do this with little ones is to make use of both sunscreen and physical forms of protection like hats, clothing, beach umbrellas, and even sunglasses. Since it can be difficult to remember to reapply sunscreen as often as need be during the day, the other forms of sun protection can be really beneficial while in the midst of all the summer fun! Playing outside early in the morning or late in the day when the sun’s rays are less harmful can also be a safer way to enjoy the outdoors.
Look for sunscreens that are labeled “broad spectrum,” which protect against both UVA and UVB rays, and aim to apply every few hours or even more frequently if a child is swimming or playing in water. There is no evidence that an SPF greater than 50 is more beneficial, so a good SPF in the summer months is anywhere between 30 and 50. A higher SPF doesn’t “last longer,” either, so reapplication throughout the day is key, no matter which product you prefer to use.
Many parents worry about the ingredients in some sunscreens and how they may affect young children. Mineral-based sunscreens, like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, do not get absorbed by the body and may cause less allergic reactions than chemical-based products in young children’s skin. I always prefer to use a mineral-based product on my own children. The Environmental Working Group, or EWG, has a website that publishes products they believe are safe and can be a great resource if you’re having trouble finding a sunscreen that’s equally effective and low in cautionary ingredients.
Infants under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight, since their skin is not yet protected by melanin. Most providers advise against using sunscreen in these small infants, but the American Academy of Pediatrics says that small amounts of sunscreen may be used as a last resort if shade is unavailable.
Treating Sunburn
Even with the best intentions, children’s skin can sometimes burn. Treatments like cold compresses, over-the-counter pain relievers, and topical agents won’t exactly heal the burn, but can help with any pain or discomfort. Look for gels and light lotions that contain soothing ingredients, like aloe vera or calendula, and stick them in the refrigerator prior to applying for the added cooling factor. Tepid – not hot – baths with either colloidal oatmeal or milk can help too if sunburn is widespread. If a child is complaining that skin is painful to touch, a mild pain reliever like ibuprofen (Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help.
Dry Skin
Dry skin in little ones can sometimes happen with too much saltwater, sand, sun, and/or pool time. Saltwater can soak up oil in the skin, so it is important to wash off skin after a fun day at the beach to remove excess salt and prevent dryness. If the sand is irritating to babies or toddlers, beach tents or a fitted bed sheet with beach bags or other large objects to hold up the sides can keep sand exposure to a minimum.
If a child is complaining of dry, itchy skin, moisturizers that contain hydrating ingredients like aloe, shea butter, coconut oil, rosehip oil, or jojoba oil can help nourish the skin barrier. Fragrances, dyes, alcohol, parabens, and sulfates can irritate young skin, so it is best to avoid these if possible. A common staple in our household is organic coconut oil. When the children are finally relaxing after a fun-filled day, I warm up a little in my hands and quickly apply to arms, legs, and faces. It absorbs fairly quickly and the tropical scent is so soothing. Coconut oil can also be applied to dry hair for a few hours before shampooing out.
Heat Rash
While heat rash can occur in anyone, newborns are particularly susceptible since they have not yet developed their sweat glands. Heat rash, or “prickly heat,” may develop when sweat gets trapped beneath the skin. This process creates fluid-filled bumps that arise on the skin.
Young children have higher body temperatures than adults. With the added activity in the hot summer sun, heat rash can occur fairly quickly. Heat rash commonly occurs in places where body parts touch or tight-fitting clothing rubs against, like neck folds, armpits, inner thighs, and elbow creases. The rash will typically resolve on its own once the child is cooled down.
For heat rash in newborns, it is not advisable to use any product. It is best to keep skin clean and dry with mild soap, tepid water, and loose-fitting clothing. For small areas, a cool, wet cloth may help to bring down the skin temperature. It may even be advisable to remove all clothing and diapering for a bit to allow the rash to resolve on its own. Keep newborns out of the sun and in cool, well-ventilated areas as much as possible.
For heat rash that is bothersome in toddlers and older children, treating the area with an over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion may calm the itchiness. Calamine lotion can get a little messy, so I like this as a nighttime option. It is important to keep little hands away from itching as much as possible to avoid breaking the skin and opening it up to infection.
Bug Bites
Bug bites and other pest bites are also another common complaint in the summer months. Again, it is important to keep little hands away from itching as much as possible to avoid infection. A 1% hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or lidocaine-containing preparation may be used to calm the area and reduce itching.
Preventative insect repellents are not recommended for babies less than 2 months. DEET-containing products, like OFF!, are deemed safe by the American Academy of Pediatrics for children 2 months and older, but should only be used once a day and should be washed off as soon as protection isn’t needed anymore. For insect repellents, I personally like a “wipe” application, as you can more precisely control the application in young children and the worry of accidently inhaling sprays can be eliminated.
Dehydration
Children are too young and too busy playing sometimes to remember to keep tabs on their water intake. Truth to be told, it can also be easy for parents to forget! Dehydration can easily happen with physical activity in combination with sweating and the hot sun.
A good rule of thumb is for children to drink their age in 8-ounce glasses until they reach the age of 8. For example, a 4-year old should drink four 8-ounce glasses of water per day. Children 8 or older should drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. It may seem like a lot to parents who may be struggling to drink that much themselves! Many cups that are marketed for toddlers and young children start at 10 ounces. For older children, sports bottles usually start at 16 or 20 ounces. As long as these are being refilled at meal times, most children should be good to go.
Be on the lookout for signs of dehydration in children like fatigue, dry mouth and eyes, and peeing less or fewer wet diapers than usual. Children can present irritable. My son as a toddler would have a distinct irritable behavior about him whenever he started to get dehydrated. I always made sure he was drinking his cup throughout the day and to always have it filled and nearby.
Other Concerns
Most children love to ride their bikes, scooters, skateboards, and other new-fangled moving modes of transportation as soon as the weather gets nice. It is important to protect young heads with helmets that are properly fitted. Parks, playgrounds, and quiet streets can be safer options for younger children to play.
Final Word
Summer is so much fun for children, but it can also have its fair share of perils! Keeping some products on hand, anticipating some common complaints, and using good judgment can go a long way in keeping these summer months safe, enjoyable, and healthy for everyone.
