The importance of heat protection: Health implications of heat for children
The heat can have various health impacts on children, ranging from minor to life-threatening. This underscores the urgent need to protect children from the heat.
Here are some of the effects that heat can have on children.
Sunburn
Children can get sunburnt in as little as ten minutes.
If a child is sunburnt, you should give them as much water as possible to ensure they are hydrated.
You should cool the child’s skin with cold compression or a cool bath.
You can also apply cool gauze padding to the sunburnt area.
If required, you should give the child simple pain relief medicine such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Prevent further sun damage by keeping the child indoors.
Blisters, swollen skin, signs of infection, and severe pain are all symptoms of severe sunburn.
If these symptoms are present, you should seek urgent medical attention.
Heat rash
Heat rash generally occurs when a child gets too hot. Typically, it resembles little red spots or blisters on the skin. Heat rash is common in babies because their sweat glands aren’t properly developed.
Heat rash usually resolves on its own within a few days. You can treat it by cooling the child in a lukewarm bath. Following the bath, dress them in loose, light-fitting clothing.
If the blisters become infected or the rash lasts longer than a few days, it’s important to seek medical advice.
