Our summers are becoming very hot, the sun can have many harmful effects on our children……
Heat illness covers a range of conditions eg; sunburn, heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, if we as parents 
don’t take the precautions to prevent them our children could be affected for life……
Sunburn can have very harmful affect on our children, and is a lot better prevented than treated…..
Common symptoms of sun burn are;
n Hot, red skin
n Red eyes
n Blisters
The more severe symptoms;
n Pain
n Swelling
n Chills and fever
n Nausea
n Shock
If sunburn has occurred, try some of this thing to relive the pain;
n Apply cool moist cloths
n Take something for the pain – Advil and Tylenol can help by relieving the pain and the swelling
n Relieve pain with a soothing cream – one with Aloe vira or vitamin E, if you use an anaesthetic cream or spray be careful of allergic reactions
n Drink plenty of water
n Rest in a cool, quiet room
Avoiding exposure to the sun is the best prevention. The sun is at its strongest between 10am-3pm.Wear adequate clothing eg; Wide brim hats, long sleeved shirts, apply a strong and protective sunscreen to the exposed skin.
Sunscreens should be applied 15 – 30 minutes prior to going out in the sun, make sure you apply a thick layer.. Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours for maximum protection.
Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by sweating. Heat rash looks like a cluster of pimples or small blisters..
Treatment;
n Move to cooler area
n Keep affected area dry
n Use dusting powder
n Do not use ointments and cream, they keep the area moist and might make the rash worse.
Heat cramps happen when the person sweats a lot. The loss of so much fluid and salt will cause muscle cramps. This may also be early signs of heat exhaustion. The cramps are painful and affect the abdomen, arms and legs.
Treatment;
n Rest in a quiet, cool place
n Drink clear juice or low sugar sport drinks
n If cramps persist seek medical attention
Heat exhaustion can develop in extremely hot days and happens because of loss of fluids and salt from the body.
Same of the warning signs of heat exhaustion are;
n Heavy sweating
n Muscle cramps
n Tired and weak
n Dizzy
n Headache
n Vomiting
n Fainting
Treatment;
n Cool, by giving a shower or bath
n Rest
n Give plenty of cool fluids
n Try and put them in an air-conditioned room
n Make sure they are wearing light weight clothing
n If symptoms don’t improve seek medical attention immediately.
Heat stroke is the most severe heat illness and is considered a medical emergency. If heat stroke is suspected, take child to your nearest emergency room or call an ambulance immediately as this can be life threatening.
Warning signs;
n Extremely high body temperature
n Red, hot, dry skin
n Rapid pulse
n Throbbing headache
n Dizziness and nausea
n Disorientation
n Seizures
n Coma
Treatment (while waiting for ambulance);
n Place child in cool bath
n Monitor temperature
n Place ice packs under armpits and groin
n Continue cooling until body temperature has come down below 38 Digress Celsius
n Give fluids only if child is conscious and able to drink
As we can see there are quite a few dangers from our hot sun, I can not specify enough that with all these heat illnesses, prevention is best……..
n During hot weather drink plenty of fluids
n Increase ventilation, seek air-conditioned room if possible
n Monitor those at risk…the elderly and the young
n Wear light coloured, loose clothing
n Limit strenuous outdoor activities
n Take cool showers or baths
n NEVER leave child alone in car
I hope this helps………
(April 2007) (
