Precautions to be Taken Against Sunstroke in Children

Acıbadem Bakırköy Hospital Pediatrics Specialist Dr. Kamuran Mutluay said, “Sunstroke is mostly seen in babies and children. Being under the sun for a long time at high temperatures is a serious condition that can cause permanent damage or even death due to abnormally high body temperature.

Sun stroke; dry, red and hot skin, high fever exceeding 39-40 degrees, weakness, desire to sleep, nausea, vomiting, headache, palpitation, rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, dryness in the mouth and lips, decrease in tears and loss of consciousness is showing. So, why is this situation more common in infants and children? Stating that the body cooling mechanisms that allow babies to adapt to the heat are less developed, Dr. Kamuran Mutluay said, “Because babies sweat less, they cannot cool their bodies as much as adults. Even when they are thirsty, they cannot express it. “Children may also be immersed in play and not feel the effects of the sun.”

Advice to parents

Giving detailed information about what parents should pay attention to to protect their children from sunstroke, Dr. Kamuran Mutluay lists his suggestions as follows:

• Keep your children away from outdoor activities and exercise between 10.00:16.00 and XNUMX:XNUMX.
• Use sunscreen with SPF 15+ for babies and SPF 20+ for children at least 50-30 minutes before going out in the sun, repeat at intervals of 2-3 hours.
• Wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses to protect the head area.
• Choose tree shade instead of awnings or umbrellas for protection from the sun.
• Drink water at every opportunity, don't wait for him to be thirsty or want it.
• Take frequent showers.
• Never leave it in the vehicle. The temperature inside the vehicle can be life-threatening even within an hour.
• Choose thin, cotton and light-colored clothing.
• If unconscious, call for emergency assistance

In a case of suspected sunstroke, Pediatric Health and Diseases Specialist Dr. Explaining that the child should be taken to a cool and shaded place and the excess clothes should be removed. Kamuran Mutluay, what needs to be done, “If possible, take a warm shower. If you can't take a shower, put a washcloth soaked in cold water on the head, armpit and groin area. Give fluids if conscious. “If he is unconscious or if you do not see a rapid improvement in his condition, lie down and seek emergency medical attention in case he vomits.”