The child has sunstroke - what to do?

Sunstroke can occur if a child has been active and exposed to the sun for some time. The first symptoms can appear quickly, but "delayed" sunburn occurs more often, a few hours after being in the sun - in the evening before bedtime or during sleep.

Get the child out of the sun

The child should first be moved out of the sun, if possible to an air-conditioned room, or at least a darkened and well ventilated room.

Shower the child with lukewarm water

Then leave him/her to dry without wiping.

Give your child enough fluids 

A chilled soft drink (tea, juice or plain water) is much needed by a child who has sunstroke. The liquid should not be given in large quantities at once, but in small quantities more often, especially if the child has vomited. Even while drinking the first "portion" of water, he/she should be undressed and cooled.

Give the child medicine

If the body temperature is still high, the child should be given a medicines for lowering the temperature (antipyretic). It is best to put a suppository (paracetamol) in the rectum, because the effect is faster, and the possibility of vomiting is avoided. Of course, it is not wrong to give the medicine in the form of a syrup (ibuprofen or paracetamol). The medicine should be given in accordance with the child's age, following the manufacturer's instructions in detail. If the child has not taken these medications before, be sure to consult your pediatrician due to a possible allergic reaction.  

The child needs rest

For the next few hours, the child should rest, ideally sleep. Some parents are afraid to let their toddler sleep when he/she has sunstroke. This fear is unjustified, because he/she really needs rest, and sleep is the best way. Of course, during sleep, the body temperature should be checked, and in case of new spikes, medicine for lowering body temperature should be administered again. The medicine can be administered after only four hours from the previous dose, if you have given the child a suppository or paracetamol syrup. And if less time has passed, repeat the shower with lukewarm water. The day after sunstroke, sunbathing should be skipped.

When to see a doctor?

  • If the body temperature does not drop, despite cooling and medications
  • If the child loses consciousness and does not recover quickly after being placed in a supine position
  • If he/she vomits persistently and gets weaker and weaker