Sunstroke and how to prevent it
Sunstroke can occur very quickly, especially if the child has been active in the sun, but delayed sunstroke is more common in children; it occurs a few hours after being in the sun - in the evening before bedtime or during sleep.
Sunstroke symptoms
Sunstroke symptoms can be early or delayed. Early sunstroke symptoms are:
- sudden weakness of the child
- dizziness
- headache
- nausea
- vomiting
- drowsiness
- fever
- skin drenched in sweat
- trembling
The younger the child, the more pronounced these symptoms, and the greater the possibility of complications.
In "delayed" sunburn, the symptoms appear more slowly, are less intense, but last longer. Children are hot and flushed; they look like they are being affected by a virus, so parents are often confused, thinking that it is an infection. Young children become very cranky - they cry, seemingly for no reason. Older children usually have nausea (sometimes vomiting), mood swings and insomnia. As a rule, the body temperature is elevated.
How to prevent sunstroke?
- Follow the information on the UV index published in the media and follow the recommendations provided.
- Young children can be exposed to the sun only at the recommended time (before 10 AM and late in the afternoon, after 5 pm), with the obligatory use of sunscreens with a high sun protection factor, according to age.
- Spend the part of the day when the sun is the strongest with your child in the shade or adequately cooled rooms.
- Dress your child in bright clothes made of natural materials.
- Put a cap or hat on his/her head, as well as sunglasses with adequate UV protection.
- Give your child plenty of fluids (especially water) throughout the day.
- Let him/her eat more frequent, light, less hearty meals.
- If you happen to be outside in the hottest part of the day, make sure that the child is less physically active, that he/she runs and jumps less to avoid overheating.
- Cool the child often with water - wash his/her face, wet his head, legs and arms.
