How to manage health problems in children during summer?

Common summer health problems in children & Ways to manage them

Here are some common health problems that can affect your kids, this summer:

1. Sunburns

Sunburn is one of the most common issues seen among children during summer. It happens with overexposure to the sun that damages your skin and can cause reddening, inflammation, and in severe cases blistering and peeling of the skin.

Solution

• Cold compressions on the affected area or a cold shower to heal sunburn

• Use aloe gel, moisturising creams, etc., on the skin to alleviate itchiness

• Do not send your kids out in the sun without applying sunscreen.

• Avoid letting your kids go out when the sun is harsh, i.e. between 11 AM and 3 PM.

2. Heatstroke

Also known as hyperthermia, heatstroke is caused due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures. It presents symptoms like exhaustion, headaches, dizziness, and weakness. 

Summer heat increases the risk of heatstroke in children when they participate in an intense activity without drinking sufficient water or other fluids. If your child is affected by heatstroke, make sure to seek immediate medical care.

Solution

• Use ice packs or water to cool down your child’s body and seek prompt medical care

• Always dress your child in light-colour and loose clothes during summer.

• When working/playing outdoors, cover your child’s head with a hat or cap.

3. Food poisoning

The warm and humid weather leads to the growth of bacteria which can contaminate food & water, and consumption of this can result in food poisoning. The symptoms include stomach pain, nausea, diarrhoea, or vomiting. 

Solution

• Give your child home-cooked food as much as possible.

• Avoid eating roadside food and stale or uncooked food.

• Maintain cleanliness in kitchen area and wash utensils properly before preparing food.

4. Dehydration

This is another common problem related to children health in summer. Usually, kids forget to drink water when they are out playing as they get so much engrossed in their games. This results the body to lose more fluids leading to dehydration. The symptoms of dehydration include light-headedness, dry mouth, fatigue, extreme thirst, etc.

Solution

• Make sure that your kid is drinking plenty of fluids at suggested intervals. This will help the body to restore the lost fluids and rehydrate. Besides water, you can also give your child fruit juice, fruit-infused water, coconut water, lemonade, etc., to keep things tasty and healthy.

5. Rashes and Blisters

As kids spend too much time outdoors in a hot and humid environment it causes rashes, blisters, infections, and allergies. Eczema is a skin disease that gets aggravated during summer, owing to sweat, exposure to the sun, and increased secretion of oil.

Solution

• Apply a cold compress on the affected area

• Do not use any type of oil-based products as it may block the sweat glands and worsen the situation.

• Using steroid based cream can help relieve itching and irritation, however, consult your doctor before using it.

• To avoid rashes, keep your kids in cool and dry atmosphere such as under fans, air-conditioners.

• Make them wear comfortable and loose fitted clothes during summers.

6. Waterborne diseases

As the warm and humid weather leads to the growth of bacteria which can contaminate water, it may result in causing diseases like typhoid, Diarrhea, Cholera, Jaundice, Dysentery etc. 

Solution

Carry a bottle of boiled and cooled water whenever your kids go out, whether alone or with you.

7. Fungal infections

Children are more prone to fungal infections due to extreme humidity and excessive sweating in summer. The areas that are mainly affected include gaps between toes, underarms, groin, etc. Its symptoms on the skin include irritation, swelling, redness, itching, etc.

Solution

• Teach your kids to maintain good self-hygiene

• Dress your children in loose, breathable clothes

• Wash clothes frequently with non-toxic laundry detergents.

• If affected by a fungal infection, apply doctor-recommended topical ointments on the affected area.

8. Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Urinary Tract Infection or UTI can affect anyone, including children, especially during the hot summer months. It is an infection in any part of your urinary system. The symptoms include a burning sensation when urinating, pain in the abdomen, foul-smelling urine, vomiting, etc.

Solution

• Ensure that your kid is drinking enough water/fluid throughout the day.

• Teach them to maintain good personal hygiene and cleanliness.

• If affected, consult a doctor immediately.

Conclusion

Now that you are aware of the common summer health problem, take necessary precautions to keep your children healthy and safe, this summer. One of the important components of our overall wellness is also being financially secured. Healthcare emergencies can happen any time, but a good health insurance policy can protect you from such uncertain situations. To know more about it, click here.

Source: Healthline, WebMD

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on July 06, 2023