One of the activities that children enjoy the most is to enjoy the time of Heat on the beach. It is a recurring family activity; However, it is important to take precautions and plan properly to protect the little ones in the intense sun on the beach.
Edder Higueros, a dermatologist and pediatrician specialist, points out that “it is important that parents know that the sun is cumulative in the skin and that all the sun that their children can acquire since childhood will have repercussions in the future.” And, when they reach adulthood, spots and injuries that can become carcinogens can begin to leave.
Therefore, says Higueros, it is vital to plan your trip with time and that a sunscreen is not missing inside that suitcase. “If possible, it is ideal to visit with the dermatologist pediatrician for a general evaluation of his skin and determine what kind of blocker would be the most indicated for his child, taking into account the age and activities the child performs during the day,” he adds.
Risks for Sun Exhibition
According to Higueros, there are three most important risks that can affect children before a sun exposure for several hours.
One of them is the soling or heat stroke, which is caused by overheating the body due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and the sun. Given this situation, children may experience nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and, in extreme cases, seizures and loss of knowledge.
Secondly, they may suffer solar burns that, according to the severity and depth in the skin, can produce blisters and intense pain.
The third risk is the dehydration caused by excessive loss of fluids, due to intense sweating due to heat and outdoor physical activity, and fluid losses caused by gastrointestinal infections causing vomiting and diarrhea, due to water or food pollution.
Dermatologist Adriana Fernández, children are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of the sun because their skin is thinner and sensitive than that of adults. At Fernández’s discretion, excessive sun exposure can also cause effects such as hiding damage, since sun’s rays can affect the cornea and increase the risk of cataracts in the future. Another problem can be the premature aging of the skin, with the early appearance of spots and wrinkles.
The importance of sunscreen in children
Culturally, Higueros explains, people use blockers when they go to the beach or swimming pools. However, the recommendation is currently the use of sunscreen every day. This is because the effects of climate change have made solar radiation levels more intense, something that can increase the risk of skin cancer.
“Here is the importance of the use of the sunscreen, it must be applied 20 minutes before sun exposure, in good quantity, covering all the areas exposed to the sun, including ears, neck, back of the hands and feet; and apply again every 3 or 4 hours, the specialist suggests.
Recommendations to take care of the little ones
Specialists advise taking different protection measures to take care of children’s skin. Among these:
- Use wide wing caps or hats, in addition to sunglasses with solar filter
- Use long -sleeved calzonets (they are currently already on the market with UV protection
- Avoid direct exposure to the sun between 10 am and 4 pm, when UV radiation is more intense
- Keep children hydrated
- Search shade or use umbrellas when possible
- Avoid products with alcohol or fragrances, as they can irritate the skin exposed to the sun.
- After being on the beach, rinse the skin well with fresh water to remove salt and sand residues.
- Apply a hypoallergenic moisturizer after the bathroom, to avoid dryness.
- Avoid sun exposure in babies under 6 months, since your skin is even more sensitive.