07/10/2019
SUMMER SAFETY FROM STINGS TO SLINGS!
Baby its hot outside…
Sunburn is caused by an overexposure of the skin to UV radiation (usually from the sun). Repeated sunburns (and tanning) cause premature aging of the skin and may increase the risk of skin cancer. The 1st and best line of defense is covering up. Keep babies under 6 months old out of direct sunlight. Minimize exposure between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM (this is the period when the sun's rays are the strongest). When applying sunscreen, don’t make it a battle every time, instead make it a game, mom paints child first, then take turns. Use SPF 15 or higher is recommended. An SPF of 15 allows only 1/15 (7%) of the sun's rays to get through and thereby extends safe sun exposure from 20 minutes to 5 hours without sunburning. If you have a fair skinned child you should use SPF 30 or greater; Apply more than 30 minutes prior to sun exposure, reapply every 2 hours at least (or after swimming, even if waterproof); protect the peepers with sunglasses with UV protection. Remember the best way is to ALWAYS set a good example for your children: use sunscreen on yourself and wear your sunglasses! Also, make sure you all remember to drink when playing outside.
My child is younger than 6 months old; can I use sunscreen on my infant?
Yes. Your young infant has thin skin and will be more sensitive to the sun. Therefore it is extremely important to protect your infant from the sun including the use of sunscreen. For infants younger than 6 months, avoiding sun exposure and the use of lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and brimmed hats are still the top recommendations to prevent sunburn. Sunscreen may be used sparingly on exposed areas of skin such as the hands, feet and face.
First Aid:
Pain relief: The sensation of pain and heat will probably last 48 hours. Ibuprofen products (such as Advil) started early and continued for 2 days can greatly reduce the discomfort. Do not use petroleum jelly or other ointments because they keep heat and sweat from escaping.
The symptoms can also be helped by taking cool baths or putting cold wet cloths on the burned area several times a day. Showers are usually too painful. Your child should drink extra water to replace the fluid lost into the swelling of sunburned skin and to prevent dehydration and dizziness.
Peeling usually occurs in about a week. Put a moisturizing cream on the skin. Don't buy any first aid creams or sprays for burns. They often contain benzocaine, which can cause an allergic rash.
DONT FORGET TO GET YOUR SUMMER CHECK UPS IN . SCHOOL IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER...
