Summer Days Are Here Again!!

Summer Days Are Here Again!!

The heat wave is here and so also is the summer vacation. Away from school, kids spend a lot of time playing out in the sun. Some smart preparations can help kids remain safe this summer. Here are some of the conditions which are quite common in children, this season.

• Skin Rashes: Sun Burns: Over exposure to the sun damages kids’ skin causing reddening, inflammation and even peeling of the skin. Rashes and Blisters: Excessive sweat increases the secretion of oil leading to rashes, prickly heat and impetigo.
• Dehydration and Sunstroke: Children playing in the sun are so engrossed in the game that they tend to forget to drink water. The water content in the body decreases resulting in confusion, nausea and fainting.
• Insect Bites: Mosquitoes, ticks, bees, wasps, hornets, blackflies, spiders and ants.

  Ensuring kids stay away from insect ridden area is the remedy.

• Conjunctivitis: Infections are active in the summer. They spread through dirty hands causing redness, itching and eye inflammation.
• Swimmer’s Ear: Long hours in the swimming pool trigger bacterial growth causing ear pain, redness and ear canal infection.
• Food Poisoning, Diarrhoea: Bacterial growth is at its peak in summer. Through street and junk food, microbes find their way to the digestive tract causing food poisoning and diarrhoea.
• Urinary Tract Infection: Insufficient consumption of water during summer leads to urinary tract infection.
• Viral Cold and Cough: Viral cold, cough and fever are very common in summer. Rest, having warm water in case of cold, and if fever persists, meeting the paediatrician is the remedy.
• Chicken Pox, Measles and Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease: These infections show their ugly head during summer.
• Constipation and Piles: Dehydration in the summer drains away the water from the body and makes digestion difficult. Summer usually brings with it constipation because of dehydration, as scorching heat can drain away the water and make the stools hard and difficult to pass.

  Another concern that we often get is introducing water to a new-born/infant. I would like to reassure you that breastmilk itself contains an abundance of water which will take care of your new-born’s requirements. There is no need to introduce any food or even water before the age of 6 months. The mother on the contrary, should be encouraged to drink plenty of liquids.

Here are a few smart tips that can encourage your child to stay cool this summer!

• Use sunscreen to prevent sunburns. Cool compression over the affected areas, applying a good moisturiser.
• Encourage children to drink plenty of liquids (water, juices, soups, buttermilk and tender coconut water).
• Advise washing their hands frequently to avoid infections.
• Let them take a bath regularly with soap and water.
• Wearing hats/using umbrella to protect head and skin while exposing to sun.
• Let them wear light and loose cotton clothing. Avoid synthetics in summer.
• During swimming sessions, encourage using ear plugs to avoid infections.
• Adequately boiling water before consumption.
• Ensuring outside food is taken in hotels with proper hygiene standards.
• Practice eating a healthy balanced diet rich in vegetables and fruits.

Our pediatric team is dedicated to providing quality care to your loved one all through the year. In case of any requirement, please reach out to us!

Encouraging your children to stay hydrated, healthy and happy this summer.