Here comes the summer and it is a great time for kids – long, sunny days filled with lots of outdoor activities and family vacations.

Being prepared to protect your children’s skin will help you prevent unwarranted disasters in outings or vacations.

Dermatologist Dr Meera Govindaraju is sharing with us about summer tips for skin care to protect the sensitive skin of the child from the harsh sun !!!

Top Summer Tips for Skin Care in Children

Here are a few summer skin care tips that will help you protect your little munchkins

Newborns

Keep the newborns out of the direct sunlight. When the newborn crosses 6 month mark sunscreens can be applied.

How to Choose Sunscreen for kids ?

• Look for sunscreens which contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide with and sun protection factor(SPF) of 30.
• Avoid sunscreens that contain parabens, benzophenones,oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone and those that are tinted or scented.
• Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen which protect against UVA & UVB rays.

How to Use Sunscreen for Kids

Always apply sunscreen on your child before going outside. Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outside. Then reapply every 2 hours or sooner incase child has been swimming. Incase of water resistant sunscreen reapply as directed in the product.

Dressing up in Summer

Dress your little one in light weight cotton clothing. Also choose dark hues of red, blue or green as these do not absorb sunlight. Ensure that your child wears a broad brimmed hat and sunglasses which protect the eyes and the sensitive area that surrounds the eyes.

Avoid Sunlight during day hours

The best way of sun protection is to avoid sunlight. Staying indoors between 10.00am to 4.00pm when the sun’s rays are strongest.

Nutrition

It is also important to eat fresh vegetables, fruits and superfoods which are high in antioxidants. Give your child plenty of fluids.

Deal with Prickly Heat

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Kids tend to sweat a lot and can end up with heat rash or prickly hear which are tiny red bumps seen on neck, face, armpits and upper torso. They are caused by clogged sweatgland pores and are itchy. To avoid this use a mild fragrance free soap and give a lukewarm bath. Intake of fruits rich in vitamin C are advised to prevent further recurrence. Topical soothening agents like calamine lotion can be applied.

How to treat Sunburn?

If your child gets sunburn place cool compresses on the sunburn and apply aloe gel which are refrigerated few minutes before application. If the above measures fail to reduce the symptoms its important to consult a dermatologist.

“It’s a smile, it’s a kiss, it’s a sip of wine….it’s summer time!” – Kenny Chesney

So what are you waiting for – Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts

Article by

Dr.G.Meera MD DVL

Consultant Dermatologist

Chennai

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