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Parent, guardians, and adults always try to protect children from extreme weather. When the sun is out, the young ones are allowed to go out and play. Summer is a time for the kids to have fun outdoors. But the sun can also have harmful effects to the little folks.

When exposed to the Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, there is a risk of getting #sunburns, #skindamage, or even #skincancer. When one starts experiencing sunburns at an early age, and this is sustained in their lifetime, there is a very high risk of developing skin cancer or skin damage in the future. Kids exposed to the UV light from the sun are also most likely to experience premature skin aging later in life. In some cases, severe exposure to the sun causes blisters. These blisters, if opened, can cause infections.

If your child experiences regular headaches, nausea, blistering, pain, and faints every time he/she gets exposed to the sun for an extended period, those might be signs of sun damage. You should start taking measures to ensure he does not develop skin complications as a result of exposure to the sun.

The question to most people, however, is, “How do I protect my children from these elements?” You certainly don’t want to cut back their play time outdoors or limit their interaction with their friends. You will not be doing their development any favors. You also do not want to put children in a position that will compromise their health in future. Fortunately, some few measures can help you protect the children from the harmful effects of the sun without affecting their development.

Cover Them

Clothes that the kids put on can either protect them from the UV rays or expose them. Ensure the clothes cover them up and let them wear hats. Wearing #sunglasses helps too as the eyes need protection when the sun is too bright. Get an umbrella to shield the infants when you are outdoors and a canopy tent for the older kids to play in.

Wear Sunscreen

#Sunscreen protects the children from UV rays ultimately preventing sunburns and tanning. Apply the sunscreen about 20 minutes before the kid goes out and reapply every 2 hours or immediately after they have been swimming or if they have been sweating profusely. Make sure that the sunscreen covers every part of the body that might be exposed to the sun. When shopping for the perfect sunscreen, look for one that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.

Drink Some Water

The body loses lots of water through sweating on hot days. Ensure that the young ones drink up more water during hot seasons even when they are not thirsty. Doing so will keep their water levels in their body high enough to avoid dehydration. If the children are playing a sport, they will even require more water so ensure there is plenty available to them.

Take breaks

Make sure that the kids take regular breaks on hot days. You can use this time to give them water and apply sunscreen on them. Taking breaks also reduce the chances of the children suffering from heat exhaustion (where they get overheated, frail and weary) or suffer a heat stroke characterized by a red skin and unconsciousness. If possible, try and have the children avoid sun exposure between 10 AM and 4 PM.

Mind The Meds

Some medications are known to increase the sensitivity of the skin to UV rays. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether or not the prescribed medication increases this sensitivity. If it does, take some extra caution to protect the child. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the child might still get some blisters or sunburns. In case that happens, ensure the child does not scratch the blister. Let them take a bath and apply aloe vera gel. Other medications suggested is ibuprofen, diphenhydramine, and moisturizing cream. It is, however, better to contact your doctor first.

While the sun can have harmful effects, it also has some benefits too. Exposure to the sun helps boost children’s growth. It improves the immune system and also strengthens the bones. Sun is also said to improve bone strength and brain function. While you are trying to protect the children, and rightly so, from the harmful effects of sun, do not completely deprive them the exposure. The vitamin D will work wonders on their bodies.