A dermatologist provides several tips for protecting children’s skin from the sun, insect bites and even minor injuries.
- Appropriate products can protect children from insect bites, such as those containing DEET.
- If you have a cut or scrape, clean the wound thoroughly and apply a healing ointment, then a bandage.
- To avoid sunburn, sunscreen, suitable clothing and limited exposure are essential.
The summer holidays start on Friday, July 5 in France. While children generally enjoy this period of break, it can sometimes be hectic. Summer is conducive to certain aches and pains or minor injuries. To limit them, pediatric dermatologist Jayden Galamgam provides some advice on site from his university, UCLA Health.
How to protect children from insect bites?
His first recommendation concerns insect bites. According to him, it is essential to avoid areas where there is a high concentration of insects. If this is not possible, it is necessary to wear suitable, long and covering clothing and to cover children’s skin with insect repellent products.DEET is the most common and effective repellent, he recalls. However, there are concerns about its use in young children due to rare cases of brain toxicity. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that repellents containing DEET at concentrations of 30% or less can be safely used on children if applied correctly..”
When in doubt, he suggests using other products, including picaridin, a similarly effective product that is odorless, non-greasy, and has no reported side effects.There are other insect repellents available, such as IR3535, lemon eucalyptus oil, p-menthane-3,8-diol, catnip oil, citronella and 2-undecanone”he adds.
These products can protect children from mosquito bites, tick bites, or other insect bites. They should be applied only to exposed skin, away from eyes, mouth, and open wounds.Avoid products that combine a repellent and sunscreen, as this may decrease the effectiveness of the sunscreen.”warns this specialist. In case of an allergic reaction, the skin should be washed immediately with soap and water. If the child’s condition worsens, a health professional should be contacted quickly.
Cuts and scrapes: how to limit the risk of infection in children?
Children can also get minor injuries, such as scrapes or cuts. In these cases, Jayden Galamgam advises cleaning the wound with soap and water, then applying a healing ointment or petroleum jelly before covering the area with a bandage.In general, it is not necessary to use antibiotic ointments unless there is a risk of infection.he says. If an infection is suspected, consult your GP.”
Sunburn: how to avoid it in children?
Summer also means sun, but it can be dangerous for children. The dermatologist reminds us that it is advisable to avoid exposure to the sun in the middle of the day, to wear light clothing and a hat.Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is key to preventing sun damage.”he emphasizes. He advises using mineral sunscreens, which create a barrier on the skin that reflects UV light, and are suitable for children. They can be applied immediately before sun exposure. On the other hand, chemical sunscreens, which absorb the rays, must be applied 15 to 30 minutes before exposure.Sunscreen should also be reapplied after swimming or sweating a lot.”he raises.
If sunburn does occur despite this, he advises using compresses soaked in cold water on the affected areas, calamine lotion and aloe vera gels.to relieve discomfort”. If the sunburn is more severe, you should see a doctor.
