Keep an eye on children at the beach and pools

general inspection

Before releasing the child to play in the water, find out about the type of beach, if the sea is rough, if there are undertows and, in the case of a pool, how deep. The same attention goes for rented houses: as they are closed for long periods, the chances of venomous animals appearing increase. “Also check if there are toxic plants nearby and always have the address of the nearest hospital at hand”, recommends pediatrician José Américo de Campos.

Protecting feet and skin

In addition to avoiding injuries and blisters on the feet caused by the heat of the sand, always wearing shoes prevents several diseases. The most common are the chiggera type of flea that settles on the soles or under the nails, causing itching and pain, and the geographic animal, a larva found in dog and cat feces that crawls under the skin, making lines similar to those on a map. It is also prudent to vaccinate children against tetanus, as playing in the sand risks cutting oneself.

The combination of heat and little clothing leaves the body more exposed to dermatological diseases. On beaches and pools, the most frequent mycosis is Ptyriasis versicolor, which causes spots on the skin. Do not let the children sit directly on the sand and, when returning from the beach, do not take too long to bathe them, rubbing their bodies with a sponge. In babies, the most common skin irritation is heat rash, which can be prevented by wearing light clothes made from natural fabrics and avoiding stuffy environments. Insect bites and other dermatological injuries pave the way for bacteria that cause impetigo, an infection characterized by itching and fever.

With an eye on the water

Knowing how to swim is a great protection. Even so, do not dispense arm floats for children under 7 years old and never leave them in the water without the company of adults. Warn them about the risks of Jellyfish🇧🇷 Excess chlorine or contaminated water can trigger otitis and conjunctivitis, inflammations in the ears and eyes. Wearing earplugs, caps and diving goggles decrease the chances of contagion.

Shadow and fresh water

In addition to burns, exposure to the sun for a long time can cause heatstroke, a thermal imbalance that causes the body’s internal temperature to become unstable, causing fever, headaches or loss of consciousness. Only go to the beach with the children before 10 am or after 4 pm, always with sunblock SPF 30, and give them plenty of fluids while at the beach or pool. Remember that heat quickly deteriorates food, leading to poisoning. Be aware of what children eat outside the home.

basic pharmacy

Some medicines cannot be missing from your luggage: water paste, hydrogen peroxide, analgesics, anti-vomiting medication, eye drops, saline solution, boric acid, gauze, adhesive tape, cotton, mertiolate, sunscreen, moisturizing cream and repellent.