Dermatology Toronto - Protect Your Child's Skin
Dermatology Toronto - Protect Your Child's Skin
5 smart steps to protect your child's skin
Yes, you've heard this before, but it can't be stressed too much. It's crucial to provide proper sun protection for your child. After all, it only takes one blistering sunburn to double your child's risk of getting melanoma - the most serious type of skin cancer - at some point in life.
1. Select the right sunscreen.
Proper use of sunscreen or sunblock is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your child from sun exposure. Select a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB radiation and has a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. If your child is very young or has extremely sensitive skin, use a product made for children that contains the sunblocks zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
2. Slather it on.
Most people don't use nearly enough sunscreen. Apply a generous handful - about an ounce - of sunscreen on your child. Repeat the application every 3 to 4 hours or 1 to 2 hours if the child is exposed to water or perspires a lot.
3. 10 to 2 -the most hazardous time of day.
Avoid sun exposure during the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the ultra-violet rays of the sun are most dangerous.
4. Dress up!
Provide a hat and sunglasses for even the smallest child. Have your youngster wear long sleeves and long pants when possible, and choose dark colors, which absorb fewer rays. If your child is very fair, consider purchasing UV-protective clothing.
5. Cloudy days and winter
Don't forget sun protection for your kids when it's cloudy - clouds don't block UV rays. And in the winter, it's easy to forget that sunburn is still a threat. But the sun's rays are still powerful, so you need to follow the same precautions as during the warmer months.
Bottom line on diaper rash
Rare is the infant who never has diaper rash. The moist environment of a diaper, multiple folds of a baby's skin, soiled diapers, and skin that's super-sensitive to caustic detergents create an environment that invites diaper rash. What's a parent to do?
- Change diapers as soon as they're soiled.
- After cleaning the infants skin, rinse thoroughly with a squirt bottle.
- Pat babys bottom dry. Rubbing further irritates the skin.
- Let the childs bottom air dry thoroughly before putting a diaper back on. It can be helpful to leave the diaper off for a couple hours a day.
- Apply products that contain zinc oxide or petroleum jelly generously.
- If using cloth diapers, wash with a mild detergent made for infants and rinse twice. Don't use dryer sheets.
Call the doctor if a diaper rash lasts longer than 2 or 3 days or if sores, raised welts or red spots appear. These are signs that your child may have a bacterial infection, yeast infection or dermatitis. When a rash calls for action Kids get all kinds of rashes. Most are harmless and disappear on their own. Rashes common in childhood include: chicken pox and roseola, impetigo, heat rash, viral diseases and rashes cause by allergies, such as hives and eczema. On rare occasions, however, a rash is far more serious.
Emergencies - seek immediate medical assistance
- If your child has a rash accompanied by difficulty breathing, flushing, vomiting or swelling of the face, mouth, lips or tongue.
- The child develops small ruptured blood vessels under the skin that are flat, red or purple in color and don't fade after being pressed lightly with your finger. If found on the head or neck, they may be caused by forceful coughing or vomiting. If observed anywhere below the neck, head to the emergency room. Virginia Mediation Lawyer For Divorce & Child Custody Cases In Virginia Virginia Collaborative Law Process In Divorce & Child Custody - Keeping Costs Low Northern Virginia Collaborative Law Divorce & Child Custody Lawyers What To Do If Your "Ex" Fails To Get Your Children Back On Time Kids Play Toys Overcoming Possibilities Of Childhood Obesity Breakthrough Study Links Childhood Diabetes to a Common Virus The Curious Craze of Calling Cards for Children A Pokey "Ex" Could End Up in The "Pokey" If They Refuse To Bring Your Kids Back On Time The V Reader Animated Book – Will It Help Your Kids' Reading Ability? Ways to control Child Obesity Through Proper Diet Biggest Selling Toys This Xmas Moving With Children Sensitively