Protect children from burns

The Secretary of Health of Guanajuato urges to protect children from skin burns during the hot season

Guanajuato/Gto News

In order to protect children’s skin from high temperaturas and the sun, the Secretary of Health of Guanajuato issued a series of recommendations such as using hats, umbrellas or sunscreens.

The Secretary of Health of Guanajuato, Gabriel Cortes Alcala, said that in response to the increase in temperatures, the staff of the Pediatric Specialty Hospital of Leon is reinforcing the guidance actions directed to parents and caregivers for the proper care of the skin of kids.

It is during periods of intense heat that children are more likely to develop skin conditions such as solar dermatitis, injuries from prolonged sun exposure, and burns, which can lead to complications if not treated promptly.

Even brief exposures without proper protection can cause skin damage, which in the long term can lead to spots or skin alterations, which at some point can cause skin cancer.

Therefore, the Secretary of Health of Guanajuato recommends as a first preventive measure the use of physical barriers such as caps, hats or umbrellas in children under the age of 18, in order to reduce direct exposure to sunlight.

For children over one year old, it is recommended to use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher, which provides adequate coverage against solar radiation.

Sunscreen should be applied daily in the morning as part of your hygiene routine and applied consistently. In beach environments or areas with prolonged sun exposure, it is important to reapply it every three hours, while in urban areas it is suggested to apply it at least twice a day: in the morning and at midday.

The Secretary of Health of Guanajuato emphasizes that prevention is key to avoid skin health complications, and therefore urges the population to maintain these care measures, especially in kids, who are more vulnerable to the effects of heat.

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