I have been holding off writing a summer article until the weather made it clear that it really was summer.
I have decided, however, that I'd better do it or I might miss it entirely.
When the weather warms up we begin seeing less contagious illnesses like colds, ear infections, chicken pox, etc. (very warm areas decrease illness in summer as people go indoors for air conditioning.)
However, there are some things that we see more of in the summer like sunburn.
It can range from very mild and uncomfortable;' to severe and even deadly.
Every spring there are one or two babies admitted to the hospital who have gone out on a sunny day and very quickly received second degree sunburns over large portions of their body.
Some can get so dehydrated from the burn that they need intravenous fluid therapy.
This can even occur (and most frequently does) on deceptively overcast days with the sun beyond light clouds.
The problem arises, as you may be aware, from the fact that sunburns and tanning are caused by your bodies reaction to certain wave lengths of sun light (ultraviolet) which can readily penetrate clouds.
The so called "tanning centers'" take advantage of this by allowing patrons to expose themselves to ultraviolet lights during the winter and there by get a deep suntan.
Many people feel that tan skin is more "healthy" looking. And I must confess that intuitively it does to me too.
However, in addition to being quite dangerous to infants, the ultraviolet light and the tanning process has recently been shown to have some undesirable affects.
We have for some time been able to link certain forms of skin cancers found with increased frequency in those individuals who have a heavy sun exposure.
It also seems that there is increased skin cancer problems in light complected, blond and those individuals with certain diseases of pigmentation. Also dermatologists have found recently that, as the ultraviolet light penetrates the outer layers of the skin, not only are the tanning cells stimulated but there are changes in it's collagen (supporting structure).
The collagen becomes weakened which can result in permanent changes and premature ageing.
These changes gradually produce a wrinkling and leathering effect as well as drying the skin.
Of course the best treatment is prevention in the first place. Wearing a hat and other protective clothing helps greatly.
Recently sunscreens have been developed which are amazingly protective in nature. These compounds usually contain Para Amino Benzoic Acid (PABA) in varying amounts.
As the ultraviolet light strikes the PABA its energy is absorbed before it is able to strike the skin.
The sunscreens have all been labeled with a number. The higher the number the more protection afforded.
I recommend that all children with anticipated heavy sun exposure, especially fair skinned ones, be protected with a sunscreen of the highest number (15-18)
As the summer progresses and the child gets suntanned the protection factor can be decreased to around 6-8. However, in light of the cancer and ageing effects that I have mentioned, most people should use at least some protection all of the time.
An infant with a sunburn should probably be seen by a doctor especially if he looks like he is getting "sick", there are blisters forming or his urine output drops off.
Sunburns should be treated like any other mild burn. Removal of the burning source is imperative. (get out of the sun.)
Cool moist towels not only help take away some of the pain but seem to prevent the burn from deepening into the deeper tissues.
The creams which have been marketed recently containing a local anesthetic, are a great benefit.
My favorite is Nupercainal but there are many just as good which contain the "cain" type medicines and will help take away the pain.
Even mildly burned skin looses a lot of fluids. These should be replaced very freely by drinking oral fluids some of which contain light salt (like Gatorade).
Fluid drinking should continue until the individual is urinating frequently (a sign that the body has restored its fluid levels).
As the sunburn progresses to a tan and then peels, protection can be afforded by the use of Vaseline or ointments. These tend to hold the bodies natural moisture in and can prevent itching.
Now, be sure and check the index (menu bars above) for: other related articles on this topic: or, recently answered questions, which are sometimes more specific.