Common Summertime Illnesses in Children

The notoriously sweltering Indian summer is already approaching, so parents need to be on the lookout for diseases that might harm young children. Increased outdoor activity combined with extreme heat and humidity can lead to a number of health issues. While adults frequently experience heat exhaustion, tiredness, and heat stroke, children can also suffer from a few specific illnesses during the warmer months.

1. Intestinal Infections

Summertime increases the risk of ingesting tainted food and water, especially for young children, which makes digestive illnesses like food poisoning and viral gastroenteritis more prevalent. It is crucial to maintain proper hygiene by routinely washing your hands and making sure the water you consume is safe and clean in order to prevent such infections.

2. Insect Bites and Stings​

According to Dr. Suresh Gowda, Consultant – Pediatrician “Insects like mosquitoes, ants, and bees are more active during the summer months, increasing the chance of toddlers getting insect bites and stings. These bites can cause itching, swelling, pain, and allergic reactions. To protect kids, use insect repellents made for children, dress them in long sleeves and pants when outdoors, and avoid areas with stagnant water where insects usually breed.”

3. Fungus-Related Illnesses​

Summertime sweating and high humidity are known to increase the risk of fungal infections. Some common areas affected are the groin area, underarms, and body folds. It’s critical to practice good hygiene to ward against these illnesses.

4. Heat Injury

Heat rash, also referred to as prickly heat, is a common skin ailment that develops when sweat ducts become clogged, resulting in red, itchy pimples on the skin. Toddlers’ developing sweat glands make them more vulnerable to heat rashes. Toddlers should be kept in areas with good ventilation, dressed in loose, breathable clothing, and encouraged to take frequent baths in order to avoid this.

5. Sunburn

A frequent summertime ailment brought on by extended exposure to the sun’s damaging UV rays is sunburn. Toddlers should only engage in outdoor activities during peak hours, wear clothing that covers exposed skin, and apply high-SPF sunscreen to prevent sunburn on their sensitive skin.

While summertime is all about vacations and outdoor activities, parents should also take extra care to protect their children by being more aware of frequent seasonal illnesses.