With high heat kicking in and little ones wanting to head out for some fun in the sun, it is very important to ensure their safety in the Dubai Summer. SHAMMA Clinic specialist Pediatrician, Dr. Sarah Rizk, shares a few tips on how to keep your kids safe during the hot Dubai summer.
Safety Tips for Kids in the Dubai Summer
Sunscreen is Key
Though this seems like the most obvious thing to do, parents often forget how to properly apply sunscreen. Remember to apply sunscreen with at least SPF30 and UVA and UVB protection (broad spectrum), a minimum of 30 minutes before heading outdoors. Unprotected skin can suffer sun damage in as little as 15 minutes of exposure. Don’t forget to protect children’s ears, nose, lips and the top of their feet “as these are the areas that are often the most unattended to, and most exposed to the sun. It is also important to note that sunscreen does not allow your children to spend more time outdoors than they would otherwise.
Cover Up
Swimsuits can put children at risk of severe sunburn. With the sun at its harshest in the summer, it is important to ensure that the skin is covered up. Sometimes sunscreen is not enough to help protect from sun damage. Making sure that your children are protected from the harmful UV rays at the beach or pool by making them wear long-sleeved tops, long pants, and dark-colored clothes is very important.
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Keep Cool and Carry On
Hats that shade the face, scalp, ears, and neck are incredibly necessary to keep your children from harmful effects of sun damage as well as heat exhaustion. While baseball caps can look stylish, they do little to keep your children safe and cool during the Dubai summer. In addition to shaded hats, it is also important to remain hydrated where children under the age of 12 should be drinking a minimum of 1.5 liters of water daily.
Ban Tanning
Tanning is not the best way to get vitamin D, particularly for children, who have less layers of skin than adults, putting them at a higher risk of permanent damage from sunburn. The safest way for children to get Vitamin D is through a healthy diet. Ensuring a diet high in fatty fish, nutritious mushrooms, orange juice, fortified milk, cereals and egg yolks can go a long way to providing children with the vitamin D their bodies need. Many children’s supplements are also an excellent source of vitamin D.
Clouds don’t Block UV Rays
Parents need to ensure their kids apply sunscreen, whether the weather is cloudy or dusty. This is because clouds do not block UV rays, they only filter them so it’s important to apply sunscreen no matter how cloudy or dusty the sky looks.
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Don’t Forget the Eyes!
Another key body part that is exposed to sun damage frequently during the Dubai summer is the eyes. Sunglasses are very beneficial for children, and only adults. They protect your children’s eyes from UV rays, which can lead to cataracts later in life. Invest in sunglasses that wrap around the eyes and block UVA and UVB rays.