Summer is a wonderful time of year for children to take a break from school and spend time playing outside in the sun.
However, with the warmer weather comes an increased risk of various illnesses and health problems that can be particularly concerning for parents. Here are 30 summer illnesses that affect children the most:.
1. Sunburn
When children spend too much time in the sun without proper protection, they can get sunburnt. Sunburn can range from mild to severe, causing redness, pain, and even blisters.
It’s essential to always wear sunscreen and protective clothing when outside and to limit sun exposure during peak hours.
2. Heat Rash
In hot and humid conditions, children may develop heat rash, which causes small red bumps and itching.
Heat rash is more common among infants, but it can also occur in older children if they are wearing tight clothing or staying in a hot environment for too long.
3. Dehydration
Children are more prone to dehydration during the summer months due to increased sweating and activity levels.
Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and even heat stroke, and it’s crucial to encourage children to drink plenty of water and fluids throughout the day.
4. Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion occurs when the body becomes overheated due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
Children who are playing sports or engaging in other physical activities outside are at an increased risk of heat exhaustion, which can cause nausea, headache, dizziness, and confusion.
5. Poison Ivy
While playing outside, children may come into contact with poison ivy, which can cause an itchy and painful rash that lasts several weeks.
Poison ivy is typically identified by its three leaves, and it’s essential to teach children to avoid touching or coming into contact with it when outside.
6. Ticks
Ticks are small insects that can attach themselves to the skin and spread diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Children who spend time in wooded areas or grassy fields should wear long-sleeved clothing and check their skin carefully for ticks after coming inside.
7. Ear Infections
Swimming pools, lakes, and other bodies of water can increase the risk of ear infections in children. Bacteria can enter the ear canal when water gets trapped inside, causing pain, swelling, and discharge.
Encouraging children to wear earplugs or avoid going underwater can help prevent ear infections.
8. Cuts and Scrapes
Outdoor play can sometimes lead to cuts, scrapes, or bruises. It’s important to clean any wounds thoroughly and apply a bandage or ointment to prevent infection or further injury. Keeping a first aid kit on hand can also be helpful.
9. Fractures and Sprains
Children who are active and engaged in sports or other physical activities may be at risk of fractures or sprains. Encouraging children to warm up before activity and wearing proper safety equipment can prevent these injuries.
If a fracture or sprain does occur, seeking medical attention promptly is crucial.
10. Allergies
Summertime can bring about an increase in allergies, especially for children who are allergic to pollen or other outdoor allergens. Symptoms may include sneezing, itching, and congestion.
Consult with a doctor and consider using antihistamines or other allergy medications to reduce symptoms.
11. Asthma
For children with asthma, summertime can be a particularly challenging time of year. Heat and humidity can trigger asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Keeping asthma medication on hand and avoiding triggers can help manage symptoms.
12. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a viral illness that can spread quickly among children, especially in daycare or preschool settings. Symptoms include fever, mouth sores, and a rash on the hands and feet.
Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently, can prevent the spread of hand, foot, and mouth disease.
13. Strep Throat
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can cause a sore throat, fever, and other flu-like symptoms. It can easily spread among children who are in close contact, such as in classrooms or camps. Antibiotics are typically needed to treat strep throat.
14. Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an infection of the eye’s conjunctiva. It can cause redness, itching, and discharge.
Conjunctivitis can be highly contagious among children, and good hygiene practices, such as washing hands and avoiding touching the eyes, can help prevent its spread.
15. Insect Bites and Stings
Children who spend time outside may encounter insects such as mosquitoes, bees, and wasps, which can leave painful and itchy bites or stings. Applying insect repellant and wearing long-sleeved clothing can help prevent bites and stings.
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16. Swimmer’s Ear
Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the ear canal that can occur when water gets trapped in the ear. It typically occurs in children who spend time swimming or playing in the water.
Wearing earplugs and drying the ears thoroughly after swimming can help to prevent swimmer’s ear.
17. Hand and Wrist Injuries
Activities such as biking, skateboarding, and rollerblading can put children at risk of hand and wrist injuries. Wrist braces and proper safety equipment can help prevent these types of injuries.
18. Respiratory Infections
Children who spend time in daycare or camp settings may be at an increased risk of respiratory infections, including the common cold and the flu.
Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands and avoiding close contact with others who are sick, can help reduce the risk of these illnesses.
19. Heat Rash
In hot and humid conditions, children may develop heat rash, which causes small red bumps and itching.
Heat rash is more common among infants, but it can also occur in older children if they are wearing tight clothing or staying in a hot environment for too long.
20. Allergen-Induced Coughing
Allergies that cause coughing fits can develop throughout the year, but allergies to pollens are common during summer.
Children who often suffer from seasonal allergies may experience coughing fits due to irritants in the air such as dust mites or pollen. Use air filters around the house, promote hand washing to minimize exposure to allergens and clean surfaces where dust and pollen can accumulate.
21. Food Poisoning
Food poisoning can occur any time of year but is more common during warm months. Children may eat food that has been left out in the heat for too long or may consume undercooked meat, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms.
Teach children to wash their hands and cook food thoroughly before consuming it.
22. Sun Stroke
Children who spend extended periods in the heat without consuming enough fluids can develop sunstroke, a severe condition that can lead to unconsciousness and even death.
Symptoms often include a high fever accompanied with dehydration or rapid heartbeat along with fatigue and headaches.
23. Fungal Infections
Summer heat and humidity can create an environment that promotes fungal growth, such as ringworm, jock itch, and athlete’s foot.
Children who wear sweaty clothing or engage in water activities without wearing protective footwear can develop these infections. Using proper hygiene, avoiding tight-fitting clothing, and wearing sandals in communal showers and other areas can diminish the possibility of fungal infections.
24. Scabies
Scabies is a highly contagious condition that causes an itchy and contagious rash. It is caused by mites that burrow under the skin and lay eggs. Children who engage in physical contact with people living in close quarters may contract scabies.
Seek medical attention promptly if scabies is suspected, as it can be treated with prescription medication.
25. Poisoning
Many poisonous chemicals are commonly found around homes, garages, and gardens, such as insect killers and weed killers, which can lead to poisoning if improperly stored or used.
Children who accidentally consume these chemicals can experience vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms. Make sure to store these chemicals securely out of reach of children and always follow the instructions when using them.
26. Jellyfish Stings and Other Marine Hazards
While spending time at the beach and in the ocean is an enjoyable summertime activity, it can also set the stage for encounters with marine hazards, including jellyfish stings, sea lice, and shark bites.
Such accidents can result in rashes, abrasions, or wounds, and more serious cases may require medical attention.
27. Heat Rash
In hot and humid conditions, children may develop heat rash, which causes small red bumps and itching.
Heat rash is more common among infants, but it can also occur in older children if they are wearing tight clothing or staying in a hot environment for too long.
28. Headache and Migraines
The sweltering summer heat can cause more headaches and migraines to surface in children, probably due to dehydration, lack of sleep, or absence or inadequate meals.
Encouraging young ones to hydrate frequently, get enough sleep, consume healthy, well-balanced meals, and avoid direct sun exposure can reduce the chance of developing headaches and migraines.
29. Attention Problems
Summertime break may offer opportunities for playful and enjoyable activities but is no form of structure as school provides for children.
While their minds may be in vacation mode, it doesn’t mean they shouldn’t exercise their brains but in a fun and interactive way. Fail to provide enough stimulation for their developing brains and children may experience problems with attention, restlessness, and irritability, leading to acute difficulties during the next coming school year.
30. Depression and Stress
Children expect to enjoy the summer months with endless time outdoors playing with friends and performing fun activities however, the reality may be very different.
Financial or family issues, difficult environmental factors, lack of summer opportunities, and unemployment, can all cause major stress. The summer can lose all its joy, leading to depression and other mental health problems in children.
