AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)

With summer in full swing, medical experts are advising parents to take extra safety measures, noting that children are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses than adults.

Speaking to Aletihad, they highlighted the importance of limiting outdoor exposure and adopting sun protection measures for children.

Dr Mai Magdy Ali Ghazy, Specialist Paediatrics, Burjeel Medical Centre, Al Falah, said that children generate more heat relative to their size, sweat less efficiently, and are slower to acclimatise to rising temperatures.

"In the UAE, where midday temperatures regularly exceed 42°C in summer, the risks are amplified. The primary concerns are heat exhaustion, heatstroke, dehydration and sunburn, all of which can escalate rapidly in young children, sometimes within minutes of sustained outdoor exposure," Dr Ghazy said.

She said parents should watch for early warning indicators, including excessive perspiration accompanied by pale or clammy skin, headaches, nausea, cramping in the muscles, irritability, and unusual exhaustion.

Confusion, lack of perspiration, or unconsciousness are more serious signs that call for emergency medical attention, she added.

"With dehydration, children often stop asking for water even when they need it, so a dry mouth, fewer trips to the bathroom, and sunken eyes are more reliable indicators than thirst alone," she said.

Dr Ghazy recommended ensuring children wear loose, light-coloured, breathable clothing, limiting outside exposure during the hottest parts of the day, and opting for shaded play spaces to lower the risk.

Along with cooling techniques like moistening the neck and wrists, regular hydration breaks every 15 to 20 minutes are essential, she added.

Avoiding Heat Stroke

Dr Naveen Raju, Specialist Paediatrician, LLH Hospital, Musaffah, said children playing outdoors during peak sun hours are exposed to strong ultraviolet radiation and high temperatures, which could increase the risk of heat exhaustion.

"Children may also be at risk of heat stroke, which can cause high body temperature, confusion, vomiting, rapid breathing, seizures, or loss of consciousness. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention," Dr Raju said.

He also noted that excessive sun exposure can cause sunburn, leading to redness, pain, skin peeling, and blistering. "The eyes may also be affected, with symptoms such as irritation, tearing, and sensitivity to light. In some children, hot weather can worsen respiratory problems such as asthma, wheezing, or breathing difficulty."

Red or painful skin may indicate sunburn, while coughing, wheezing, or breathing difficulty can suggest that heat or outdoor conditions are affecting the child's breathing, he noted.

"If symptoms worsen or the child appears confused, very weak, drowsy, or unwell, parents should stop the activity and seek medical help."

He added that if outdoor play during peak heat hours is unavoidable, parents should encourage children to play for short periods and take frequent water breaks. Children should be encouraged to drink water regularly, ideally every 15 to 20 minutes during outdoor activity.

To protect the face, ears and neck, Dr Raju recommended that parents make sure their children are wearing long sleeves, breathable materials, and wide-brimmed hats.

Additionally, he advised reapplying sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher every two hours, especially when perspiring or engaging in prolonged outdoor activities.

He further emphasised that the safest times for outdoor play are before 10am and after 4-5pm, when temperatures and ultraviolet radiation levels are significantly lower.

"This helps reduce the risk of dehydration, heat-related illness, sunburn, and long-term sun damage."