The Sun Isn’t the Only Hazard to Your Child’s Skin This Summer: Their Swimsuit Can Be a Risk Too

A little -known scourge

During the summer holidays, parents are often asked to pay attention to the heat and the sun's rays for their children's skin. But another health problem is likely to touch the smallest, without it being really known.

Ideal conditions for the proliferation of microbes

When a child, or an adult, remains under the sun, the body naturally begins to sweat. If until then there is nothing alarming, wearing a wet jersey prevents the evaporation of sweat, thus creating humidity in areas called “folds”, like the groin, the back of the thigh or the buttocks for example. It is from this moment that the specialist will call the “oven” effect, which is defined by the exposure of a part of the body to a high heat and humidity, prolonged and confined.

This effect will then promote maceration and irritation, which are manifested by redness, itching, and small pimples, because of the presence of microscopic and bacteria mushrooms. These harmful microorganisms are all the more present in children, due to the vulnerability of their skin. Indeed, the latter is thinner, so lets pass the impurities more easily, and still has difficulty regulating humidity which, coupled with sand, salt or UV rays, damages the hydrolipidic film, the natural skin protection barrier.

The reflexes to have after swimming

To avoid being in this situation, which admit it is not welcome on vacation, the experts reveal the good gestures to have. The first recommendations is to have a second swimsuit in your beach bag. This will allow your child to avoid having irritation by directly removing his wet swimsuit.

Specialists also recommend taking care to dry your child directly when it comes out of the water, using a gentle towel and insisting strongly on the areas where bacteria and mushrooms are likely to develop. If ever reders appear, it is advisable to apply antifungal and restorative cream.

Source: The Journal of Seniors