| Living with a chronic condition: Supporting yourself as a caregiver | Living with a chronic condition: Supporting yourself as a caregiver | Living with a chronic condition: Supporting yourself as a caregiver | L | English | Psychiatry | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | NA | NA | Conditions and diseases | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | | 2018-11-26T05:00:00Z | | Sara Ahola Kohut, PhD, C.Psych | | | | 9.10000000000000 | 63.6000000000000 | 540.000000000000 | | Flat Content | Health A-Z | <p>Learn how to support your own mental health and wellbeing and how to cope with emotions following the diagnosis of a child’s chronic condition. </p> | <p>Following a diagnosis of a child's <a href="/Article?contentid=3400&language=English">chronic condition</a>, it is normal to feel a range of emotions such as guilt, sadness, anger or relief. These emotions might be directed at yourself, your partner, your child, the healthcare team or the world in general.<br></p> | | <h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>It is natural to feel a range of emotions when your child is diagnosed with a chronic condition.</li><li>Try to use positive coping methods such as exercise, keeping up with hobbies and staying connected with family and friends. This will help you and set a good example for your child.</li><li>Ask your child's healthcare team about social supports that are specific to your child's condition.</li><li>Speak to a trusted friend or healthcare professional if you feel on edge, have ongoing sleep difficulties or no longer enjoy hobbies or other activities.</li></ul> | <p>Avoid the tendency to ignore your emotions and reactions to your child’s condition. Instead, take care of yourself and use some positive coping methods such as:<br></p><ul><li>going for a walk or doing other exercise</li><li>getting enough sleep</li><li>eating a balanced diet</li><li>continuing with enjoyable activities and hobbies</li><li>staying connected to friends and family.</li></ul><p>This approach helps you not only manage your stress levels but also better care for your child. In fact, research has shown that parents who improve their own stress levels have a positive impact on their child’s health.</p><p>Your child’s healthcare team can help recommend <a href="/Article?contentid=3402&language=English">coping strategies</a> to help both you and your child. This might include meeting others with the same diagnosis as your child or joining a community specific to the chronic condition. These social supports can:</p><ul><li>help you adapt to raising a child with a chronic condition</li><li>offer realistic tips and tricks to manage your time and appointments and manage your child’s symptoms or any medication side effects.</li></ul><p>However, it is always important to talk to your child’s healthcare team before changing anything in your child’s healthcare routine.</p><h2>Setting a positive example for your child or teen</h2><p>As a parent, you are a role model for positive coping, asking for help when you need it and advocating for your child’s or teen’s needs in the healthcare system. Your child will learn how to manage their chronic condition by watching how you cope with it.</p><p>Sometimes you might need to explain why and how a chosen activity is a coping strategy. Tell your child, for instance, if you are going for a walk or run to help with stress or talking about your emotions with close friends to help ease your concerns. When your child sees you making healthy choices and coping well, they are more likely to do the same themselves.</p><h2>Warning signs to seek support for yourself</h2><p>Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may find it difficult to cope with the reality of a child’s chronic condition. You might need to seek specific support for yourself if you:</p><ul><li>find it hard to understand or remember what healthcare providers are telling you</li><li>cannot fall asleep or stay asleep during the night</li><li>almost always have a feeling of being on edge</li><li>feel resentful towards your child</li><li>find it difficult to enjoy activities that you used to enjoy.</li></ul><p>In these cases, it can be helpful to speak to a trusted friend or professional for support.<br></p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <h2>Further information</h2><p>For more information on parenting a child or teen with a chronic condition, please see the following pages:</p><p>
<a href="https://akhpub.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3400&language=English">Living with a chronic condition: Overview</a><br></p><p>
<a href="https://akhpub.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3401&language=English">Living with a chronic condition: Helping your child manage their health</a></p><p>
<a href="https://akhpub.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3402&language=English">Living with a chronic condition: Maintaining your child's everyday routines</a><br></p> | | | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/iCanCopeSCD/duration_location_frequency_SCD_J4T.jpg | Supporting yourself as a caregiver | | |
| Cast care: Arm or leg cast | Cast care: Arm or leg cast | Cast care: Arm or leg cast | C | English | Orthopaedics/Musculoskeletal | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Arm;Legs | Skeletal system | Non-drug treatment | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | | 2019-04-02T04:00:00Z | | Preeti Grewal, RN, MN, APN;Jean Hohs, RTOrthopaed;Catharine Bradley, MSc, BSc (PT);Benjamin A. Alman, MD, FRCSC;Charlotte Grandjean-Blanchet, MD;Anne Murphy, NP, MN;Derek Gauthier, RT(Orthopaed) | | | | 4.30000000000000 | 87.6000000000000 | 884.000000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Procedure | Health A-Z | <p>Read about how to take care of your child's arm or leg cast and learn the warning signs of a problem.</p> | <div class="asset-video">
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tP_fq26Bxz8?rel=0" frameborder="0"></iframe> </div><h2>About your child's cast</h2><p>Casts and splints hold a part of the body in place. They are used to treat a suspected injury, a fracture or other medical conditions. Casts are put on by an orthopaedic technologist or doctor. All casts are made of plaster or fibreglass with soft cotton underneath to protect the skin. </p><h3>The plaster cast</h3><ul><li>When applied, the plaster may feel warm at first. This is normal.</li><li>The cast will feel firm to touch in 10 to 15 minutes, but it will take up to 48 hours (2 days) to dry all the way through.</li><li>While drying, the cast may feel cold and clammy until it dries all the way through.</li><li>Plaster casts are not waterproof or water resistant. </li><li>Plaster casts and splints are covered by your provincial health insurance in Ontario. </li></ul><h3>The fibreglass cast</h3><ul><li>Fibreglass is applied the same way as plaster.</li><li>Fibreglass dries in about 1 hour. It is lighter in weight and stronger than plaster.</li><li>Fibreglass casts are water resistant but are NOT waterproof. </li><li>In some cases, fibreglass casting may be used with waterproof liner to make a waterproof cast. Ask your orthopaedic technologist if your child may be eligible for a waterproof cast. </li><li>There is a charge for fibreglass casts and other orthopaedic devices. </li></ul> | | <h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>Your child's cast may be made of plaster or fibreglass.</li><li>Look at your child's cast four or five times a day.</li><li>There may be a problem with your child's cast if your child's fingers or toes are blue, white or swollen; if your child cannot bend or straighten the fingers or toes; if your child's arm or leg is numb or tingles; if there is a bad smell coming from the cast; if the cast feels tight to your child; or if the cast is soft or broken.</li></ul> | | | | | | | <h2>Signs of a problem with your child's cast</h2><p>Look at your child’s cast four or five times per day. Seek urgent medical advice if your child has any of the following complications:</p><h3>Fingers or toes that are blue, white or very swollen</h3><p>Your child’s fingers or toes should be warm and normal in colour. You can compare the temperature, colour and size with your child’s other arm or leg.</p>
<figure class="asset-c-80">
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Signs_of_tight_cast_EQUIP_ILL_EN.jpg" alt="Discoloured hand in a cast compared to non-injured hand" />
<figcaption class="asset-image-caption">If a cast is too tight, the skin may appear pale or bluish beyond the end of the cast when compared with the skin of a non-injured area. </figcaption></figure>
<p>Your child should not wear nail polish or rings while wearing a cast. You need to be able to see if the nails are blue.</p><h3>Smells and odours from the cast</h3><p>It is normal for casts to start to smell if they have been in place for a long time. We worry about bad or foul smells, as they may indicate an infection under the cast.</p><h3>A cast that feels tight to your child</h3><p>If your child’s cast feels tight, it may mean that the arm or leg is swollen inside the cast. The swelling can make it difficult for blood to circulate through the arm or leg.</p><h3>A cast that is causing pain to your child </h3><p>If your child is complaining of a persistent pain, often described as burning, pushing or squeezing, it may mean that there is pressure against the skin underneath the cast. This may be in a different location than your child’s injury. </p><h3>A cast that is soft or broken</h3><p>If the cast is soft or broken, it may need to be repaired or replaced.</p> | <h2>Taking care of your child at home</h2><p>The cast will change how your child uses the arm or leg. They will not be able to use it normally.</p><p>Please follow all the instructions you were given about how much physical activity your child should be doing with the cast on.</p><h2>Taking care of your child's cast at home</h2><ul><li>Keep your child's cast clean and dry.</li><li>If possible, try to bathe your child using a cloth or sponge with soap.</li><li>Clean a soiled cast with a damp cloth. Leave the area open to the air until it is dry. You can also use a hair dryer on a cool or cold setting.</li><li>Do not put anything under the cast to scratch, such as pens or baby powder. It is normal for it to be itchy under the cast. You can try to relieve itchiness by using a hair dryer on a cool or cold setting.</li><li>Do not cut or change the shape of your child's cast.</li><li>Check the skin along the cast edges. Look for any blisters or redness.</li><li>Put the casted arm or leg up onto a pillow while your child is resting.</li><li>Encourage your child to move all other body parts that are not immobilized in cast. Speak to your doctor, nurse practitioner or orthopaedic technologist for guidance. </li></ul> | | <h2>What to do if you have concerns</h2><p>Take your child to see your family doctor or paediatrician for all non-urgent concerns. </p><h2>When to return to the Emergency Department</h2><p>You should go to the Emergency Department or see your orthopaedic team immediately in the following situations:</p><ul><li>You cannot control your child’s pain with pain medications</li><li>There is new, increased swelling or skin discolouration</li><li>New numbness or tingling that doesn’t resolve with regular movement </li><li>There is a foul smell coming from the cast</li><li>If the cast becomes very wet, breaks or falls off</li></ul> | <h2>Removing the cast</h2><p>Circumferential, or full circular casts are taken off with an electric cast cutter. This is not painful, but it is noisy. Your child will be given ear muffs during the procedure.</p><p>Casts that are not circumferential, such as splints, can be removed with scissors. </p><p>You may be asked to remove your child’s splint at home. This can be done safely by using a pair of scissors to cut along the soft edge of the splint. Try cutting one layer of material at a time to avoid injuring the skin. If you need assistance, please see your family doctor. </p>
<figure class="asset-c-80">
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/CastCare_EN.png" alt="Cutting the layers of the splint" />
<figcaption class="asset-image-caption">To remove the splint at home, hold the bandage scissors parallel to your child’s cast as your start to cut. Then, cut the layers in an upward scooping motion, so the ends of the scissors point away from the child’s skin.</figcaption>
</figure> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <h2>At SickKids:</h2><p>You may contact the orthopaedic clinic directly
<strong>only if your child has already been seen</strong> in the orthopaedic or fracture clinics. If your child has only been seen in the emergency department, you may contact the emergency department or your primary care provider for assistance. The orthopaedic team may be reached as follows: </p><ul><li>Orthopaedic Clinic: fracture.clinic@sickkids.ca</li><li>Ward 5A (if your child was admitted): 416-813-6948</li><li>More information regarding the Orthopaedic Clinic can be found at:
<a href="http://www.sickkids.ca/areas-of-care/clinics/orthopaedic-clinic.html">www.sickkids.ca/areas-of-care/clinics/orthopaedic-clinic.html</a></li></ul> | | | <img alt="" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/cast_care_arm_leg_cast.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | | | | | cast | cast | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/cast_care_arm_leg_cast.jpg | | | |
| Anaphylaxis: How to recognize and respond to a severe allergic reaction | Anaphylaxis: How to recognize and respond to a severe allergic reaction | Anaphylaxis: How to recognize and respond to a severe allergic reaction | A | English | Allergy | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Body | Immune system | Conditions and diseases | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | Abdominal pain;Cough;Diarrhea;Nausea;Vomiting;Rash | | 2019-04-01T04:00:00Z | | Vy Kim, MD, FRCPC;Anna Kasprzak, RN;Laura Umbrello, MD, FAAP | | | | 9.00000000000000 | 56.2000000000000 | 822.000000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Conditions | Health A-Z | <p>Anaphylaxis is a severe reaction to an allergen. Learn how to prevent and identify anaphylaxis and how to respond when someone has a reaction. </p> | <h2>What is anaphylaxis?</h2><p>Anaphylaxis is a severe
<a href="/Article?contentid=804&language=English">allergic reaction</a> to certain substances called allergens. When an allergen enters the body of a child with an allergy, the child’s immune system treats it as an invader and overreacts. This reaction happens a few minutes to an hour after the child is exposed to an allergen and can be life threatening.</p> | | <h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>Anaphylaxis is a severe reaction to an allergen such as certain foods, medications and insect bites or stings.</li><li>Common symptoms of anaphylaxis include difficulty breathing, dizziness, hives, swelling of the face and vomiting. If left untreated, anaphylaxis can be life threatening.</li><li>If someone has anaphylaxis, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately.</li><li>If it is your child’s first episode of anaphylaxis, see an allergist for a full assessment. Your child should be prescribed an epinephrine injector, which they should carry with them at all times.
<br></li></ul> | | <h2>Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis</h2><p>The signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis may include sudden onset:</p><ul><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=789&language=English">hives</a>, itching, redness of the skin</li><li>swollen eyes, lips, tongue or face</li><li>difficulty breathing, throat constriction (tightening) or difficulty swallowing</li><li>abdominal (belly) pain, nausea,
<a href="/Article?contentid=746&language=English">vomiting</a> or <a href="/Article?contentid=7&language=English">diarrhea</a></li><li>coughing</li><li>stuffy and/or runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing</li><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=779&language=English">fainting</a>, confusion, light-headedness or dizziness</li><li>rapid or irregular heartbeats</li><li>cold, clammy, sweaty skin
</li><li>voice changes</li></ul> | <h2>Common causes of anaphylaxis</h2><p>Common allergens include foods, such as peanuts, tree nuts or eggs; insect bites or stings, such as bee stings, and drugs, such as penicillin.</p><p>An allergen can enter the body in different ways.</p><ul><li>A child may eat or inhale (breathe in) an allergen. It is best to speak to your child’s allergist about the inhaled allergens that would be a problem for your child, as not all of these allergens will cause a reaction.</li><li>A child might receive a medication via an injection that contains an allergen.</li></ul><p>When the body is exposed to an allergen, it releases chemicals called histamines. These and other chemicals released by the body cause the common signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis.</p> | | | | <h2>Complications of anaphylaxis</h2><p>Anaphylaxis may cause tightening or blockage of your child’s airway, making it difficult for your child to breathe. It can also lead to a drop in blood pressure. These symptoms can lead to death if not treated.</p> | | <h2>How to prevent repeated episodes of anaphylaxis</h2><p>The best way to prevent anaphylaxis is for your child to avoid any known allergens. Many people are not aware of an allergy until they are exposed to an allergen and have an anaphylactic reaction.</p><p>Following their first episode of anaphylaxis, your child should see an allergist. This is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating allergies.</p><p>The allergist will try to figure out the allergen responsible for your child’s anaphylaxis and may also prescribe an <a href="/article?contentid=130&language=English">epinephrine</a> auto-injector such as EpiPen. Your child should carry this medication with them at all times in case of an emergency. Ideally, your child will carry one injector and a second will be readily available nearby.</p><p>Your child should also wear a <a href="https://www.medicalert.ca/">MedicAlert</a> or similar bracelet that indicates their allergies. Talk to your child’s school or daycare about creating an anaphylaxis emergency plan for your child.</p> | <h2>What you can do for your child during anaphylaxis</h2><p>Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. If you suspect your child is having anaphylaxis, call 911 or go to the emergency department
<strong>right away</strong>.</p><ul><li>If your child has an emergency anaphylaxis medication, such as an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen), inject it right away. You can give a second dose of epinephrine as early as five minutes after the first dose if there is no improvement in symptoms.</li><li>Call 911 or take your child to your nearest emergency department.</li><li>Calm and reassure your child and have them lie down.</li><li>Check your child's airway and breathing. Strained breathing or talking, a hoarse voice or high-pitched breathing sounds are all signs that your child's throat may be swollen.</li><li>Do not give any medication by mouth if your child is having trouble breathing.</li></ul><p>Because symptoms can disappear and then return within a few hours (even with treatment), a child with anaphylaxis will likely stay in the hospital for a period of observation after any anaphylactic reaction.</p><p>If this is your child’s first time having anaphylaxis, they should get a referral to an allergist for a full assessment. They should also receive a prescription for an epinephrine auto-injector.</p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <img alt="" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/anaphylaxis.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | | | | | anaphylaxis | anaphylaxis | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/anaphylaxis.jpg | Anaphylaxis | | |
| Insect bites | Insect bites | Insect bites | I | English | Dermatology | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Skin | Skin | Conditions and diseases | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | | 2014-05-30T04:00:00Z | | Shawna Silver, MD, FRCPC, FAAP, PEng | | | | 7.90000000000000 | 61.0000000000000 | 797.000000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Conditions | Health A-Z | <p>Discover how to recognize, treat and prevent insect bites and bee stings, and when to seek medical attention. </p> |
<p>Insect bites and stings occur when an insect feeds off a person's skin or tries to defend itself.</p><p>Different insects bite and sting in different ways. Common biting or stinging insects include mosquitoes, blackflies, bed bugs, fleas, ticks, fire ants, bees and wasps. Bees often leave stingers in the wound.</p><p>Insect bites usually cause mild swelling, redness and itchiness limited to the small area around the bite or sting. Some children, however, can experience potentially life-threatening reactions. This is called an anaphylactic reaction and requires immediate medical attention. In children who are at risk, <a href="/Article?contentid=781&language=English">anaphylaxis</a> is most commonly caused by bees, wasps and hornets. Other insects can transmit disease. For example, some mosquitoes can transmit malaria or West Nile virus and some ticks can transmit <a href="/Article?contentid=909&language=English">Lyme disease</a>.</p> | | <h2>Key points</h2>
<ul>
<li>Insect bites often cause swelling and redness. Some children experience severe and potentially life-threatening reactions.</li>
<li>Common biting or stinging insects include mosquitoes, blackflies, bees and wasps.</li>
<li>Some children respond well to antihistamine medication; others may just need some ice.</li>
<li>Prevent insect bites and stings by covering the body with light-coloured clothing and applying insect repellent to exposed skin.</li>
<li>DEET is a very effective insect repellent, but use it carefully according to your child's age. If using sunscreen and insect repellent, apply sunscreen first.</li>
</ul> | | <h2>Signs and symptoms of an insect bite or sting</h2><p>Signs and symptoms of insect bites and stings vary according to the type of insect and your child's reaction.</p><p>Normally, an insect bite or sting causes:</p><ul><li>a small, red, raised bump, pimple or blisters</li><li>itchiness and irritation around the bump.</li></ul><p>The symptoms can last from a few hours up to two days.<br></p><p>Some children develop a big firm swollen area around the bite. This is not an allergic reaction. It is known as a large local reaction and rarely leads to a skin infection.</p><p>If your child has an anaphylactic reaction, they may develop <a href="/article?contentid=789&language=English">hives</a>, facial or mouth swelling, or breathing problems or they may collapse. Use an epinephrine auto-injector, if your child has one, and call for emergency assistance.</p> | | | | <h2>How to treat insect bites and stings</h2>
<ul>
<li>Cold, damp compresses or ice can relieve some of the swelling.</li>
<li>Over-the counter topical medications (medications you put on the skin) may also help to relieve the itch.</li>
</ul>
<p>Some children may respond well to antihistamine medication for itching, but this medication can cause drowsiness.</p> | | | <h2>Preventing insect bites and stings</h2>
<p>Your child is more likely to be bitten or stung in warm and damp weather and in the evening and at night. Here are some ways you can reduce your child's exposure to insects.</p>
<ul>
<li>Apply insecticide or insect repellent to clothing and exposed skin.</li>
<li>Wear long pants and socks.</li>
<li>Wear light-coloured clothing.</li>
<li>Avoid areas where insects breed and live.</li>
<li>Stay inside when insects are most active.</li>
<li>Use insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets, especially for infants aged less than six months.</li>
<li>Take specific precautions, such as taking anti-malarial medications, as needed.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Be careful with DEET insect repellent</h3>
<p>DEET is one of the most effective repellents for mosquitoes and biting flies, but it should be used with caution for children.</p>
<ul>
<li>Babies less than six months old: Do not use any insect repellents with DEET.</li>
<li>Children aged six months to two years: Use a product with 10 per cent DEET or less and apply it once a day.</li>
<li>Children aged two to 12 years: Use a product with 10 per cent DEET or less and apply it no more than three times a day.</li>
<li>Children aged over 12: Use a product with up to 30 per cent DEET.</li>
</ul>
<p>The higher the amount of DEET, the longer the protection will last.</p>
<h3>How to apply DEET to your child's skin</h3>
<ul>
<li>Apply it to exposed skin, following the manufacturer's instructions.</li>
<li>Do not apply it to your child's face or hands or any areas where the skin is cut, grazed or irritated.</li>
<li>Once the DEET is applied, wash hands and avoid touching the lips and eyes.</li>
</ul>
<h3>How to use insect repellent and sunscreen effectively</h3>
<ul>
<li>Apply <a href="/Article?contentid=308&language=English">sunscreen</a> about 30 minutes before you apply any insect repellent.</li>
<li>Do not use a single product that combines insect repellent with sunscreen. The insect repellent can make the sunscreen less effective and the sunscreen can increase how much insect repellent is absorbed by the body. In addition, you will normally need to apply sunscreen every two to three hours; it is not safe to apply insect repellent as frequently.</li>
</ul> | <h2>When to see a doctor after an insect bite or sting</h2>
<p>If your child has been bitten or stung, see a doctor right away if:</p>
<ul>
<li>you are in an area where the insects are known to transmit diseases</li>
<li>your child develops an unusual rash, a <a href="/Article?contentid=30&language=English">fever</a> or other symptoms.</li>
</ul> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | insectbites | insectbites | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/insect_bites.jpg | | | |
| Sun: Protecting your child's skin | Sun: Protecting your child's skin | Sun: Protecting your child's skin | S | English | Dermatology | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Skin | Dermatologic system | Conditions and diseases | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | | 2013-09-19T04:00:00Z | | Miriam Weinstein, MD, FRCPC;Michelle Lee, RN;Jackie Su, RN;Elena Pope, MD, MSc, FRCPC;Charis Kelly, RN(EC), MN | | | | 6.70000000000000 | 67.7000000000000 | 511.000000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Conditions | Health A-Z | <p>Too much sun exposure can damage your child's skin. Learn how choosing the correct sunscreen and wearing proper clothing can help to protect your child's skin.</p> | <p>Too much sun exposure can cause severe sunburns, including blisters, illness, shivering and <a href="/Article?contentid=30&language=English">fever</a>. In the long term, too much sun exposure can also cause early aging of the skin and even skin cancer.</p><p>It is important to protect your child's skin from the sun. This can include applying sunscreens, wearing sun-protective clothing and avoiding the sun completely.<br></p> | | <h2>Key points</h2>
<ul>
<li>Too much sun exposure can cause sunburns and long-term skin damage, including early aging of the skin and cancer. </li>
<li>It is important to protect your child's skin from the sun. This can include applying sunscreens, wearing sun-protective clothing and avoiding the sun completely. </li>
<li>Your child or teenager should not use tanning beds.</li>
</ul> | | | | | | | | | <h2>General tips to protect the skin</h2>
<ul>
<li>The sun's rays are at their strongest between 11am and 3pm.</li>
<li>The sun's rays can still reach your child on cloudy days.</li>
<li>The fairer your child's skin, the greater the chance that your child will get a sunburn.</li>
<li>Babies under six months should stay in the shade at all times. Sunscreens are not recommended for this age group.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Sunscreens</h2>
<p>Sunscreens that your child can use on the skin:</p>
<ul>
<li>protect against the sun's harmful rays (UV rays) </li>
<li>protect against sunburn </li>
<li>help prevent sun-related skin changes such as wrinkles, pigment (skin colour) changes and skin cancer.</li>
</ul>
<p>Choose a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB. These are the damaging components of sunlight.</p>
<p>Sun protection factor (SPF) refers to the degree of protection from UVB rays. It does not include protection against UVA rays.</p>
<p>Chemicals that protect the skin against UVA include:</p>
<ul>
<li>oxybenzone </li>
<li>avobenzone </li>
<li>ecamsule </li>
</ul>
<p>Sunscreens that contain ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc dioxide protect against both UVA and UVB.</p>
<h3>Choosing and using sunscreen</h3>
<p>Follow these steps when choosing and using sunscreen:</p>
<ul>
<li>Choose a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher.</li>
<li>Apply sunscreen liberally and often to all parts of the body that are exposed to the sun, especially the face and neck.</li>
<li>Re-apply sunscreen every two to three hours, especially if your child has been perspiring from doing outdoor activities or their skin has become wet, for example from playing in water or swimming.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Other tips for reducing sun exposure</h2>
<ul>
<li>Avoid tanning beds. Studies have shown that using tanning beds increases your risk for skin damage and skin cancer significantly.</li>
<li>Avoid going out in the sun between 11am and 3pm. This is when UV radiation is the strongest. Do outdoor activities earlier or later in the day.</li>
<li>Avoid sunbathing. Look for areas that are shaded or covered instead of sitting in the direct sun.</li>
<li>Wear loose, long-sleeved cotton tops and pants. These help keep your child covered and cool during the day. Cotton and linen are the best materials for staying cool. </li>
<li>Wear a sunhat.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Medications and sun exposure</h2>
<p>Certain medications may cause skin to become more sensitive to sunlight. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.</p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <img alt="" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/Sun_protecting_your_childs_skin.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/Sun_protecting_your_childs_skin.jpg | Sun safety | Learn how choosing the correct sunscreen and wearing proper clothing can help to protect your child's skin from the sun. | |
