In summer we must protect children from the sun and prevent them from suffering a heat stroke when temperatures are too high. But high temperatures also have an added danger. The playgrounds are usually in full sun and both slides and swings reach very high temperatures that can cause serious burns on the skin of children.
We assume that being intended for children are safe objects and we rarely think of them as a potential danger, but there are often cases of burns in babies and children caused by them.
Materials that are irons
Most are made of materials such as plastic or metal that reach very high temperatures, especially metal. After several hours in full sun, they can easily exceed one hundred degrees, producing an iron effect.
A mother warned about this risk by posting a photo of her four-year-old daughter with second-degree burns on her buttocks a month ago on her Facebook profile. They were produced by sliding down a slide that they later checked with a temperature meter that, after several hours in the sun, reached 150 degrees:
Playgrounds, especially in urbanizations, do not usually have restricted access for children. They can go alone, so the risk of accident is even greater. They mount without more, without first checking the temperature of the slide, and when they slide along it, it is already late. The damage is done, being able to produce first and even second degree burns on the buttocks.
The First degree burns They affect only the superficial layer of the skin. They are characterized by inflammation, redness and pain, but have no blisters. The healing time varies between 3 and 6 days.
The second degree burns they affect until the layer that is under the superficial one of the skin. They are characterized by redness, blistering and enough pain. The healing time is broader and varies depending on the severity of the burn.
Be careful also with inflatables
Inflatable castles are also harmless, especially in summer. In addition to the dangers they may pose due to poor installation, and the risk of bumps, fractures and bruises, we must not forget the risk of burns when they have been exposed to the sun For too many hours.
Especially dangerous are those installed on beaches and outdoor parks, although burns can also occur on the buttocks and extremities caused by rubbing with the canvas of the castle on the skin.
It is not funny that this happens to your child, so there are certain precautions that you can take into account to avoid an unpleasant accident:
What precautions to take?
- Avoid the use of slides, swings and inflatables in the central hours of the day.
- Make sure that your child does not access only the playground, to always do it in the company of an adult.
- Always check the temperature of the slide, swing or inflatable before the child uses it, regardless of the material.
- When you go to the park, wear long pants of light fabrics to prevent the skin from having direct contact with the material exposed to heat.
What to do in case of a burn
The advisable thing is request medical assistance immediately, but in the meantime you can implement some first aid measures to avoid major injuries:
- Put cold water (not ice or ice) on the affected area as soon as possible to lower the temperature as quickly as possible and prevent heat from spreading to deeper areas of the skin. Be careful that the water pressure does not damage the wound, but use a cold damp cloth and apply it very gently.
- Carefully remove clothing or accessories that are in the area.
- Do not put oil, butter, or ointments or ointments.
- Do not puncture the blisters.
- Take the child to a health center to receive medical attention.
