Healthy People

Summertime children’s health: our experts answer your questions

August 29, 2012 at 2:29 pm

Whether you’re off abroad on holiday, taking part in outdoor activities closer to home, or spending time with your children during the summer break – your family’s health is of course a big priority.

So on Thursday 24th August we invited our child health experts to answer your questions for our live chat on summertime kids’ health. From hayfever to skin care in the sun and more, our Health at Hand nurses were happy to provide some expert advice on a range of children’s health topics. See what they had to say below:

Thanks to everyone who joined our children’s health live chat! We had a great turn out – so much so that our Health at Hand nurses didn’t have enough time to respond to everyone on the day. However all the answers are detailed below. We also have some other content you may find useful family be healthy articles and first aid for children.

AXA PPP healthcare asked: We have a question from Lena, a blogger from amumonamission.co.uk who asks: if the people at AXA PPP healthcare could recommend one crucial item that was needed in a first aid box what would it be?

Health at Hand nurses: Hi Lena if I had to recommend one crucial item in a first aid box it would be a sterile surgical/dressing pad.

Paul H asked: If you were in a situation where someone needed attention in a park, street or other public space. Would you accept first aid and help/assistance from a 12 year old first-aider? (Asking as my son is a young carer and a qualified first-aider)

Health at Hand nurses: Hi Paul H it is a question of individual responsibility and understanding, and as your son has taken a first aid course and has qualified I would welcome his input and assistance in the scenario you describe. It might be useful for him to carry some verification of his qualification to show should if he felt it necessary. Well done to your son!

The Zoo asked: What basic items should I have in my first aid kit?

Health at Hand nurses: Dear zoo a first aid kit should be very simply stocked and should include plasters, a few dressing pads, an eye pad, a couple of bandages and some sterile saline solution. The Health and Safety Executive recommend that we do not include creams, lotions, medication or scissors for safety reasons, but obviously this is a matter of personal choice if the kit is for personal or family use only. There is a full list on the HSE website if you would find this helpful.

Joanne L asked: Whilst climbing trees it is not uncommon for my daughter to get a splinter… she screams on trying to remove it. Any suggestions on helping to ease the discomfort, and if it would come out by itself in the end?

Health at Hand nurses: Hi Joanne L splinters are always distressing for young children; I would suggest you soak the hand in warm water for a while and then try to tease the splinter out by pressing down on the embedded end and pushing outwards. It often helps if you use something that doesn’t look ‘surgical’ such as a plastic spoon. If it won’t come out easily you might put some magnesium sulphate paste on (you can buy this over the counter), cover this with a plaster and let it work it’s way out.

SRich asked: I have a choice to make between keyhole and open surgery shortly and I am concerned about MRSA and infection possibilities…..although I have great confidence in my (probable) choice of surgeon.

Health at Hand nurses: Dear SRich I would suggest that you ask your surgeon for information about MRSA levels at the hospital you will be attending and what measures they have in place for screening and prevention. I suspect that keyhole surgery carries a slightly smaller risk than open surgery but it would be advisable to discuss your concerns and questions directly with your consultant.

SRich: Yes…..I have done a lot of research on the various levels of infection..and although minimal in private facilities it would appear….it is still a concern. Thanks for your help and I will speak again with my consultant.

AXA PPP healthcare asked: Thanks, we have a question from blogger Gilla who asks: Do children need to drink more in very hot weather? If so, how much should they drink?

Health at Hand nurses: Hi Gilla, we should all increase our fluid intake in hot weather, and children tend to dehydrate that much quicker so encouraging them to drink more is a very good idea. It will also get them in to the habit of drinking healthy levels all year round. Recommended intake levels will vary according to age, size, general health status and climate, but to sip at a drink every hour during the day to avoid thirst and to maintain good urine output is a good start.

Giordana asked: Hello. My question is about travelling abroad – very often when I’ve travelled by air in the past I’ve ended up with a mild viral infection and even have an elderly neighbour who contracted influenza type B on a flight back from Europe. Now that I have young children (who haven’t yet flown) I am extremely worried about taking them on holiday. My partner says I am over-worrying. Do you have any advice on young children and air travel?

Health at Hand nurses: Hi Giordana I can understand your concerns but do try not to worry. If your children are in good general health they will not be more vulnerable to picking up viral infections during air travel than they would be in the classroom or any other crowded place. You might choose not to activate the overhead air ‘nozzle’, but otherwise I am sure the benefits of your holiday will outweigh any possible disbenefits from air travel. Obviously, if any of your children are particularly vulnerable healthwise you should chat to your doctor before making any plans. Have a lovely holiday!

Alfred asked: Hi – there’s been quite a few warm, stuffy nights recently – it’s difficult to get a child to sleep all the way through! Any tips on how to manage this would be appreciated.

Health at Hand nurses: Hi Alfred these warm nights are hard on children! The only things that I can suggest are lighter nightclothes and less covers on the bed (a single sheet will allow them greater freedom to regulate their own body temperature), an open window and/or a fan in the room. If they are old enough they might find it helpful to have a cool drink to hand.

Lastkisstoo: My 8yr old daughter has suffered chronic tonsillitis over the last few years. GP reluctant to operate because of anaesthesia risk. Is there anything I can do to help her fight it and minimise symptoms? She’s missing a lot of school and is on antibiotics too regularly for my liking. Lesley B asks: My 8 year old suffers frequently from tonsillitis. This is very debilitating for her and she misses out on quite a bit of school as a result. GP reluctant to refer her for surgery due to the risk of death from anaesthesia… so we continue to hope that she will eventually grow out of it. Is there anything I can be doing to avoid her getting it, or reduce her symptoms when she does? She seems to be on antibiotics every few months – which I am sure reduces their effectiveness as well as worrying me that she needs so much medication.

Health at Hand nurses: Dear lastkisstoo and Lesley your daughter will almost certainly grow out of this eventually but I understand your concerns. Your GP is making a sensible point but I think it might be a good idea to ask them for a referral to an Ear Nose and Throat specialist for a second opinion, as you are also concerned about the amount of antibiotics your daughter is taking and the affects of this chronic condition on her life generally. If the ENT consultant recommends not having tonsils removed, then you could go back to your GP to discuss additional measures such as possible supplements of vitamins etc.

George C asked: Should we really be worried about wrapping up our kids in cotton would this summer to protect them from the elements? As a child I would bather in the mud outside, eat food off the ground and be constantly filthy. Do you think today’s more common clean freak culture with antibacterial everything in products and the fear of dirt within homes is causing the increase found in allergies and illnesses such as asthma?

Health at Hand nurses: Yours is a popular view, George, and one borne out in a certain amount of research. However, it is also understood that the ability to diagnose more accurately goes some way to explaining the apparent statistical rise in allergies and illnesses such as asthma.

Katy M asked: How do you handle a child who claims they have a headache? How can you work out the severity and/or potential medication?

Health at Hand nurses: Hi Katy, it might be useful to introduce your child to the notion of pain scoring using their own experience as a benchmark, e.g. “is it as painful as the time you shut your finger in the door?” or something like that. A scale of 0 (no pain) to 10 (the worst ever), in conjunction with a headache diary, might help you to get a clearer picture. Good luck!

Caroline J s asked: What is the best way to prevent head lice in children, as my youngest is forever picking them up at school? Rebecca asks: School is about to start again and my 2 kids seem to BREED Nits, a child with them only has to be in the same room and they seem to catch them….what is the best way to treat them and rid their heads of them because I can’t seem to get rid and keep them away?

Health at Hand nurses: Hi Caroline and Rebecca; head lice prevention is so difficult! It is not recommended to use any of the lotions or treatments available on the market unless you see a moving living louse, but I suggest you get into the habit of using copious amounts of conditioner after each hair wash and then comb your little one’s hair through with a lice comb (you can buy this in a pharmacy). This way, if there are any newly-adopted lice in their hair they will not be able to cling on. Check the results on a piece of kitchen towel, and if you see a louse (the size of a sesame seed), you can get on with treatment really quickly.

Roz asked: My little boy is 4 and a half months old. I haven’t started weaning yet. He is on high calorie formula prescribed from a dietician as well as breast milk. He seems to be really focussed on people when they are eating and tries to grab your hand. Should I start introducing baby rice/purees or wait the recommended 6 months?

Health at Hand nurses: Dear Roz, your little boy sounds wonderfully alert and lively! However, if he is already being supported by a dietician and you have no specific new concerns about his weight and general health status I think you should aim to wait for the six months target. If in doubt, why not chat to your health visitor?

Boo Roo and Tiger too asked: Both of my children are fussy eaters, would you recommend giving them a multi-vitamin each day to help them gain the vitamins and minerals they are not gaining though their food intake? Sara O asks: My daughter is a very fussy eater and refuses a lot of healthy foods. What is the best supplement I can give her that isn’t too expensive. She is 3 years old.

Health at Hand nurses:Hi BooRoo and Tiger too and Sara O; certainly if you are in any doubt about their development and general health I would consider a vitamin supplement, although I would run that past your GP or health visitor first, ideally. However, if they are fussy in the sense that the foods they will eat are limited, as long as they will eat something from each main recommended food group I would try not to worry. Eventually, they will develop their palate to encompass all sorts!

Attachment Mummy asked: My 2.5 year old is petite and skinny, weighing only 24lb. She wears 12-18 month or 18-24 months cloths. Dad and I are both average. We have never been concerned about her size, but lately friends and family have been raising concerns. Should we be worried?

Health at Hand nurses: Dear AttachmentMummy; a lot depends on where your daughter is on her centile chart and if she is continuing to follow a pattern from birth. If you and her Dad are not worried, and you are happy that your daughter herself is happy and thriving, I should try not to worry. A chat with your GP or health visitor, though, might help to allay any lingering concerns.

Clare asked: As an eco-friendly shopper, I wanted to know if there are any environmentally friendly anti-histamine products already on the market or any soon to be released?

Health at Hand nurses: Dear Clare, I’ve spoken to our pharmacist and he has advised that environmental concerns with medicinal products tend to apply to things such as aerosols (e.g. needing to ensure that the propellant gas does not damage the ozone layer). Antihistamines however tend to be supplied as tablets or liquids, and so I feel you can use them with a clear ‘eco-conscience’!

Ghostwritemummy asked: I’d like to know how best to deal with toddlers and hayfever. Is it linked to eczema and cow’s milk allergies? What is best to use for under 3s?

Health at Hand nurses: Dear Ghostwritemummy this is a tricky one! There is often a connection between hayfever and eczema, and in turn there are links between eczema and cows milk allergy, but there is no evidence to suggest a direct link between hayfever and cows milk allergy. As for managing hayfever with your toddler, your GP or local pharmacist will advise you as to suitable preparations (a liquid will be preferable to tablets I would think).

Nikki asked: All of my children suffer with hayfever, I give them anti histamine but should I be keeping windows shut to prevent symptoms or does having the windows open help?

Health at hand nurses: Hi Nikki it would probably help to keep windows and doors shut, or at the very least keep curtains shut if it is too hot to shut yourselves in completely.

Elaine L asked: My Grandson (6) finds his eyes get very red, sore, itchy and mucky when out in the sunshine. Other than keeping him in (not fair) over and above him wearing sun glasses what would you suggest?

Health at Hand nurses: Good morning Elaine L I am wondering if your grandson suffers from hayfever or other seasonal allergies as all the symptoms you describe would fit in with this. If so, he would probably benefit from some antihistamine, so you might want to suggest he sees his doctor. Other than this, if his problem is hypersensitivity to sunlight it might be worth investing in some good quality sunglasses. It might also help if your grandson gets in to the habit of splashing cool water on his face and in his eyes; he’ll have to get in to good handwashing habits first!

Karen asked: Is there an age where hay fever can develop, or can it affect any age?

Health at Hand nurses: Hi Karen, hayfever can develop at any age although it is more common in teenagers. It is slightly more common in boys than girls although affects adults equally. It will usually resolve after a few years although in some it persists.

Julie W asked: Julie W asks: My 10 year old son has been sneezing all the time for about the last fortnight, but he doesn’t seem to have a cold. There’s no sore throat or runny eyes, or yellow discharge from his nose. Could it be hay fever or an allergy?

Health at Hand nurses: Hi Julie W pollen counts have been unpredictably high recently and this might signify the onset of hayfever. However, this could be allergic rhinitis of a different origin and as such it would be well worth checking with your doctor, if only to discuss appropriate symptom management.

Vita asked: Can you get anti-histamine for children under 6? My 4 year old has been getting hay fever symptoms the last few weeks where the pollen count has been high.

Health at Hand nurses: Hi Vita restrictions on antihistamines for young children have increased in recent years, and if you are uncertain as to the cause of your little one’s symptoms it would be a good idea to check with your GP first, but they are available over the counter. I suggest you take advice from the pharmacist as to a suitable product.

Jenny asked: How can you tell if an 8 month old has hay fever or not? She has clear mucus running from her nose, red eyes and sneezes a lot. My husband has hay fever so I’m not sure if she has it or a cold/is teething!

Health at Hand nurses: Hi Jenny the fact that your husband suffers from hayfever does increase the chances that your daughter might be suffering from it, although commonly the onset of hayfever is in older children (and more boys than girls). As the mucus is clear it is probably not related to infection (assuming she is in good general health), but it would be a good idea to discuss these symptoms with your GP or health visitor, particularly as she is still so little and any potential symptom management would have to be very carefully prescribed.

Olivia C asked: What’s the best home remedy for toddlers with hay fever?

Health at Hand nurses: Hi Olivia; it is very difficult to recommend anything as a treatment for hay fever, particularly in toddlers, from the complimentary therapy point of view, but in terms of symptom management you can try and avoid exposure during peak times, when grass is being cut, wear wrap around sunglasses and change clothes after exposure. You might also consider keeping windows and doors shut and avoiding fresh cut flowers in the house.

Gemma asked: Can local honey help with the symptoms of hay fever?

Health at Hand nurses: Hi Gemma, there are differing views on this, and little in the way of research evidence, so I can really only observe that you would not be exposing the individual to any risk by trying it, assuming there are no underlying health issues that would preclude eating honey.

Emma R asked: What’s the best way to deal with hayfever in small children? My 1 year old seems to suffer very badly with it and I’m not sure the best anti-histamines for young ones.

Health at Hand nurses: Dear Emma R, there are a number of preparations available over the counter for young children with hay fever but I would strongly recommend that you talk to either your GP (preferably) or your local pharmacist for more specific advice in view of your child’s age.

Danielle A asked: My son is always sneezing during the summer months which we presume is hayfever…he is only 2 and a half… is there anything safe enough to give him to ease the symptoms?

Health at Hand nurses: Hi Danielle, I think it would be a good idea to see your GP first just to check the diagnosis; they will then be able to recommend a suitable preparation to manage your son’s symptoms. Good luck!

Trish asked: My daughter suffers quite badly from hayfever but the anti-histamine tablet effects have started to wear off quite quickly. Should I switch from brand to brand or take her to the GP?

Health at Hand nurses: Hi Trish, do take her to the GP first in order to be sure that you effect the change-over in the safest possible way.

Sandy asked: Is sneezing and coughing during summer always to do with hayfever?

Health at Hand nurses: Hi Sandy; these can be symptoms of asthma or allergic rhinitis, so it would be worth a visit to your GP to discuss.

Jon asked: What is the best way to combat hayfever without drugs?

Health at Hand nurses: Hello John, prevention is your best approach I think; try and avoid exposure during peak times, when grass is being cut, wear wrap around sunglasses and change clothes after exposure. You might also consider keeping windows and doors shut and avoiding fresh cut flowers in the house.

Herb asked: what is the best way of testing for hay fever in an under two?

Health at Hand nurses: Dear Herb; I suggest you ask your GP for a referral to a paediatric allergy specialist.

Ramblings of a suburban mummy asked: What’s the best way to treat heat rashes in children?

Health at Hand nurses: Hi suburban mummy; you might try some calamine lotion to soothe the skin, and if it’s really troublesome or distressing then antihistamine might help (although you should check this with your doctor or pharmacist first). Other than this it’s just keeping them cool and well hydrated.

Sarah R asked: What is the best way to treat heat rash? Have tried after sun with aloe vera and hydrocortisone.

Health at Hand nurses: Hi Sarah R; you might try some calamine lotion to soothe the skin, and if it’s really troublesome or distressing then antihistamine might help (although you should check this with your doctor or pharmacist first). Other than this it’s just keeping them cool and well hydrated.

Kayleigh asked: My brother is hitting 14yrs old and has started to come out in awful spots across his forehead, he is washing more and using “freederm” but it isn’t working. What do you recommend?

Health at Hand nurses: Hi Kayleigh; there are lots of preparations available that might help your brother and it would be worth chatting to your local pharmacist. Alternatively, your brother might well benefit from a GP visit to discuss possible low dose antibiotics (particularly if the problem is causing him distress).

Sharon G asked: What is the best way to relieve and soothe a nettle rash in children?

Health at Hand nurses: Dear Sharon G; nettle rash is very distressing to children and luckily the ill effects are short lived! Calamine lotion is very soothing, but it is a good idea to get them to bathe the area with cool water first.

Anonymous asked: What can you do if your child has hives while on holiday and there is no pharmacy? Any way of treating them until you can get creams etc. It’s happened to me!

Health at Hand nurses: Dear anonymous; in such instances it’s probably a good idea to go prepared with something you have bought in this country following discussion with your local pharmacist re suitability. If you have any idea what is causing the hives it would be well worth avoiding it or them!

Becky asked: How can you prevent/reduce the symptoms of eczema? Feel so sorry for my poor 10 year old!

Health at Hand nurses: Hi Becky; I feel sorry for them too! I think you need to talk this through with your GP, and perhaps even consider asking for a dermatology referral?

Emma asked: I find my son’s eczema flares up with sun cream use, how can I reduce the irritation and still keep him protected from the sun? Its on the back of his knees and inside of arms, and I’ve already tried organic, more natural sun creams.

Health at Hand nurses: Hi Emma; this is a very specialised area, and I would be happier if you discussed this with either your GP or your local pharmacist.

Brian asked: Hi I’m unsure about the difference between sun block and different levels of sunscreen – my family are extremely fair skinned, what do you suggest?

Health at Hand nurses: Hi Brian fair skinned people generally need a sun protection product with a higher sun protection factor (SPF). The confusion is understandable, but essentially the word ‘block’ simply indicates the degree of protection afforded by the product and is therefore the same thing. Total sunblock is helpful in particularly sensitive areas.

EmmaR asked: You hear such conflicting stories in the press these days about protecting children from sun damage but at the same time that the Vitamin D you’ll get from sun exposure is good for you. What is the happy medium?

Health at Hand nurses: Hi EmmaR it is difficult to get this balance right! Clearly, protection from the harmful rays the sun emits is essential, so perhaps the way to tackle this is to concentrate on greater protection from the sun during the central part of the day (11 to 3ish ) with cream, hats and sleeves etc, then reducing this when the sun is less strong. Don’t forget your child will still absorb the healthy effects of sun exposure even with appropriate sun protection in place.

Laura F asked: What should you do if your toddler has become sunburnt? I do try to put factor 50 on his face but I still worry and there’s the odd time I forget.

Health at Hand nurses: Hi Laura; your best bet is to get him in the habit of wearing a floppy hat or legionnaire’s cap at all times, and maybe also putting suncream application in to your daily routine in the summer regardless of the weather, i.e. whilst dressing him in the morning. If he does get burnt, use calamine lotion or a good after sun preparation specific to his age and condition and make sure he drinks lots of fluids to help rehydrate him. Sunburn can be quite dangerous in small children, so if in doubt, take him to get checked out.

Lucia asked: What can you do about toddler sunburn if you are unlucky enough to have been caught out, despite sun screen, etc???? Is calamine lotion the only option?

Health at Hand nurses: Hi Lucia, it is so difficult to keep little ones safe in the sun! Your best bet is to get him in the habit of wearing a floppy hat or legionnaire’s cap at all times, and maybe also putting suncream application in to your daily routine in the summer regardless of the weather, i.e. whilst dressing him in the morning. If he does get burnt, use calamine lotion or a good after sun preparation specific to his age and condition and make sure he drinks lots of fluids to help rehydrate him. Sunburn can be quite dangerous in small children, so if in doubt, take him to get checked out.

Liz asked: I’d like to ask about heat/sun stroke. What are the signs to look for and what action should you take? Of course, understanding that prevention is better than cure.

Health at Hand nurses: Hello Liz, the main symptoms to look out for are headache, excessive thirst, disorientation or confusion, and possible fainting/collapse. Any suspected sunstroke should be treated as a medical emergency. You’re quite right about the prevention; sun and hot weather is so welcome, it’s a shame it can be so harmful!

Kelly asked: My daughter has sunburn on her shoulders which we are constantly applying after sun to, however I wondered if giving her paracetamol may east her discomfort. She is 8 years old.

Health at Hand nurses: Hi Kelly,  Paracetamol or an anti-inflammatory such as Ibuprofen will help to ease her discomfort, assuming she can take one or both of these safely and she takes it within the normal safe administration guidelines. Additional fluids and rest in a cool place will also help.

Cressi asked: Any suggestions for heat exhaustion? I know it’s not a problem in this country very often but it does happen sometimes in mine.

Health at Hand nurses: Hi Cressi, heat exhaustion can be quite serious, so if in doubt seek urgent medical attention. The sufferer should be encourages to take additional fluids and to rest in a cool dark room. Headache can be treated with over-the-counter medications as appropriate and per safe administration guidelines.

Craig asked: What can I do with my 4 year old, he has sun burn and won’t stop pulling at this peeling skin?

Health at Hand nurses: Dear Craig; your poor son must be so uncomfortable! A good after sun moisturiser would probably help (I suggest you chat with your local pharmacist for product advice). He may even need an antihistamine, but again, I would recommend seeking advice first.  If suitable, perhaps he could wear clothes that will stop him peeling his skin or at least make it less accessible.

Mandi asked: Are there any sun creams suitable for psoriasis sufferers, my children’s psoriasis is cleared up by the sun, but I obviously want the rest of their body to be protected from the sun, what would you suggest?

Health at Hand nurses: Dear Mandi, I think you probably need to speak to a pharmacist about this or even visit your GP as it is so very specific to your children’s medical condition.

Suki asked: My daughter is 4, she gets awful peeling in the sun despite my putting sun cream on. How can I keep her skin hydrated?

Health at Hand nurses: Hi Suki; a good after sun moisturiser would probably help (I suggest you chat with your local pharmacist for product advice). She may even need an antihistamine, but again, I would recommend seeking advice first.  If suitable, perhaps she could wear clothes that will stop her peeling her skin or at least make it less accessible.

Bex asked: My son is 12 months and I struggle to keep him cool and hydrated during the summer months as he doesn’t seem to want to drink any water. What advice can you give?

Health at Hand nurses: Dear Bex; I think you will have to be as inventive as possible with his fluid intake! Try tempting him with different drinks or give him ‘sloppier’ meals containing more fluids. If he would tolerate spoonfuls of soft semi-defrosted ice lolly or ice cubes that might work.

Lorraine asked: How can I achieve a balance of getting enough sunlight for my young children to help with Vit D production and still keeping them safe from the sun rays?

Health at Hand nurses: Hi Lorraine; this is indeed a difficult balance to achieve! I suggest you avoid exposure at the hottest part of the day, then allow them to absorb the sun’s healthy rays earlier and later in the day in conjunction with a good sun protection preparation to screen out the harmful rays, plus a hat and an increased fluid intake.

Bloggomy asked: When I apply sun cream to my children’s faces they get a rash under the skin that looks like heat rash but skin coloured not red rash. What is this and how do I treat it???

Health at Hand nurses: Dear Bloggomy, it sounds as if your children might be allergic to the cream in this most sensitive of areas, so I think you need to talk to your local pharmacist to discuss what other preparations might be suitable.

Juanita asked: What is the best thing to put on a child’s sunburn to cool it down and to make them more comfortable?

Health at Hand nurses: Hi Juanita; calamine lotion or a good after sun preparation specific to their age and condition should help. You could also make sure they drink lots of fluids to help rehydrate them. Sunburn can be quite dangerous in small children, so if in doubt, take them to get checked out.

Elaine L asked: Any hints and tips for keeping children on the beach in hot weather from burning apart from sunscreen?

Health at Hand nurses: Hello Elaine; a well-fitting floppy hat or legionnaires cap is a good start, one that they will keep on their head! Additionally, an extra (light) layer is good if they will tolerate it; there are some good textiles available these days with this in mind. Other than this, activities that will tempt them to stay under the shade of an umbrella are your best bet. Good luck!

Angela s asked: My 8 year old gets a lot of headaches in the sun. Is there anything I can do to help prevent this? I don’t want to keep giving him painkillers.

Health at Hand nurses: Dear Angela s; the only thing you can really do is keep him well hydrated and doesn’t get over heated. If the headaches persist, perhaps a word with your doctor might help in terms of symptom management.

Michaela asked: My daughter recently got sunburn at the beach even though I had her in the shade at all times. If this happened again what would be the best way to treat it immediately?  I used Sudocreme and after sun which didn’t help and eventually resorted to Savlon which seemed to do the trick, but is there anything else which would help sensitive skin?

Health at Hand nurses: Hello Michaela; it sounds as if you are doing everything right. You might try calamine lotion; I would certainly have a word with your local pharmacist as there are so many preparations on the market to choose from. Other than this, I can only suggest that you review the practical skin cover, i.e. hats and sleeves etc.

Rosie C asked: IS regular baby sunscreen ok to use if my baby has eczema or do I need to buy specialist type?

Health at Hand nurses: Hi Rosie; I would be happier if you would discuss this with either your GP or local pharmacist in view of your baby’s eczema.

Jennifer S asked: Can you put sun cream on a head full of cradle cap? My daughter is 1 year old and still has bad cradle cap which is only just slowly starting to come off, she will not wear a hat, we have been trying for months, it lasts 3 seconds before being pulled off! Last week she burnt the top of her head; it didn’t seem to bother her but was quite red. We’re going to America very soon and I don’t know if I can put a sensitive sun cream on top of the cradle cap or if this will irritate it!

Health at Hand nurses: Dear Jennifer S; this is really difficult for you! I can understand your frustration at not being able to get your daughter to keep a hat on; I think in that case you will have to resign yourself to staying out of the sun. I think you should discuss appropriate sun cream with your doctor or local pharmacist as she needs something quite specific.

Kendel asked: My son is diagnosed as Vitamin D deficient as I know it’s important that he is exposed to sunlight, how much sun does he need and how do I do this safely without the risk of sun burn?

Health at Hand nurses: Dear Kendel; this is indeed a difficult balance to achieve! I suggest you avoid exposure at the hottest part of the day, then allow him to absorb the sun’s healthy rays earlier and later in the day in conjunction with a good sun protection preparation to screen out the harmful rays, plus a hat and an increased fluid intake.

Allison asked: My son gets very hot and sweaty; he wears t-shirts even in the cold weather and goes bright red in the face. How can I stop him from overheating in the warm weather?

Health at Hand nurses: Dear Allison; there are some good textiles on the market these days that allow a good airing of the body; it might be worth looking at a supplier of sportswear for children. In addition to this encourage him to stay cool by taking plenty of fluids and staying in the shade.