[KoK! Health] Early Heat Wave and Our Child's Health Concerns... "Temperature Control and Hydration Are Important"

As an early heatwave has recently arrived, there is advice to pay special attention to the health management of children who tend to have fevers easily, especially those under the age of 3. It is important to manage indoor temperature and humidity while maintaining hygiene and cleanliness. When a child has a fever, it is essential to replenish fluids by drinking plenty of water.

Children are enjoying water play at the fountain in Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

According to Professor Lee Seon-haeng of the Korean Medicine Pediatrics Department at Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital, hot days cause excessive sweating, which can lead to a deficiency of yang energy. Additionally, frequently eating cold foods in hot and humid climates can make the body feel heavy and weaken the spleen’s digestive function, resulting in a loss of appetite. When a child has no appetite, it is recommended to feed them bland, easily digestible, and nutritious foods such as porridge, soft noodles, or milk.

Professor Lee explained, "There are finger massages that help restore appetite, including Bobigyeong and Boshin-gyeong." He described, "This involves stroking 400 times from the fingerprint side of the child’s thumb toward the boundary between the thumb and the palm, or stroking 450 times from the boundary between the child’s little finger and palm toward the little finger’s fingerprint side."

For relieving heat sensation, finger massages such as Cheonggankyeong and Cheongsim-gyeong are helpful. Professor Lee said, "Gently stroke 300 times from the boundary between the child’s index finger and palm toward the index finger’s fingerprint side, or 350 times from the fingerprint side of the middle finger toward the boundary between the middle finger and palm for significant relief."

On hot and humid days, newborns and infants (0?1 year old) are prone to diaper dermatitis. If the child has urinated or defecated, clean the buttocks and groin thoroughly and change diapers frequently. Professor Lee emphasized, "Areas with folds such as the neck and armpits can also develop dermatitis symptoms due to sweat and friction, so caution is necessary." He added, "Bathing once or twice a day is recommended, and after washing, gently dry the skin with a soft towel to keep it clean and dry. Dress the child lightly rather than layering clothes."

Between infancy and preschool age (1 to 6 years old), children become more active than in infancy. Playing for long periods under hot sunlight can cause photodermatitis, so it is advisable to wear wide-brimmed hats to block sunlight and apply mild sunscreen. Professor Lee noted, "When playing with soap bubbles, soil, or sand, contact or bacterial dermatitis can occur on the hands, arms, or knees, so it is essential to wash thoroughly after play to remove any irritants remaining on the skin." He also said, "During prolonged outdoor activities, insect bites can cause dermatitis, so avoid bright-colored clothing, use insect repellents, and wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks to minimize skin exposure."

During school age and adolescence, children often wear rubber-soled sneakers suitable for running and sports, but these shoes do not breathe well and can cause sweaty feet. Professor Lee advised, "Prolonged sweating on the feet can lead to contact dermatitis, and even small wounds can result in fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. It is best to wear well-fitting, breathable shoes and keep the feet dry and clean."

Professor Lee Seon-haeng, Department of Korean Pediatrics, Kyung Hee Korean Medicine Hospital. [Photo by Kyung Hee Korean Medicine Hospital]

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.