Sunstroke in a child – symptoms and quick response

What is sunstroke?

Sunstroke is a condition of body overheating that occurs as a result of prolonged exposure to the sun, especially without head covering and in high temperatures. Children are more prone to it than adults because their thermoregulatory system is not fully developed, and their bodies struggle to cope with excess heat.

It’s important to distinguish between sunstroke and heatstroke.

Sunstroke is a direct result of sun exposure to the head and neck, which is why it often occurs after prolonged stays on the beach, sports field, or in the garden.

Heatstroke, on the other hand, can occur in places without direct sunlight, but with high temperatures and poor ventilation, such as a heated car, stuffy room, or tent.

Both conditions are dangerous and require a quick response. The following section will provide information on how to recognize the symptoms and what to do if you notice them in a child.

Symptoms of sunstroke in children

Sunstroke develops gradually, so it’s important to recognize its early signs. A prompt response can prevent the child’s condition from worsening and avoid serious health consequences.

🔸 Initial warning signs:

Dizziness and weakness – the child may complain of feeling dizzy or appear very tired after little activity.

Drowsiness and apathy – the child suddenly becomes lethargic, loses interest in play, and may seem irritable.

Feeling of heat, dry skin, lack of sweating – the child’s skin feels warm and dry, even though the surrounding temperature is high and they’ve been active.

🔸 Advanced symptoms:

Severe headache, rapid breathing, and pulse – the child may complain of a throbbing headache, breathe shallowly and quickly.

Vomiting and nausea – a common sign of worsening overheating that should raise immediate concern.

Fever, irritability, altered consciousness, or fainting – in more severe cases, the child may become restless, disoriented, or even lose consciousness.

📌 Note: Not all symptoms need to appear at once. Sometimes, even one of these signs may indicate that the child’s body is struggling to cope with the heat. It's always better to react quickly and carefully than to wait too long.

What to do – quick response step by step

If you suspect that the child is showing signs of sunstroke, a quick and calm reaction is crucial. Here’s what you should do step by step:

Take the child to a cool, shaded place
Immediately move the child from direct sunlight to shade, preferably to an air-conditioned room or at least a well-ventilated tent. If you are on the beach or walking, even the shade of a tree or an umbrella is better than further sun exposure.

Cool the child’s body
Remove excess clothing, especially tight-fitting clothes. Apply cool (not icy!) compresses to the neck, forehead, armpits, and the inner thighs. You can also gently spray the skin with water or fan the child to encourage evaporation. Encourage the child to drink cool, but not icy, liquids – ideally water.

Don’t leave the child alone
Stay with the child and closely monitor if the symptoms worsen. Changes in behavior, increased weakness, speech difficulties, or altered consciousness require immediate action.

If the child loses consciousness – call for help
If the child loses consciousness, has difficulty breathing, or you have trouble contacting them, do not hesitate – call emergency services (112). Immediate medical assistance is necessary in such cases.

Do not administer fever-reducing medication on your own
In the case of sunstroke, fever is a result of overheating, not infection. Giving medications without consulting a doctor can be harmful, especially if the child’s body has not been cooled beforehand.

🟡 Remember: Even if the child feels better quickly, it is important to observe them for several more hours and avoid further sun exposure.

When to call a doctor?

In most cases, quick action and cooling the body can alleviate the symptoms of sunstroke. However, there are situations where immediate medical help is necessary. It’s better to act quickly and decisively than to wait.

📍 Call emergency services (112) or consult a doctor immediately if:

The symptoms do not subside after 10–15 minutes of cooling, and the child still appears weak, drowsy, or does not return to normal behavior.

The child is vomiting, having trouble breathing, becomes apathetic, restless, or loses consciousness.

Seizures, delirium, speech problems, or other neurological symptoms that weren’t present before appear.

Sunstroke is a serious condition that should never be taken lightly. If in doubt, it’s always better to call for help than to risk the child’s health. A prompt response can prevent dangerous complications.

How to prevent sunstroke in children?

The best way to fight sunstroke is prevention. Responsible planning of the day and a few simple rules can effectively protect children from overheating on hot days:

Ensure head protection
A cap with a brim or a light hat is essential for the child on sunny days. They not only protect against overheating but also shield the head and neck from direct sun exposure.

Avoid the sun during the hottest hours (11:00–16:00)
This is when the sun’s radiation is the strongest. It’s best to stay in the shade during these hours, seek shelter indoors, or choose activities in cooler places.

Regular water intake
Children often don’t signal thirst, so it’s important to remind them to drink – in small sips, often. Water is the best option – avoid sugary drinks and carbonated beverages.

Dress the child in light, breathable clothes
Natural fabrics such as cotton or linen help the skin breathe and don’t heat up as much as dark synthetic materials.

Plan rest in the shade
During outdoor play, make regular breaks in the shade – under a tree, umbrella, or in a cooler spot. This is a moment for cooling down and rehydration.

Beware of hot cars
Never leave a child in a closed car, even for a few minutes – the temperature inside can rise rapidly and become deadly dangerous.

🟢 Prevention is the most effective form of protection. A little vigilance and consistency are all it takes for summer days to be safe and joyful for children.

See also:

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• Parent's essentials: first aid kit for a family vacation
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• Home remedies for mosquito bites – how to quickly relieve itching and swelling.
• What to Do When a Child Gets Stung by a Wasp? Home Remedies for Quick Pain and Swelling Relief