Summer: 120 million entries to the pool for "Under 18" per year, pitfalls to avoid

Summer and swimming, but for those who do not have the chance to go to the beach, the pool remains the only solution to relieve themselves of the sun. According to data developed exclusively for AdnKronos Health by pediatrician Italo Farnetani professor of the Free University of Humanities and Technology of Malta, " are on average 120 million minors access from 3 to 18 years old in Italian pools every year ". A large number, but against which " accidents are few ", and when they occur " are often due to acute causes not strictly related to the pool, as pre-existing diseases "
" For safety in the pool – recalls the pediatrician – the World Health Organization (WHO) published in 2006 guidelines still valid today , which identifies risks in three categories: physical, microbiological and chemical, but it should be remembered that almost all pools have regulations at the entrance, so there is a certainty of method. The most common is that the child slips and is injured, usually minor wounds, which do not require stitches but must be evaluated by the physician . "
" ] The risk tetanus is also very weak – points out – firstly because vaccination against tetanus is mandatory with booster at 15 years, and then because the tetanus bacterium is transmitted with very deep wounds. The microbiological risks may relate more to gastrointestinal infections and otitis externa caused by polluted water. However, this is a weak case, because disinfection systems make water safe . "
" Chemical Hazard is the One to Consider – Warns Farnetani – in fact, the hot springs of plants during the hot season increase the levels of chlorine in the water and there is a risk of irritation of the skin and eyes. Then there is an underestimated aspect: before entering the pool, most people take a short shower, while we should wash thoroughly to remove from the body the creams we normally use (sun, emollients , moisturizers, etc.) Once in the water, they melt and can cause irritation. Even when we leave the water – remember – we must wash well, carefully rubbing the hair . "
Important also the hygiene of the eyes:" As prevention it would be advisable to use drops of artificial tears to clean the eye from chemical derivatives which could be harmful "The pediatrician, however, rebadures:" We go to the swimming pool in peace, the risks are minimal and the pleasure is so . "Andrea Diociaiuti, responsible for complex UOS dermatosis and genodermatosis in Bambino Gesù Children Hospital of Rome, emphasizes the importance of the shower, emphasizes the importance of prevention, " application of antiseptic detergents on the skin ", also from the cap " to prevent transmission of hair germs into the water . "To avoid embarrbading warts, the dermatologist advises children to wear slippers or silicone shoes and to avoid contact with the water surrounding the pool and puddles, where the risk of contagion is higher "
The biggest dangers to the skin of young children are caused by direct contact with each other, and may include" the mollusc that is contagious, non-dangerous but must be removed, fungal infections, or athlete's foot, favored by the moisture between the fingers. In addition – continues the dermatologist – it can also happen cases of impetigo or mycosis of "marine fungus". which manifests itself by patches on the skin. Do not rule out folliculitis, with red dots on the back, non-serious superficial infections that are treated with a local antibiotic. It would then be appropriate for young children to swim in ponds reserved for their exclusive use – recommends the expert – to better control them and prevent them from contaminating the water with feces and vomiting that causes bacteria to proliferate "
Be careful not to drink the water from the pool," vehicle for gastrointestinal diseases, vomiting, diarrhea, salmonella, and other pathogens with fecal-gold transmission – adds Fabrizio Pregliasco, a virologist from the University of Milan – Also beware of injuries, to protect with special waterproof patches, to prevent infections. It is good to use your own towel and wash it at 40-60 degrees. Finally – he concludes – who goes to the pool would do well to avoid heavy meals ".