The Paediatric Emergency Department at HM Málaga has recorded a significant increase in visits during the early weeks of summer, coinciding with the appearance of seasonal conditions such as gastroenteritis, otitis, conjunctivitis, sunburn, fungal infections and bruises, among others. This increase is mainly due to seasonal factors like heat, humidity, sun exposure, changes in diet and footwear, and increased outdoor activity in children.
Dr María González, Head of the Paediatric Emergency Department at HM Málaga, explains that “children are especially vulnerable during summer, so it is essential to reinforce preventive measures to avoid problems that, while common, may become serious if not treated early and properly.”
In the case of gastroenteritis, symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. Prevention measures include frequent handwashing—especially before eating and after using the bathroom—and consuming well-cooked and properly refrigerated food. “When it comes to otitis, it is advisable to dry the ears thoroughly after swimming and to avoid overuse of headphones,” adds Dr González.
Another common condition is conjunctivitis, which may be caused by bacteria, viruses, or pool chlorine, and can result in redness, tearing, discharge, and a gritty sensation in the eye. “It’s essential not to share towels, to wash hands regularly and to use swimming goggles in pools to reduce the risk of conjunctivitis,” the doctor advises.
Fungal infections and bruises are also frequent concerns treated at HM Málaga’s Paediatric Emergency Department. Heat and humidity promote fungal infections, particularly on the feet and in skin folds. Symptoms include itching, redness and skin peeling. To prevent them, Dr González insists: “We should keep feet and skin folds dry, use breathable footwear and cotton socks, and avoid walking barefoot in public showers or pools.”
Bruises, on the other hand, often result from wearing flip-flops, walking barefoot or slipping in wet areas. If swelling or bruising occurs, it’s essential to seek medical attention to assess the injury and rule out fractures with an X-ray.
To prevent heatstroke, professionals recommend keeping children in cool, well-ventilated areas and avoiding intense physical activity during the hottest parts of the day. Children are particularly sensitive to high temperatures, making proper hydration crucial to avoid dehydration and heat exhaustion.
“Other common reasons for paediatric emergency visits in summer include sunburn, insect bites, and allergies,” notes Dr María González. Although less common, prolonged use of air conditioning can also lead to symptoms such as cough, nasal congestion or respiratory infections.
To prevent sunburn, it’s important to apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or sweating, and to avoid sun exposure during peak hours. Dr González also recommends using a child-friendly insect repellent and regularly checking the skin for bites or rashes. In any such case, it is essential to visit the emergency department.
In response to increased demand, HM Málaga continues to provide agile, delay-free paediatric care with specialised professionals available 24 hours a day. “Our paediatric emergency model is designed to prioritise quick, specialised care for children. We have paediatricians on-site every day, with immediate access to diagnostic tests and referrals to other hospital specialists when necessary,” adds Dr González.
Experts stress that when a child is ill or injured, it is crucial not to delay medical care—particularly in situations such as difficulty breathing, fainting, allergic reactions with swelling or hives, or high fever with headache or neck stiffness.
