As summer heats up, the risk of sunburn and heat-related illnesses increases, posing significant health challenges.
Despite numerous health warnings, many still fall victim to the sun's intense …
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As summer heats up, the risk of sunburn and heat-related illnesses increases, posing significant health challenges.
Despite numerous health warnings, many still fall victim to the sun's intense rays, leading to painful burns and, in severe cases, dangerous heat illnesses. Understanding how to effectively treat sunburn and recognize the symptoms of heat-related conditions is crucial for staying safe during the hotter months.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over a third of adults and nearly 70% of children admit to getting sunburned within the past year. Additionally, approximately 1,220 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat every year despite heat related deaths and illnesses being preventable.
When sunburn strikes, immediate relief is crucial. Here are a few home remedies to soothe sunburned skin:
Cold compresses or cool baths: Apply cold compresses or immerse yourself in a cool bath to ease inflammation and redness.
Topical treatments: Apply creams or gels containing soothing ingredients like menthol, camphor or aloe vera, known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Refrigerating these treatments beforehand can enhance their cooling effect.
NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen can alleviate swelling and pain associated with sunburn.
Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, a common risk during sunburn recovery.
Sun avoidance: Stay out of the sun until your skin heals to prevent further damage.
While most sunburns can be treated at home, certain symptoms warrant medical attention:
Additionally, any suspicious changes in skin marks, bumps or moles should be promptly evaluated by a healthcare provider, as they could indicate skin cancer.
In extreme heat, the body's ability to regulate temperature can be overwhelmed, leading to heat-related illnesses. Recognize the symptoms:
Heat cramps: Painful muscle cramps, usually in the legs and abdomen, accompanied by heavy sweating.
What to do: Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve spasms. Give sips of water unless the person complains of nausea. Seek immediate medical attention if cramps last longer than 1 hour.
Heat exhaustion: Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, cool and clammy skin, fast weak pulse, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache and fainting.
What to do: Move affected individual to a cooler environment, such as a well air conditioned room. Loosen clothing and apply a cool, wet cloth or have person sit in a cool bath. Offer sips of water unless the person complains of nausea. Seek immediate medical attention if the person vomits, symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.
Heat stroke: A medical emergency characterized by throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, rapid pulse and body temperature above 102°F.
What to do: Call 911 immediately, move the person to a cooler place and cool the body with wet cloths or a bath. If you suspect heat stroke, do not give the affected individual anything to drink.
Note: Using a fan can be helpful to cool someone off. However, a fan may actually make them hotter if heat index temperatures are above the 90s.
For more detailed information on preventing and treating heat-related illnesses, visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov.
By following these guidelines, individuals can better protect themselves and their loved ones from the harmful effects of excessive sun exposure and extreme heat.
