Firstly: Heatstroke:
Heatstroke is considered one of the most dangerous heat-related illnesses.
How does it occur?
- It happens when the core body temperature rises above 40.5 degrees Celsius, causing the body's internal systems to fail, including the failure of the sweating mechanism.
- It is a medical emergency that can potentially lead to death, brain damage, or permanent disability if the affected individual does not receive prompt treatment.
What are the risk factors for heatstroke?
- Age: Infants and children under 4 years old. Adults over 65 years old.
- Certain Medications: Specific medications, such as diuretics (medications that increase urination), can contribute to heatstroke by affecting the body's ability to regulate temperature.
- Obesity: Being overweight can make it harder for the body to regulate its temperature and cool down effectively.
- Inadequate Fluid Intake: Not drinking enough fluids, especially in hot weather or during physical activity, increases the risk of heat-related illnesses like heatstroke.
What are the symptoms?
- Severe Increase in Body Temperature: A high and extremely elevated body temperature is a key symptom of heatstroke.
- Dry Skin: Due to the body's inability to sweat and cool down, the skin becomes dry.
- Nausea and Headache: Feeling of nausea and intense headaches are common symptoms.
- Confusion or Altered Mental State: Heatstroke can lead to confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, or even seizures.
- Loss of Consciousness (Coma): In severe cases, it can progress to loss of consciousness or coma.
What are the first aid measures in this situation?
- Move the Individual to a Shaded Area: Transfer the person to a shaded or cool area. It's preferable to place them in a location with a fan or air conditioning.
- Remove Outer Clothing: Take off the person's outer clothing and start cooling them down using cold water or damp cloth compresses on the head, neck, armpits, and between the thighs.
Secondly: Heat Exhaustion
- Heat exhaustion occurs due to the loss of water and salts from the body.
- While not as severe as heatstroke, it should not be underestimated.
- Without proper intervention, it can escalate into heatstroke.
What are the risk factors for heat exhaustion?
- Strenuous Activity in Hot Conditions: Engaging in vigorous physical activity in a hot environment increases the risk of heat exhaustion.
- Obesity: Being overweight can make individuals more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion.
- Certain Medications: Specific medications can interfere with the body's ability to regulate temperature, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion.
- Advanced Age: Older adults, especially those aged 65 and above, are at higher risk due to a decreased ability to regulate body temperature.
What are the symptoms?
- General Weakness
- Excessive Sweating
- Headache
- Pale Skin
- Nausea and Stomach Pain
- Muscle Cramps
- Increased Heart Rate
- Dark Urine
What are the first aid measures in this situation?
- Move the Individual to a Shaded Area: Transfer the person to a shaded or cool area. Using a fan or air conditioning in this area is advisable.
- Remove Tight Clothing and Heavy Accessories: Take off tight clothing and heavy accessories to help the person cool down.
- Apply Cold Water or Damp Cloth Compresses: Place cold water or damp cloth compresses on the head, neck, armpits, and between the thighs to help lower body temperature.
- Rehydration
Thirdly: Sunburn:
The term sunburn refers to the damage caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
What are the symptoms?
- Pain
- Discomfort and Itching
- Swelling and Reddish Patches
- Increased Risk of Skin Cancer
- Systemic Effects: Severe sunburn can affect the entire body, causing fever, headache, nausea, and a general feeling of malaise.
What are the first aid measures in this situation?
- Cooling the Skin: Apply a cold, damp cloth or take a cool bath to cool the skin and relieve the discomfort of sunburn.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration caused by sunburn.
- Avoid Scratching or Peeling: Refrain from scratching or peeling the affected skin to prevent further irritation and potential infection.
What is the treatment?
Applying a moisturizing and skin-repairing agent, such as:
- Vita Panthenol:
- Contains: 5% Dexpanthenol, Aloe Vera, Honey Extract, Jojoba Oil.
- It possesses moisturizing, healing, anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in the healing of sunburns.
- UHydro lotion:
- Contains: 5% Urea.
- Urea is an organic compound naturally present in the skin.
- It has highly moisturizing properties, aiding in maintaining skin hydration and health.
Fourthly: Heat Rash
- It is a skin irritation caused by heat.
- It occurs when sweat glands become blocked, causing small red bumps.
- It typically appears on the neck, upper chest, under the breasts, and in skin folds.
- It is more common in infants and young children.
What are the symptoms?
- Pain
- Discomfort
- Intense Itching
- Possibly Accompanied by Inflammation
What is the treatment?
- Move to a Cooler, Less Humid Place
- Cool the Area with Cold Water
- Wear Loose Clothing
- Use Hydrocortison Domina Cream: Apply Hydrocortison Domina cream to alleviate troublesome symptoms and itching, twice a day.
What are the preventive measures for the above conditions?
- Avoid Sun Exposure During Peak Hour: Avoid being in the sun between 10 AM and 5 PM when the sun's rays are strongest.
- Use Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 before going out, and reapply every two hours.
- Stay Hydrated
- Wear Loose Clothing
- Avoid Alcohol
- Avoid Strenuous Exercise During Peak Hours
References:
1. (NIOSH) TNIfOSaH. Heat Stress – Heat Related Illness: CDC; 2022 [Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/heatrelillness.html.
2. Hansen K. Do You Have Heat Stroke or Heat Exhaustion? Learn the Signs 2023 [Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/heat-stroke-vs-heat-exhaustion.
3. Robinson J. Heat Exhaustion 2023 [Available from: https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/heat-exhaustion.
4. Weatherspoon D. Understanding Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms, Tips for Self-Care, and More 2017 [Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/heat-exhaustion#seek-help.
5. APRN BA. How to treat and prevent sunburn 2023 [Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/176441.
6. Sullivan D. Home Remedies for Heat Rash 2023 [Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/heat-rash-home-remedies.
7. NHS. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke 2022 [Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heat-exhaustion-heatstroke/.