Summer Series Part II
Common summer ailments include heat rash, dehydration, and heat stroke. Learn how to prevent them so you do not suffer from them. Protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays is the first step. As mentioned in Summer Series Part 1, wear a minimum of 30 SPF sunblock and clothing to cover your skin.
Heat Rash
If you notice your skin is breaking out in a pinkish red rash during the summer, especially around the neck and back areas. The rash looks like tiny pimples and are itchy. Heat rashes usually show up on the parts of the body that are covered. Hot and humid conditions lead to heat rash. The rash occurs when the sweat ducts are blocked, and it looks like red dots, or a pimple break out. A heat rash is very itchy and leads to discomfort. It helps to wear loose fit clothing and to keep your body cool. Calamine lotion helps reduce the itching sensation.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is known as hyperthermia. It is caused by the summer sun. Do not stand out in the open sunlight too long without head protection. Wear a hat to avoid the UV rays from the sun. Heat stroke is the result of prolonged sun and heat exposure. Symptoms include dizziness, headache, and is very dangerous. It can lead to loss of consciousness, multi-organ failure and eventually death.
Heat stroke is an emergency. If the heat stroke victim is still conscious try to cool the body from the outside using ice packs, air conditioning and cold water. If symptoms do not improve quickly, or if the victim is unconscious dial 911 and continue to try to cool them down while waiting for emergency services to arrive.
Dehydration
Due to the summer heat, your body needs more water than usual. Sweating causes the body to lose salt due to sweating. The loss of fluid needs to be replaced or it will lead to dehydration. Prevent dehydration by drinking more water to help the body function as usual. You should drink 10-12 glasses of water a day. An oral rehydration solution can keep your bodies sodium balanced.
ORS solution: 1 liter of water, 6 teaspoons of sugar, and a half a teaspoon of salt. Or you can purchase one of the many brands available at the market and advertised as sports drinks.
Simple steps to protect yourself against the heat can prevent you from the harsh realities of the sun and heat. Here at Show Low Family Clinic, we put your health first. Call us for an appointment, visit our website or come see us on Facebook. Please leave comments and questions below.