Heat Wave

Most summer health problems produce only discomfort or embarrassment for the individual affected; heat rashes, sun burns and heat cramps are the most common ones.  Learning about these irritating problems is important to guarantee a more comfortable summer and to differentiate from more serious summertime conditions.

• Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather.  It appears as a red cluster of pimples or small blisters and usually occurs in the creases of the body; elbows, under breasts, groin region and behind the knees.  The best treatment is staying in a cool environment, keeping the affected area dry, and if using a dusting of powder it is important to apply to dry skin and to remove completely by washing the area, rinsing well and patting completely dry at least once a day.

• Sunburn is caused by overexposure to the sun.  The affected skin becomes red, painful and abnormally warm.  Blisters may develop as the degree of burn worsens.  It can be prevented by using a SPF 15 or greater sunscreen before going outdoors and reapplying it throughout the day, covering exposed skin with lightweight clothing and hats and avoiding sun exposure during the hottest time of the day usually from noon until 4pm. The best treatment includes avoiding repeated exposure, applying cold compresses and moisturizing lotions to affected areas.  Do not use salve, butter or ointment.  Do not break blisters.

• Heat cramps are muscle pains or spasms- usually in the abdomen, arms or legs-- and often occur with strenuous activity because of the loss of salt that occurs from excessive sweating.  The best treatment includes stopping the activity, getting into a cool place, drinking juice or a sport beverage and resting.  If the cramps last longer than one hour, medical attention should be sought.

Even short periods of high temperatures and severe humidity can cause health emergencies that may be life-threatening.   It is important to stay informed during extreme heat conditions for health and safety updates, to take precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones and to be prepared to administer first aid treatment.

• Heat Exhaustion is a heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate replacement of fluids thus causing excessive loss of water and salt from sweating that can result in dehydration.

• Signs of heat exhaustion include: heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting and fainting.

• The best treatment includes drinking cool, nonalcoholic drinks, resting in an air conditioned environment and taking a cool shower or bath.  If the individual cannot keep liquids down, they will need to be evaluated by a physician.

• Heat Stroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body can no longer regulate its own temperature; the body’s temperature will rise rapidly, the sweating mechanism the body relies on to keep its temperature in balance fails and the body cannot cool itself down.  Individuals who are bedridden and don't have access to water and are not in an air-conditioned area are at a very high-risk of developing heat stroke. This condition can lead to brain damage, organ failure and even death if not treated quickly.  

• Signs of heat stoke include: fever above 103 degrees orally, red, hot dry skin, rapid strong pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, seizures and loss of consciousness.

• The best treatment includes calling for assistance immediately, moving the individual to a shady or air conditioned area and begin to cool their bodies down rapidly this can be accomplished by applying cool compresses to neck, groin, armpits regions, spraying them with cool water from the garden hose, wrapping them in a cool wet sheet, or assisting if able into a cool bath or shower.   Do not give the individual fluids to drink. Do not give aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen to lower fevers.  Do not give salt tablets.

Nearly half the country is currently experiencing a heat wave; already seven heat-related deaths have been reported and there is a very realistic possibility of more yet to occur.  We need to be aware of those that may be most at risk and how we can best protect them from heat- related illnesses.  The seriousness of these risks is heightened if the individual is a child, elderly, pregnant, obese or injured.  Some medications--high blood pressure and water pills especially-- may intensify the threat.  Healthy, athletic individuals can also be affected if the warning signs are ignored.  As the dog days of summer come early delivering hot temperatures and high humidity, the goal is to keep everyone cool and comfortable.