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SALT LAKE CITY — When the weather heats up in the summer most of us want to be outside enjoying it. But when temperatures soar past the 100-degree mark, we must be extra cautious in taking care of our bodies.
Two major health problems brought on by high temperatures are sunburns and heat emergencies. To stay safe, it’s important to know the symptoms and stages of each, as well as when it’s time to seek professional medical help.
Sunburns
A sunburn is a condition where the skin is burned by the elements of the environment. Sunburns come in three types:
- A first-degree burn is warm to the touch. It turns the skin red and produces a painful burning sensation. One usually recovers from this type of burn within 24 hours.
- A second-degree burn will present itself with a deep red color and blister the skin. This burn can be associated with heat exhaustion. When the burn covers most of the body, it can become a very critical situation for the patient.
- A third-degree burn is very rarely the result of sun exposure. This type of burn penetrates all layers of the skin and has a white or brown color. The burn will not hurt, but it is extremely serious and must be seen by a doctor.
For more detailed information on sunburns and when to see a doctor see "Mommy Medicine: Understanding sunburns and how to treat them."
Heat emergenciesHeat emergencies can be deadly if not identified early. They develop in three phases:
- Heat overexposure is when a person has been out in the sun for long periods of time and does not keep up with hydration at the rate his or her body requires. If you do not urinate at least every two hours, you do not have enough hydration in your body.
- Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness that can occur after a person has been exposed to high temperatures for several hours or days and becomes dehydrated. Symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness and muscle cramps.
- Heat stroke is a critical situation where the body overheats rapidly. Death will soon follow if medical attention is not sought early. Symptoms include high body temperature, absence of sweating, red or flushed dry skin, difficulty breathing, hallucinations, disorientation and seizures.
For more detailed information on heat emergencies see "Mommy Medicine: Understanding heat exhaustion and how to treat it."
Suzanne Carlile, "Nurse Suzy," has been a nurse since 1982. Her main focus is critical care and nursing education. She holds a master's degree in nursing, is a Certified Emergency Nurse, and a member of NNSDO Intermountain West Chapter.
