Signs You Might be Getting Too Much Sun
The summer season is in full swing and with it comes the summer sun. Though the sun is great for giving us vitamin D sometimes too much sun can be harmful to us. Below is a list of common sun and heat related illnesses as well as their signs and symptoms.
Heat Cramps
The first stage of heat illness are heat cramps. These are muscle cramps that are brought on when you’ve spent too much time in heat. Often heat cramps are accompanied by:
heavy sweating
fatigue
thirst
muscle cramps
Heat Exhaustion
The second stage of heat illness is heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion does not require immediate medical attention but should be acted on immediately. Symptoms are the same as heat cramps but now also include:
Headaches
Dizziness and confusion
Pale clammy skin
Fast breathing/pulse
Temperature above 38C
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is the most dangerous of the heat illnesses. If you suspect someone has heat stroke seek medical attention immediately. The symptoms of heat stroke are the same as the previous stages but now including:
Altered behaviour (confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, etc)
Skin feeling dry with little to no sweat being produced or extreme amounts of sweating
Nausea and vomiting
Flushed skin