While many of us are likely thrilled to finally be enjoying some warmer weather, the sunshine does not come without its health risks.
As we spend more time outside in the sunshine, it is important we take steps to keep ourselves safe. Most people know to use sun cream with SPF but the sun can do more than cause damage to your skin.
People who spend a lot of time under the sun's rays can develop heat exhaustion. According to the NHS, this is usually not serious and gets better when you cool down but if it turns into heat stroke it needs to be treated as an emergency.
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Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness and is caused by the body overheating, typically as a result of being exposed to high temperatures. Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature, causing an increased heart rate, rapid breathing, nausea, high body temperature, headaches and altered mental behaviour.
And there are some signs that show before any redness of the skin is noticeable. In fact, people can get heat stroke without getting any sunburn at all.
The NHS lists the following symptoms as heat stroke red flags:
- tiredness
- dizziness
- headache
- feeling sick or being sick
- excessive sweating and skin becoming pale and clammy
- cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
- fast breathing or heartbeat
- a high temperature
- being very thirsty
- weakness
If you think someone has heat stroke you should move them somewhere cool, remove all unnecessary clothing, such as jackets or socks, get them a cold drink such as water or a sports drink, and do what you can to cool their skin. This could include spraying or sponging them with cool water and using a fan.
Ice packs wrapped in a cloth can also be placed under the armpits and on the neck.
Call 111 if you or someone else have symptoms of heat exhaustion that you're struggling to treat or you need advice about.
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