https://www.businessinsider.com/weather-in-summer-heat-impact-on-health-2018-7?IR=T#extreme-heat-makes-us-dumber-3
This summer may be memorable for the number of days with soaring temperatures. Everyone wants to spend more time outdoors during the summer months, but being outside when it is excessively hot has risks.
Business Insider recently featured an article exploring the impact of extreme heat on our health. Here are the dangers of hot weather and when you should call your Park Avenue Dermatology specialists.
Exposure to extreme heat is a physical stress on your body that can actually lead to heat exhaustion or even heatstroke. The longer you spend time outside when temperatures are excessive, the more serious the effects are to your health.
Warning Signs of Heatstroke
When your body’s temperature rises to an uncomfortable point, you will probably experience warning signs such as:
- Sweating
- Dehydration
- Exhaustion
- Headaches
- Clammy Skin
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Rapid pulse
Studies show the heat not only affects your physical comfort. Extremely high temperatures can cause confusion and disorientation. It may be difficult to concentrate. Studies show office workers’ performance declines on hot days, and students have difficulty studying.
Sunburns Cause Problems Too
Even if you recover quickly from a sunburn, the damage to the skin can manifest itself for many years to come. Even a single sunburn increases your risk for skin cancer.
If you’re spending time this summer under the sun, use adequate broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection. Wear a hat and protective sunglasses. Avoid tanning or getting a sunburn and limit time outside when it is dangerously hot.
Contact your Park Avenue Dermatology skin experts if you experience any issues. Sunburn can usually be treated by cooling the affected area with cloths or taking cool baths. Soothing creams with aloe vera can be applied to the skin. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.
If your skin develops blisters, do not pop them. Blisters are signs of second-degree sunburn and protect you from infection. Contact your dermatologist to schedule a visit if your sunburn is severe.
Extreme Heat is More Dangerous Than You Think
Did you know that heat waves are often deadly? In the US, more die from heat waves than from tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, lightning, and hurricanes combined. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke require medical intervention.
We at Park Avenue Dermatology want you to enjoy summer. Grab your sunscreen, plenty of water, dress in loose, breathable clothing, and limit time outdoors during extremely hot weather days.
