Recognizing and Treating
Heat-Related Illnesses

Even short periods of high temperatures can cause health problems that range from minor to life threatening. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness in order to ensure proper treatment.

Sunburn

Sunburn should be avoided because it is damaging to the skin. While the discomfort is usually minor and healing occurs in about a week, some sunburns can be more severe and require medical attention.

Symptoms of sunburn include:

• Red, painful and abnormally warm skin after sun exposure.

Consult a physician if an infant under 1 year of age is sunburned or has the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Fluid-filled blisters
• Severe pain

Tips for treating sunburn:

• Avoid repeated sun exposure.
• Apply cool compresses or immerse the affected area in cool water.
• Apply moisturizing lotion to affected areas - do not use salve, butter or ointment.
• Do not break blisters.
• Do not apply ice.

Heat Rash

Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. It can occur at any age but is most common in young children.

Symptoms of heat rash include:

• Red cluster of pimples or small blisters occurring on the:
  • Neck
  • Upper chest
  • Groin
  • Under breasts
  • Elbow creases
  • Other skin folds

Treating heat rash:

• The best treatment is to provide a cooler, less humid environment.
• Keep the affected area dry.
• Dusting powder may be used to increase comfort, but avoid using ointments or creams as they keep the skin warm and moist and may make the condition worse.
• Treating heat rash is simple and usually does not require medical assistance.

The following heat-related problems are much more severe.

Heat Cramps

Usually heat cramps affect people who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. The body is depleted of salt and moisture and the low salt level in the muscles causes painful cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion.

Symptoms of heat cramps are muscle pains or spasms that usually occur in the abdomen, arms, or legs, which may occur in association with strenuous activity.

Treatment of heat cramps:

• If you have a heart problem or are on a low sodium diet, seek medical attention.
• Stop all activity and rest in a cool, shaded area.
• Do not return to the strenuous activity for a few hours after the cramps subside, further exertion may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
• Seek medical attention for heat cramps that do not subside within one hour.
• Drink fluids such as water, fruit juices and sports drinks to re-hydrate and replace salt and mineral levels.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt contained in sweat. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, people with high blood pressure and people working or exercising in a hot environment.

Warning signs of heat exhaustion include:

• Heavy sweating
• Paleness
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fainting
• Skin may feel cool and moist
• Pulse rate will be fast and weak, and breathing will be fast and shallow

If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat stroke. Seek medical attention immediately.

Cooling measures that may be effective include:

• Cool, non-alcoholic beverages, as directed by your physician
• Rest
• A cool shower, bath, or sponge bath
• An air-conditioned environment
• Lightweight clothing

Heat Stroke

When heat stroke occurs the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down and body temperature may rise to 106ºF or higher.

Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given.

Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include:

• An extremely high body temperature (above 103ºF)
• Red, hot and dry skin (no sweating)
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness

Heat stroke can be a life-threatening emergency. Immediately begin cooling the victim and call for medical assistance.

• Get the victim to a shady area.
• Cool the victim rapidly using whatever methods are available:
  • Wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan vigorously.
  • Spray or sponge with cool water and fan.
  • Immerse the victim in a tub of cool shallow water only if awake and alert.
  • Place in a cool shower.
• Monitor body temperature, and continue cooling efforts until the victim’s temperature drops to 101-102ºF.
• If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call a hospital emergency department for further instructions.
• Do not give fluids.

For more information about heat related illnesses contact your health care provider or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Extreme Heat website.