In this summer season, where the temperature usually exceeds 26 C, cases of sunstroke, or heat stroke, are usually more common when staying for long periods of time in hot and sunny environments, as well as in closed environments with little ventilation. This condition is caused by an intolerance to heat, which alters the body’s regulation mechanisms, causing an increase in body temperature reaching or exceeding 40 degrees. On this occasion, Dr. Sandro Tucto, dermatologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma, will give us with more information.

Symptoms

Sunstroke or heat stroke can include the following symptoms:

• Discomfort and decay
• Fatigue and weakness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dry skin and redness
• If there is exposure to the sun, it can be observed in addition to redness, itching and burning, a burning sensation of the skin, burns, blisters, among others.

Treatment

When sunstroke or heat stroke occurs, the affected person should follow the following steps:

1. Be in a cool and ventilated place
2. Wear comfortable, light and loose clothing
3. Apply cold compresses to warmer areas of the body, such as the forehead and skin folds
4. Oral hydration if there are no sensorium alterations

On the other hand, it is important to observe that there is no respiratory distress, increased heart rate, arterial hypotension, nervous compromise, confusion or loss of consciousness, otherwise specialized emergency care must be provided.

Myths and facts

Next, our specialist clears up some doubts that exist about the following statements:

• For sunstroke there is nothing better than a cold shower.

Cold and abrupt showers should be avoided, as it can go against our health, generating very violent vasoconstrictor effects. It is better to gradually submerge the body or apply cold compresses to the warmest areas of the body.

• If I’m not going to sunbathe directly, I don’t need to use sunscreen.

Sunscreen is necessary to avoid the effects of direct and indirect solar radiation that occurs through proximity to surfaces such as grass, glass, sand, tracks, sidewalks, water mirrors (swimming pool and sea), among others.

• Moisturizing creams are the best tool to treat sunburned skin

Moisturizing or refreshing creams are indicated when, in addition to sunstroke, there is erythema or sunburn. These can be: aloe vera, panthenol, calendula, urea, creams with vitamin E.

• Sunstroke can predispose to skin cancer

Of course, sunburn permanently damages the DNA structure of cells and if the damage is repetitive it leads to cancerous degenerative lesions.

Dr. Sandro Tucto
Dermatologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma