Do we need to say it’s hot outside? While temperatures soar, we’ve come up with some tips for identifying, preventing and treating the worst the sun can dish out

Written by Laura Fulton

Heat related illnesses
Causes: Overexposure to heat and sun can cause a variety of illnesses, including prickly heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. People working, exercising or playing in the sun are at the highest risk of developing these conditions, although Dr Tej Maini, CEO of Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, reminds everyone that children who have been left in a parked car can develop heat illnesses very quickly with a simple message: “Never leave a child in a parked car, not even for five minutes.”

Symptoms: According to the Health Authority – Abu Dhabi (HAAD), the first signs of heat illnesses include red spots, muscle spasms, heavy sweating when the skin is cool and pale, dizziness, blurred vision and unconsciousness, weak pulse, low blood pressure, fever, headache, confusion, fatigue, nausea, rapid breathing and dark coloured urine. In its worst form, heat stroke can kill.

Prevention: Avoid working, exercising or playing outside between the critical hours of 10am and 4pm. Take breaks and drink plenty of water. If you must exert yourself in the heat, don’t go alone – make sure you go with another person and keep an eye on each other for signs of overexposure. Children especially should be taught to tell an adult if they begin to feel unwell while in the heat.

Treatment: The experts at HAAD say that heat rash and cramps generally go away with rehydration and replacement of electrolytes, rest and a cool down. If not, seek advice from a medical clinic or pharmacy. In cases of fainting, confusion or seizures, call for medical help then immediately remove the person to a cool, shady or air conditioned area. In the case of fainting, raise the person’s legs. If possible, give the person sips of cool (not ice cold) water and cool them down by spraying or sponging them with cool (again, not ice cold) water. In the case of a child who is in a state of emergency, these measures should be taken first – before or while waiting for help.

“Never leave a child in a parked car without air conditioning, not even for five minutes”

Sun burn
Causes: While sunlight is good for the absorption of calcium and vitamin D, too much can cause painful redness and blisters, lasting skin damage, wrinkles and even skin cancer.

Prevention: Everyone, no matter what their colouring, is prone to sunburn, but people with lighter skin and hair are more likely to burn than those with darker skin tones. Jumol Jameli, school nurse at the Canadian International School, says you and your children should take frequent breaks from the sun and always wear sunscreen with an SPF (that’s Sun Protection Factor) of 15 or more – be sure to reapply every two hours, more often if you’re sweating a lot or swimming, and watch for spots that are frequently missed, like the tops of your ears, the back of your neck, the part in your hair, your face, and the tops of your feet. Also remember to protect your eyes with sunglasses that come with a label indicating they protect against UV rays.

Treatment: If you do find yourself in the red, keep the burn cool and moist. Try cold compresses or a cool bath and apply aloe vera, moisturising cream or an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream, and if blisters form, don’t pop them. Adults can take an anti-inflammatory like aspirin or ibuprofen, but children and teenagers should avoid aspirin. If the skin starts to peel, treat it gently and continue to moisturise.

Dehydration
Causes: 75 percent of the body’s weight is due to water, but excessive sweating or failure to drink enough water can cause dehydration.

Symptoms: The first sign of dehydration is thirst, so you should drink water before you feel thirsty. As the body tries to preserve fluids, you may urinate less, and when you do, the urine will be dark and yellow. Signs of more severe dehydration include dry mouth, muscle cramps, nausea, heart palpitations and light headedness. If left too long, dehydration can result in coma, organ failure and even death.

Prevention: According to HAAD, work in hot weather requires an intake of two litres of water every two to three hours. This guideline would also apply to anyone exercising or playing sport in the heat. In addition to drinking enough water, those who will be in the heat consistently should add a little extra salt to meals – salt tablets, sugary soft drinks, caffeinated drinks and energy drinks are not recommended. For those who really sweat, HAAD suggests a low-sugar electrolyte replacement drink rather than sports drinks which can be high in sugar and acids.

Treatment: Mild cases can be treated at home by replacing the lost fluid with water, clear broth or electrolyte replacement drinks. As the dehydration abates, the body should produce more urine which should be light yellow or clear. In severe cases, fluid may need to be replaced intravenously. If in doubt,
see a doctor.