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Heat stroke is at the acute end of outcomes from high temperatures but shouldn’t be dismissed as a possibility in the UK.
Dermatologists have a link with our ability to cope with heat, they treat our skin, which has the task of keeping us cool. An expansion of blood flow within the skin and increased sweating are the basis of our thermoregulatory system.
The system works best when the outside temperature is lower than our body’s but can cope in more extreme circumstances, which we are due to see in mid July 2022. A key need is to give your body help to cope.
Steps To Take
Please do not think roaring temperatures are a great opportunity to sunbathe. Stay in the shade whenever possible, wear loose clothing and slow down, high heat is not a time to be physically active beyond need.
Staying hydrated matters for all of us, water is a good choice, alcohol, or caffeine drinks are not. They are also an added barrier to sleeping on a sweltering night, which is an important part of maintaining your health.
Following a normal pattern and avoiding naps will help with sleep. A cool bedroom is a further asset, keeping windows and curtains closed throughout the day should assist, along with a bedroom fan and a sweat absorbent cotton sheet.
Look out for vulnerable people, young children, those in the older age group, or anyone suffering from significant pre-existing conditions.
An Issue For Everyone
As dermatologists we recognise that a strong sun, or simply high temperatures can have an effect on skin conditions. Issues also increase for people with cardiovascular ilnesses, diabetes and more.
Our objective here is still to get across that any of us can be affected, however young, or fit we may be. Maintaining a normal body core temperature can strain anyone’s heart and lungs,
with clear outcomes.
Heart attack, or a stroke are possible, although a more common reaction is heat exhaustion. This can manifest as dizziness, an increasing pulse, nausea, excessive sweating, pale, clammy skin, muscle cramps, or headache.
Moving to a cool place will help, lying down and raising the feet to aid circulation, along with drinking plenty of water. Above all, keep a close eye on anyone suffering, in case heat exhaustion turns into heat stroke.
Symptoms can include complete fatigue, confusion, high body temperature, shortness of breath, seizures, or stopping sweating. Heat stroke is a life threatening condition and medical help must be summoned immediately.
A Preventable Problem
When the temperature is reaching extremes, just as good a time as Covid to have staff who can, work from home. For those who can’t, physical activity can wait for another day and the same applies to those not working.
Boring, or not, forty degree temperatures are not a time to head to the park to play football, at any age. For those of us who are older, have your shopping, or anything else brought round, rather than struggle out.
Reduced activity is critical, as are good hydration and comfortable clothing, not a time to overdress. Above all, please take the heat to come as the real threat this is, to every member of the family.