Heat-Related Illness
Even short periods in high temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses. Learn the symptoms and what to do if you or a loved one shows signs of a heat-related illness.
Sunburn
Sunburn is damaging to the skin. The discomfort can be minor, and healing may occur in about a week, but some sunburns can be more severe and require medical attention.
What to Look For
Skin becomes red, painful and warm after sun exposure. Blisters may appear.
What to Do
Consult a doctor if an infant under 1 year of age is sunburned or if they develop a fever, fluid-filled blisters and/or severe pain.
- Stay out of the sun until your sunburn heals and avoid repeated sun exposure.
- Put cool cloths on the sunburned areas or take a cool bath.
- Put moisturizing lotion on the sunburned areas.
- Do not break blisters.
Heat Cramps
Usually, heat cramps affect people who sweat a lot during intense activity. When your body loses salt and moisture when you sweat, the low salt level in the muscles causes painful cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion.
What to Look For
Heat cramps are muscle pains or spasms that usually occur in the stomach area, arms, or legs, which may occur during intense activity.
What to Do
- Stop your physical activity and move to a cool place.
- Drink water or a sports drink.
- Wait for the cramps to go away before you do any more physical activity.
- Get medical help right away if:
- Your cramps last longer than one hour.
- You’re on a low-sodium diet.
- You have a heart problem.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is your body’s response to losing too much water and salt when you sweat. Those most at risk of heat exhaustion are the elderly, people with high blood pressure and people working or exercising in a hot environment.
What to Look For
Signs of heat exhaustion include:
- Heavy sweating
- Cold, pale, and clammy skin
- Fast, weak pulse
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness or weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fainting (passing out)
What to Do
- Move to a cool place.
- Loosen your clothes.
- Put cool, wet cloths on your body or take a cool bath.
- Sip water
- Get medical help right away if:
- You are throwing up.
- Your symptoms get worse.
- Your symptoms last longer than one hour.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke occurs when your body’s temperature rises rapidly, and you can no longer sweat to cool down. Your body temperature may rise to 106ºF or higher. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not received.
What to Look For
- A high body temperature (103ºF or higher)
- Red, hot, dry or damp skin
- Fast, strong pulse
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Losing consciousness (passing out)
What to Do
Call 911. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Immediately begin cooling the victim and call for medical assistance.
- Get the person to a cooler place.
- Rapidly cool the victim using whatever methods are available:
- Wrap the victim in cool, wet cloths or place in a cool bath. Do not leave an unconscious person unattended.
- Do not give the person anything to drink.
- If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call a hospital emergency department for further instructions.
For more information about heat-related illnesses contact your health care provider or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Extreme Heat website.