With sunny days come hot temperatures and dangerous humidity. With this notion in tow, it is important to tackle summer weather intelligently. Here are a few things to be aware of when it comes to summer health risks.
The Dangers of Sunburn
Believe it or not, sunburn is quite a common occurrence. There are many people who believe that they can go without sunblock and venture into the wild warm yonder of a sunny day only to suffer the brunt of an intense sunburn by nightfall. One way to prevent sunburn is to use a sunscreen between SPF 30 and SPF 50. However, should you need to treat sunburn, consider using aloe vera gel and even arnica cream.
Poison Ivy
Nothing says summer is here more than a bout with poison ivy. Adventure seekers far and wide have been stricken with poison ivy simply from accidentally rubbing against the leaves. It is not the leaves themselves that cause the reaction, but the oils that are produced by the plant that can trigger a rash. The hot and humid summer temperatures can actually add fuel to the itchy fire. While the only way to prevent the occurrence is to avoid woodsy areas, there are plenty of ways to treat the affliction. From topical creams to astringents, treating poison ivy is not too hard. However, if the reaction borders on the severe, it may be helpful to seek medical attention.
Heat Stroke
This is something that can affect the old and young alike. In mere minutes of being in excessively hot temperatures, a heat stroke can occur. It is important to understand how to prevent the illness as well as how to treat it. The best way to prevent heat stroke is to stay hydrated. The human body can only maintain a sufficient cool temperature through proper hydration. Taking frequent breaks in a cool place is another way to avoid heat stroke. Proper hydration can occur by drinking sufficient water.
Heat Rash
A heat rash is a prickly rash that can occur on any part of the skin. This sort of skin irritation occurs when sweat ducts get clogged due in part to hot weather. When this happens, the sweat gets trapped beneath the skin and a rash or prickly pimples occur. Sometimes the rash can be painful, while other times it can cause undue irritation. Avoiding wearing fabric that blocks the sweat ducts is one way of preventing a heat rash from occurring.
