Sunburn and heat stroke

Sunburn commonly causes red, hot, tender skin and later peeling or blisters in the exposed area. Heat stroke can cause very hot skin, headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness, rapid breathing, confusion, unusual behaviour, seizure, or collapse. A person can have both conditions after prolonged sun exposure, but severe confusion or collapse is not explained by an ordinary sunburn. Fever-like heat and a change in alertness should be treated as urgent warning signs.

For sunburn, leave the sun, cool the skin with a tepid shower or cool damp cloth, drink fluids, and wear loose clothing. Do not break blisters or apply ice directly. For suspected heat stroke, call emergency services, move the person to a cool place, remove extra clothing, and cool them with wet cloths, a fan, or cool water. Offer small sips only to someone fully awake and able to swallow. Do not give drinks to a confused or unconscious person.

Get emergency help for confusion, fainting, seizure, breathing difficulty, chest pain, severe weakness, or inability to drink safely. Seek medical advice for extensive blistering, severe pain, signs of infection, repeated vomiting, worsening fever, or symptoms that do not improve after leaving the heat. A clinician may consider fluid treatment, including IV Fluid Therapy, when dehydration is significant or oral fluids are not possible.

Ask how to protect the burned skin, which pain relief is suitable, how long to avoid sun and strenuous activity, and which symptoms would mean the heat illness is worsening. Mention blistering, vomiting, medicines, medical conditions, and whether the person remained alert.