Sun & Heat Safety

Sun & Heat Safety

The Difference between Heatstroke and Heat Exhaustion + Sunscreen News + Tips for Staying Safe in the Sun

Patient Education, Safety

Heat Exhaustion vs. Heatstroke

Heatstroke (aka: sunstroke) and Heat Exhaustion are illnesses caused by exposure to extreme heat. Heat exhaustion can progress into heatstroke. If not treated immediately, heatstroke can damage multiple organs/systems, including the brain and nervous system, circulatory system, lungs, liver, kidneys, digestive tract, and muscles.

Heat exhaustion is less serious than heatstroke. The symptoms include muscle cramps, a rapid, weak pulse; a general sense of weakness; nausea or vomiting; excessive sweating; cold, clammy skin; dizziness and sometimes fainting; darkcolored urine; and headaches. If you suspect heat exhaustion, immediately rest and rehydrate.

Heatstroke may begin with symptoms of heat exhaustion. It can be life-threatening, and symptoms may rapidly worsen to include a temperature of 104ºF or higher; hot, dry skin; a racing heartbeat; confusion; agitation; slurred speech; seizures; loss of consciousness; and coma. Anyone with any symptoms of heatstroke should seek emergency medical attention.

Remember, drink plenty of fluids, especially water, when working or playing in the sun and heat! Cool off frequently, and try to avoid being outside during the heat of the day!

Sunscreen News

In 2019, the FDA proposed updated regulatory requirements for most sunscreen products in the United States. Some important aspects of this new proposal include:

• Differentiating the two types of sunscreens:

Physical barriers contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which are the only ingredients considered to be GRASE (generally recognized as safe and effective) for use in sunscreens. Physical barriers is that they begin working immediately following application.

Chemical Barriers contain PABA and trolamine salicylate which are not recommended due to safety concerns. Chemical barrier types require a 30 minute wait time from application to sun exposure.

• Requiring new sunscreen product labels to assist consumers in identifying key information, including the active ingredients, on the front of the package to bring sunscreen in line with other OTC drugs; plus, a notification on the front label addressing skin aging and skin cancer with regard to sunscreens; and revised formats for SPF, broad spectrum, and water resistance.

• Proposing that products that combine sunscreens with insect repellents are not GRASE.

SUMMER SUN SAFETY TIPS

Shade

  • Seek shade under an umbrella or tree to reduce your risk of skin cancer and to stay cool.

Clothing

  • You should wear protective clothing, including long-sleeved shirt, long pants and skirts that provide protection from the sun.
  • Clothes that are made from tightly woven material provide the best coverage.

Hat

  • Wear a hat with a brim for the most beneficial protection from the sun.
  • Your hat should shade your face, ears and the back of your neck.
  • Avoid straw hats that contain holes that let sunlight through.

Sunglasses

  • Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce your risk of cataracts.
  • Glasses that block both UVA and UVB rays are the best choice.

Sunscreen

  • Apply prior to sun exposure
  • Use broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15.
  • It should be reapplied every 2 hours.

 

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