Every season brings its own set of health problems with it. Summer health problems are mainly due to excessive body heat. The sun is beating down all day and the nights too are warm; then when and how do we reduce body heat? The good news is that each of these summer health problems can be avoided if you take proper precautions. Do you get an uncomfortable feeling that you are about to fall sick? Then act quickly to reduce body heat and avoid these health woes in summer. Summer health problems to watch out for:
Sunburns
A sunburn is not a particularly bad sun tan. It can be much worse. It is a skin condition that can result in painful blisters and in serious cases, skin cancer. Unlike sun tan, it will not go away with home remedies. You need to seek medical treatment for it. If sunburned, take a cool shower or bath and apply a cool compress to affected areas several times daily. You could also sponge your skin with cooled chamomile tea since it contains great anti-inflammatory properties. Apply aloe gel, but avoid lotions that keep heat in the skin.
The ‘Loo’ fever
This happens when you are exposed to the blazing afternoon sun for a long time so much so that it heats up your body organs. The fever that ensues is the body’s natural mechanism to reduce body heat. You sweat out the accumulated heat and this lowers the fever temperature.
Eye sores
It is very common to get red itchy eyes in summer if you do not protect them with proper sunglasses. The ultraviolet rays can harm the eyes. It is best to be equipped with well fitting sun shades. And there is no use going for the fancy ones unless they have UV protection.
Beware of infections
When you are all hot and sweaty, you are prone to skin infections. In some severe cases you can get infectious diseases like chicken pox or measles. You have the option to get yourself vaccinated but, maintaining the highest level of personal hygiene is what works here.
Dehydration
You can get easily dehydrated in the summer heat. Be sure that you have water handy whenever you are in the heat for a long time. Don’t forget about children too as they may not ask for water. Be sure to take frequent water breaks during the kids’ summer activities.
Heat stroke
It is a very serious medical condition that can have damaging or potential fatal implications if not immediately treated. Symptoms include an extremely high body temperature; red, dry skin; a rapid pulse, a throbbing headache, nausea, dizziness, confusion, and unconsciousness. To protect yourself from harmful UV rays, you should try to stay out of direct sunlight during peak hours of 10 am to 2 pm. Cover up by wearing hats, sunglasses, and longsleeved- shirts, or hang out under shade.