Hot weather and prolonged sun exposure can affect the body in several ways, especially during summer, heatwaves, holidays, outdoor sports, and long periods spent outside. While sunshine can improve mood and support vitamin D production, too much heat and UV exposure may lead to common seasonal health problems such as sunburn, heat exhaustion, and dehydration.
Understanding the symptoms, prevention tips, and treatment options can help you stay safe during periods of high temperatures and strong sunlight.
As summer draws closer and we can all get out and about with the lockdown finally lifted (for the time being), a reminder of the possible dangers that come with a long hot summer may be in order. If you are lucky enough to get abroad this year to a hot country, you need to be even more aware of the symptoms and how to prevent them.
Excessive sun and heat exposure may lead to:
These conditions can affect adults, children, elderly individuals, athletes, outdoor workers, and people with underlying medical conditions.
Sunburn occurs when the skin becomes damaged by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Mild sunburn may cause redness and discomfort, while severe cases can lead to blistering and skin peeling.
To help protect your skin during sunny weather:
Products to help prevent sunburn
Heat exhaustion happens when the body overheats and struggles to regulate temperature properly due to excessive heat exposure and fluid loss.
Without proper cooling and hydration, heat exhaustion may progress to heatstroke, which is a medical emergency.
Stay with them until they are better. This should happen within 30 minutes. There is a high risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke during hot weather or exercise, but it can be prevented by:
Keep an eye on children, the elderly, and people with long term health conditions, like diabetes or heart problems, because they are more at risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke
Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in. Hot weather, sweating, exercise, illness, and inadequate fluid intake can all contribute to dehydration.
Children and older adults may become dehydrated more quickly during hot weather.
Dehydration can happen more easily if you have diabetes, vomiting or diarrhoea, been in the sun too long, drunk too much alcohol, sweated too much after exercise, have a high temperature of 38°C or more or drink enough during the day, so be taking medicines that make your pee is a pale yellow colour. you pee more.
You can reduce the risk of dehydration by drinking fluids when you feel any dehydration symptoms. If you find it hard to drink because you feel sick or have been sick, start with small sips and then gradually drink more.
You can use a spoon to make it easier for your child to swallow fluids.
To support hydration during sunny and hot conditions:
Seek medical attention urgently if symptoms include:
These symptoms may indicate severe heat-related illness requiring emergency treatment.
At Dock Pharmacy, we provide trusted healthcare advice and seasonal support products to help you stay protected during hot weather and increased sun exposure.
From sunscreens and hydration support to cooling products and first aid essentials, our pharmacy team is here to support your summer wellbeing.
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