(^2018) I SAGA.CO.UK/AUG-MAG 73
Health
Some don’t like it hot
Our skin thins as we get older, so we’re more susceptible to the effects of heat
and it’s more important than ever to take care in the sun. Here’s how to sail happily
through those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer, says Patsy Westcott
SUNBURN
This is inflammation caused by
over-exposure to the sun’s burning
rays, which increase the risk of skin
cancer even as we get older. It’s vital
to protect against sun at every age
as the risk of melanoma is cumulative.
BEAT IT... Use a cream with a high sun
protection factor (SPF). Also cover
up, wear a wide-brimmed hat and
seek shade. Don’t forget, you can
still burn when it’s cloudy.
TREAT IT... Cover the affected area
until it has healed. Take a cold bath,
apply cold compresses and an
aloe-vera-based gel. Drink plenty to
prevent dehydration, and take a
painkiller to ease soreness. If sunburn
is severe, you develop a fever or feel
generally unwell, seek medical help.
HEAT EXHAUSTION
Caused by loss of water and salts in
sweat. Symptoms include a high
temperature, thirst, dizziness, cramps,
confusion, weakness, pallor, lack of
appetite, nausea and sweating. Skin
is cold and clammy; pulse and
breathing may be fast. The risk is
greater as we get older, especially in
people with high blood pressure.
BEAT IT... Drink plenty of fluids, wear
loose clothing, spritz skin or clothing
with water. Avoid excess alcohol and
stay out of the sun. If you feel you’re
overheating, take a cool bath.
TREAT IT... Move to a cool place and
lie down with feet slightly raised.
Drink plenty of water, cool skin with
a water spray or sponge and fan to
encourage evaporation. You should
start to feel better within 30 minutes.
HEATSTROKE
If heat exhaustion continues or
worsens, it could be the more serious
heatstroke (aka sunstroke), which is
an emergency. Call 999 (it’s
advisable to learn the local
emergency services number if
abroad) without delay if someone
close to you experiences:
- Persistent symptoms of heat
exhaustion (see below left) lasting
more than 30 minutes - Feeling hot and dry (no sweating)
- A temperature of 40C/104F
or higher - Fast breathing or shortness
of breath - Confusion
- Seizure (fit)
- Loss of consciousness.
PRICKLY HEAT (HEAT RASH)
This occurs when the sweat glands
are blocked by excessive sweating,
causing a rash with small red spots
to erupt some days later. Other
symptoms include an itchy, prickly
feeling, redness and mild swelling.
BEAT IT... Wear loose cotton clothes
and sleep under just a sheet.
Take cooling baths or showers
and drink plenty.
TREAT IT... Apply a cool, damp
compress or ice pack ( 20
minutes max). Don’t scratch,
and avoid scented soaps.
If things don’t improve,
a pharmacist may
recommend calamine
lotion, a hydrocortisone
cream or antihistamines,
or contact your GP.