For all of us that enjoy being out in the sun the issue of prolonged exposure to the sun is something we have all dealt with. The mantra of staying hydrated is one that is repeated over and over, and for good reason, but too many people don’t take it serious enough and end up facing the harsh consequences of failing to adequately prepare for the dangers of the sun and heat. Here are a couple of problems that can crop up when trying to enjoy the sun.
Dehydration
Dehydration comes with many symptoms. Some of these symptoms will be more obvious and uncomfortable than others, but if you notice any of them you should take care and try to re-hydrate as soon as possible. When dehydration begins to set in your basic bodily functions will start to become much more difficult. Normal physiological functions will begin to deteriorate such as breathing, sweating, and urinating. Severe cases of this condition can lead to seizures and death.
Prevention
Most of the time gauging your level of hydration on your thirst is sufficient to stave off the harsher conditions. Drink water when you are thirsty and stay out of the sun when possible. Staying in the shade as opposed to exposed to the sun will reduce the rate of perspiration and delay the more severe consequences associated with dehydration.
Treatment
If you are faced with minor dehydration then the most common treatment is going to be drinking fresh water and eliminating the subsequent loss of additional liquids usually through getting to a cooler place to slow down perspiration. Severe cases should be treated by medical professionals if available especially when symptoms such as fainting, unconsciousness, or inability to think crop up.
Skin Damage
Excessive exposure to the sun will cause burns and can even lead to skin cancer. Mild sun burns are not uncommon nor too troublesome. Letting sun burns go too far is where you will run into problems as mild sun burns can quickly turn into 2nd and even 3rd degree burns if left untreated.
Prevention
The most effective method of preventing sunburns is to simply reduce the amount of ultraviolet radiation that your skin is exposed to. The 2 most common ways to accomplish this is to wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen when you plan on being out in the sun for any extended period of time. Be extra careful when dealing with preventative measures with children. Not taking the proper precautions can increase the future risk of skin cancer