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Public Health

Injuries Resulting from Exposure to Sunlight

When the body is exposed to high temperatures, the body cools itself by sweating, but when the body is exposed to a very high temperature, the body is unable to cool itself properly, which leads to the occurrence of injuries related to hyperthermia (such as: muscle cramps, heat exhaustion, and stroke). 

Most vulnerable groups:

    • Children.
    • The elderly.
    • Patients with chronic diseases.
    • Those with mental illnesses.
However, young, and healthy people can become infected if they engage in strenuous physical activity during hot weather.

Risk factors:
  • Exposure to high levels of humidity.
  • Obesity.
  • Fever.
  • Drought.
  • Poor circulation.
  • Drug abuse and alcohol use.
  • Take some medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants, diuretics, and some medications used to treat high blood pressure.
Injuries resulting from high temperatures:
  • Heat stress.
  • Sunstroke.
  • Skin rash.
  • Muscle spasms.
  • Sunburn
Protection:
When the temperature is very high, you should not go outside if possible, and stay in the house and air-conditioned areas. If there is a need to go out, the necessary precautions must be taken as follows:
  • Drink enough water throughout the day, where dehydration and mineral deficiency causes heat-related injuries.
  • Do physical activity early in the day before the weather gets hot.
  • Reducing caffeine-containing drinks (such as: tea, coffee, etc.).
  • Do not stay or leave the child inside the car in very hot weather.
  • Avoid eating hot and heavy meals so that the body temperature does not increase.
  • When feeling the symptoms of heat cramps or heat stress, the body must be cooled immediately to avoid heatstroke.
Ways to cool the body:
  • Spray the body with cold water, then sit in front of the fan.
  • Move to a shaded area or go to an air-conditioned building or car.
  • Take a cold shower or immerse yourself in a bathtub.
  • Drink enough water.
  • Take off any excess clothing.
  • Apply cold compresses to the neck and armpits.



Last Update : 11 May 2023 11:44 AM
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