Sunstroke & Heatstroke: Symptoms & Treatment in Summer

Sunstroke is the most common type of heatstroke with symptoms of headache, nausea, and sweating, and is treated with coolness, cold compresses, and plenty of water.

Sunstroke & Heatstroke: Tips for prevention and treatment

Sunstroke & Heatstroke Sunstroke , also known as hyperthermia , is the most common type of heatstroke . Prolonged exposure to the sun results in the body's thermoregulatory center becoming " disoriented ," leading to the overheating of the body! Our body , to maintain its temperature at normal levels, uses certain mechanisms such as: Sweating Increased breathing Vasodilation When these mechanisms are insufficient to maintain body temperature , because we want to continue sunbathing or exercising outdoors, then sunstroke - heatstroke occurs. And of course, sunstroke - heatstroke does not come alone! It is accompanied by certain symptoms , depending on its severity !

Sunstroke: Symptoms Sunstroke can be mild , moderate (heatstroke) , or severe . Mild Sunstroke: Fatigue Dizziness Profuse sweating Redness of the skin Moderate Sunstroke (Heatstroke): Headache Dizziness Nausea - Vomiting Reduced sweating Tachycardia Increased breathing Fever up to 39°C Fainting tendency Cramps Skin blisters - Sunburn Severe Sunstroke: Paleness Mental confusion Hallucinations - Delirium Seizures Fainting Fever up to 41°C Brain damage Involuntary urination & defecation « Sunstroke - heatstroke must be recognized and treated promptly, otherwise it can be life-threatening »

Sunstroke - Heatstroke: Treatment Ideally, go to a place with air conditioning! If this is not possible, find a cool, shady spot. Drink lots, lots and LOTS of water! Apply cold compresses to your body or at least to your neck. Lie down and keep your head slightly elevated. Take a cool shower for a good amount of time. We said cool!!! NOT freezing! Make sure you have someone with you in case you feel dizzy.

Prevention of Sunstroke & Heatstroke Do not go out in the sun between 12:00 & 15:00. During these hours, the sun is very high, and there is no shade anywhere! Stay in a shady and cool place! You can still get a tan there! Wear a hat and sunglasses. Drink water frequently and in large quantities! Eat a little salt! (With intense sweating, salt is expelled from the body, leading to a drop in electrolyte levels). Do not consume alcohol. Eat light meals. Preferably, fruits and vegetables. Take many dips or showers! Avoid physical exercise in the sun! « Some groups of people are more vulnerable to sunstroke, including the elderly, children, and infants »

Useful Summer Tips Prevention is the best cure! To avoid sunstroke , follow the guidelines below! Do not expose yourself to the sun for many hours. Wear light and light-colored clothes. Drink plenty of water. Eat fruits and vegetables, and generally follow a hydrating diet. Avoid physical exercise in the sun and when there are high temperatures. Written by Facemed Scientific Team on - Reviewed by Dr. Christoforos Loizidis updated Jun 17, 2025 More Articles Why should I have facial mesotherapy in the summer? 5 tips for protecting your facial skin in the summer! Sunburn: Did you overdo it with sunbathing? VIEW ALL