Heat Stroke, Heat Waves, and Heat Exhaustion: Sunscreen for Heat Safety

As the summer of 2023 begins, The United States is dealing with an unprecedented and relentless heat wave that has swept across the nation. Temperatures have skyrocketed to historic levels, leaving millions of people struggling to cope with the scorching heat.

According to news statistics from the New York Times, the middle of July 2023 probably the earth’s hottest on record (global surface air temperature). It has been stated that huge regions of the United States are experiencing record high temperatures, and that over 78 million people, or nearly a quarter of the US population, reside in places where deadly levels of heat are forecast in near future.

Global Warming and Heat Wave

According to NASA, human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and industrialization limit heat loss to space, resulting in higher greenhouse gas concentrations. The greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane, chlorofluorocarbons, and water vapor) absorb the majority of the heat and radiate it in all directions, warming the globe. These conditions can be managed if there are fewer deforestations as well as robust reforestation measures.

Oceans covers more than two third of the earth’s surface and play an important role in regulating the earth’s temperature since they observe more than 90% of the heat trapped in the atmosphere as greenhouse effects increase.

Extreme heat or heat exhaustion affects everyone, but vulnerable populations such as the elderly, small children, pregnant women, and people with systemic health issues are especially sensitive. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are more than six types of heat related disorders, with heatstroke being the most serious. Heat Rash, Heat Exhaustion, Heat Syncope, Heat Cramps, and Rhabdomyolysis are the additional heat related illnesses.

Heat Related Disorders

Heatstroke

As per Mayo Clinic, heatstroke (hyperthermia) is a medical condition triggered by the body’s overheating, often due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures or intense physical activity in hot weather. The most severe form of heat related injury, heatstroke, arises when the body temperature reaches or exceeds 104F (40C). This condition predominantly occurs during the peak summer period. Immediate and urgent medical attention is essential in cases of heatstroke.

Failure to promptly address heatstroke can lead to rapid and severe damage to vital organs such as the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles. The longer the treatment is delayed, the greater the risk of serious complications or even fatal outcomes. The commonly observed symptoms for the heatstroke are confusion, altered mental state, slurred speech, unconsciousness, dry skin, extreme sweating, seizure, and extremely high blood pressure.

Heat Exhaustion

As reported by Cleveland clinic, heat exhaustion occurs when the body experiences overheating, making it unable to regulate its temperature effectively. This condition often arises during physical exertion or any rigorous outdoor activities, particularly in hot and humid conditions.

During such activities, body naturally releases excess of fluids and salt through sweating as a cooling mechanism. However, failure to replenish these lost fluids including salt by drinking water or other hydrating liquids can lead to dehydration. Consequently, dehydration increases the likelihood of developing heat exhaustion, posing a significant risk to your well being. The commonly observed symptoms of dehydration due to heat wave are thirst, less frequent urination than normal, darker urine color, dry skin, tiredness, dizziness and/or fainting, and headache.

The commonly observed symptoms for heat exhaustion include muscle cramping, fatigue, headache, nausea and/or vomiting, and dizziness and/or fainting.

Heat Rash

As mentioned over WebMD, heat rash, commonly known as “prickly heat,” is a skin condition that frequently occurs during heatwaves when temperatures soar to extreme levels. Excessive heat and profuse sweating can lead to the development of heat rash, causing certain areas of the skin to feel prickly or sting due to overheating.

In medical terms, heat rash is referred to as “Miliaria Crystallina” or “Miliaria Rubra.” While it can affect individuals of all ages, it becomes more prevalent during heatwaves, posing a particular risk to vulnerable groups such as babies, young children, the elderly, and those with limited access to cooling facilities.

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps represent the least severe manifestation of heat related illnesses, characterized by distressing muscle cramps and spasms, as reported by John Hopkins Medicine. These discomforting symptoms typically arise during or following vigorous physical activities and profuse sweating in elevated temperatures.

Heat Stroke/Heat Exhaustion in Pets

According to American Animal Hospital Association, heatstroke and heat exhaustion also effects the pets especially dogs and cats as they have fewer sweat glands and cannot cool off by sweating like humans.

Sun Protection Measures to Prevent Heat Waves Related Illnesses

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends several steps for preventing heat related illnesses, including staying cool, staying hydrated, and staying informed. Among the preventative measures are:

Remain Indoor: Keeping cool by staying indoors as much as possible, particularly in a setting with air conditioning.

Limit Physical Activities: Refraining from vigorous outdoor activities, particularly during the hottest hours of the day.

Dress Appropriately: Dress in light colored, loose fitting clothing. Light colors reflect heat and sunlight, assisting in the maintenance of normal body temperature.

Proper Face Covering: Wearing a wide brimmed hat to protect the face from direct sunlight.

Limit Sun Exposure: Avoiding excessive sunlight since sunburn reduces the skin’s capacity to cool itself. Applying sunscreen with a high SPF.

Increase Liquid Intake: Drinking plenty of water on frequent basis, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoiding excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, as it might result in dehydration.

Attentive to Children: Never leave children unattended in cars in hot weather, as the interior temperature can quickly rise to deadly levels.

Pet Care: Make sure pets are not left outside for extended periods of time without adequate shade and drinking water

Being Vigilant: Keep an eye on the well being of family, friends, and neighbors, especially those who may be susceptible to heat related disorders.

Sunburn, Sunlight, and Heat Waves Protection

Repeated sun exposure has the potential to cause both short term and long term changes in structure and appearance of the skin. Approximately 95% of the UV radiation reaching our skin is ultraviolet A light (UVA). It is primarily responsible for chronic effects such as photoaging, wrinkling, and age spots. Ultraviolet B rays (UVB) makes up a smaller percentage but may be potentially even more harmful, as these rays are the primary cause of sunburns. However, both UVA and UVB are responsible for long term skin damage including skin cancer.

Exposure to UV radiation can cause numerous health effects like skin cancer, cataracts and eye cancer. Types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in every five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70, and more than two people die from skin cancer in the United States every hour.

Role of Sunscreens for Sun & Heat Waves Protection

Sunscreens have been used since ancient civilizations to prevent sun exposure by blocking the sunrays. Sunscreen is recommended for all skin types and ages (except babies under 6 months). According to Skin Cancer Institute, sunscreen ingredients are categorized into two types of active ingredients.

Physical sunscreen ingredients (including titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) that block and scatter the rays (like a shield) before they penetrate the skin.

Chemical sunscreen ingredients (like avobenzone and octisalate) that absorb UV rays (like a sponge) before they can damage the skin.

Choosing the right sunscreen for proper skin protection while also being environment friendly (coral reef safe) is very important. American Academy of Dermatological Association recommends following steps for effective sunscreen application.

• SPF 30 or higher, with water resistance and broad spectrum coverage to protect skin from UVA and UVB rays.

• Applying sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outside to allow the skin to absorb it and begin guarding against damaging UV radiation.

• Applying sunscreen liberally and thoroughly massaging it into your skin.

• Use sunscreen on all exposed areas, including the neck, face, ears, back, feet, and legs.

• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating, to keep it effective against the sun.

H2Ocean Surfer Choice SPF 50 Sunscreen

 H2Ocean Surfer Choice SPF 50 Sunscreen is one of the top sunscreens on the market today:

Best Sunscreen with Perfect Heat Wave Protection

Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum Protection: H2Ocean Surfer Choice SPF 50 Sunscreen provides the broad spectrum coverage from both type of harmful UV rays (UVA and UVB).

Sunscreen with Higher SPF:  H2Ocean Surfer Choice SPF 50 Sunscreen has sun protection factor 50 (SPF 50) that makes it extremely powerful that blocks 98% of UVB radiation.

Dry Mist Fast Action: H2Ocean Sunscreen has dry mist action. It dries in 30 seconds making it highly convenient on the go solution for quick heat wave and sun protection.

Convenient to Spray: H2Ocean Surfer Choice SPF 50 Sunscreen has 360 degree sprayer bag on valve technology. With no pressure needed that makes it easier than ever to use.

H2Ocean: Best Sunscreen for Skin

Natural Skin Hydration: H2Ocean Surfer Choice SPF 50 Sunscreen is loaded with aloe vera & jojoba extract. It helps with natural skin hydration that prevents akin aging as well. Aloe vera is a medicinal plant rich in minerals, vitamins, enzymes and amino acids. Aloe vera also has natural skin calming and protection properties. Jajoba extracts has lot of skin beneficial properties including humectant ingredients that keeps the skin nourished, toned and hydrated.

Sunscreen for Tattoo Protection: H2Ocean Surfer Choice SPF 50 Sunscreen contains Tattoo Protek to shield ink from damaging UV rays. It keeps the tattoo bright and prevent them from fading from the harmful UV sunrays.

Allergy Free Sunscreen: H2Ocean Surfer Choice SPF 50 Sunscreen is non scented. It does not contain any artificial chemical fragrances. Altogether, making it safe and allergy free for use.

Oil Free & Non Sticky Sunscreen: H2Ocean Surfer Choice SPF 50 Sunscreen dries in 30 seconds with no oily residue. This makes it very convenient and non sticky to use each time for heat wave protection.

Sweat & Water Resistant Sunscreen: H2Ocean Surfer Choice SPF 50 Sunscreen provides over 80 minutes of sweat and water resistant. It  provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays. It works efficiently during swimming, surfing, fishing, outdoor exercises, physical activities including all the water sports.

H2Ocean: Best Sunscreen for Environment

Reef Safe Sunscreen: Majority of commercial sunscreens in the market that are harmful to ocean corals. H2Ocean Surfer Choice Sunscreen is reef safe. H2Ocean Surfer Choice SPF 50 UVA/UVB Sunscreen does not contain Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, nano particles or parabens.

Eco Friendly Sunscreen: Since 2001, H2Ocean has paced a strong emphasis on not formulating products that heals using sea minerals from the Red Sea. H2Ocean also laid significant emphasis on protecting the eco systems that sustain us. Every H2Ocean product has come from this idea, and demonstrates H2ocean’s commitment to protecting the environment and human health.

References

CDC | Heat Stress – Heat Related Illness

The New York Times | Extreme Heat in US, by Numbers

NASA | Global Climate Change

Mayo Clinic | Heatstroke

Cleveland Clinic | Heat Exhaustion

WebMD | What is Heat Rash?

John Hopkins Medicine | Heat-Related Illnesses

AAHA | how can I prevent heatstroke in my pet?

Skin Cancer Foundation | Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics

AAD | How to Apply Sunscreen?