Sun Poisoning vs Heat Stroke: What Seniors at Mission Commons Should Know
The sun sustains all life on Earth. Not getting enough of it can worsen your mood and sleep patterns.
However, getting too much sun is possible. Heat illnesses can be dangerous, especially for seniors, who are at a heightened risk.
It's important to consider when searching for senior living in Redlands, CA. Redlands has a historic downtown and natural beauty, such as Prospect Park. It's also warm, with an average temperature of 94° and a record of 109°.
Read our comparison guide of sun poisoning vs heat stroke so you can identify their symptoms and enjoy the sun safely.
Sun Poisoning vs Heat Stroke
There is a range of heat illnesses to be aware of. Sun poisoning and heat stroke are two of the most common.
They have similar causes but differ in their symptoms and long-term effects.
Causes
Sun poisoning is a severe type of sunburn. It comes from prolonged sun exposure without adequate protection.
Heat stroke occurs when the body's internal temperature exceeds 103°F within 10 to 15 minutes.
Symptoms
Most symptoms of sun poisoning affect the skin. They can include:
- Rashes
- Blisters
- Swelling
- Infection
Heat illness symptoms aren't always obvious. Sun poisoning doesn't always show up on the skin. Additionally, there are more widespread symptoms, including:
- Pain
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Dehydration
There are physical symptoms of heat stroke, such as a high body temperature and profuse sweating. Most are mental. The condition causes an altered mental state due to:
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Seizures
Heat stroke can even lead to a loss of consciousness.
Complications
One of the reasons it can be difficult to distinguish between sun poisoning vs heat stroke is that they do share symptoms. They can both cause nausea, headache, and dizziness.
The major difference is that a heat stroke can cause long-term complications without proper treatment. These include:
- Brain damage
- Organ failure
- Permanent disability
Heat stroke can even cause death. That's why prompt, quick treatment is so necessary.
Treatment
The treatment options for sun poisoning focus on relieving the pain of the rashes or blisters it causes. Options include:
- Aloe vera gel
- Cool compresses
- Oatmeal baths
Clean the blisters with soap and water. Don't pop them, but wait for them to rupture and cover them with petroleum jelly. Don't use corticosteroids such as cortisone.
See your doctor for sun poisoning if you have severe blisters. You should also go if they begin to cause you severe pain or you have more widespread symptoms.
Call emergency services immediately if you suspect a senior has had a heat stroke.
Move them to a cool room. Use wet towels or ice packs to get their internal body temperature down.
Risk Factors
High heat and prolonged exposure to UV radiation are risk factors for all heat illnesses. Certain medications or dehydration are also risks.
Risk factors for sun poisoning include fair skin and inadequate sun protection. Risks for heat stroke include:
- Age
- Obesity
- Sudden temperature changes
- High heat indexes
Why Seniors Have Greater Overheating Risks
The effects of ultraviolet radiation aren't fully understood. What is known is that it's more dangerous for seniors and that it leads to their death more often. What factors explain the increased danger of UV exposure in aging?
Seniors have thinner skin and fewer melanin receptors, limiting their ability to reflect UV rays.
Chronic conditions or medications impair seniors' ability to retain water and weaken their immune systems, making it harder to combat sun-related illnesses. They're even less thirsty, making it more likely for them to get dehydrated.
Prevention and Warm-Weather Health Tips
Avoiding sun illnesses doesn't mean giving up your favorite hobbies; it just requires more preparation.
Summer safety for seniors means taking a few precautions before you go out to ensure you're protected. Then, you can enjoy the benefits of the sun without its harmful effects.
Know Your Medications
Check your medications to ensure there aren't any that could cause dehydration or limit the amount of liquids you can take. Examples of medications that cause increased heat sensitivity include:
- Diuretics
- Antichlolingergics
- Beta blockers
- Stimulants
- Antidepressants
- Antibiotics
- NSAIDs
- Retinoids
Dress for Success
Wear loose, light-colored clothes. Find ones marked with a UPF or ultraviolet protection factor of at least 50.
Also consider accessories such as:
- Hats
- Sunglasses
- Lip balm
Use Sunscreen
Don't forget the sunscreen. Look for broad-spectrum products that protect against UVA and UVB rays.
Reapply it at least every two hours. Try to do it even more often if you know you'll be swimming or heavily sweating.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is one of the best warm-weather health tips. Keep enough water with you at all times.
Bring a canteen, bottle, or cooler with you. You can even share with friends or family when you go out and enjoy activities together.
Plan Your Outdoor Activities
Schedule your outdoor activities. Avoid going outside during peak sun hours.
Make sure that wherever you're going, you can get a drink if the one you brought runs out. Confirm the availability of concession stands or water fountains along your route.
Check if you'll be able to get into the shade if you need to. Look for large trees or bushes to sit under.
Stay Cool Inside
Overheating risks don't go away because you're indoors, so keep your indoor environment cool.
Turn on fans or air conditioning. Have windows you can open if you need to bring in outdoor air, but check that it won't make the temperature even hotter.
Find Cool and Comfortable Senior Living in Redlands, CA
Seniors face a heightened risk of various heat illnesses. Knowing the difference between sun poisoning vs heat stroke helps you react appropriately.
Sun poisoning is a severe sunburn that can be treated with home remedies. Heat stroke is an emergency that requires immediate professional medical care.
Mission Commons offers independent living in Redlands, CA. Residents enjoy an independent, maintenance-free lifestyle. Supportive services are always available.
At Mission Commons in Redlands, you're free to enjoy the community's natural beauty. You can also control the temperature in your apartment to get it exactly to your liking. Contact us for a tour today.