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November 25, 2009
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Heat Rash

What happens to the body as a result of exposure to extreme heat?

People suffer heat-related illness when the body's temperature control system is overloaded. The body normally cools itself by sweating. But under some conditions, sweating just isn't enough. In such cases, a person's body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs. Several factors affect the body's ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather. When the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly. Other conditions that can limit the ability to regulate temperature include:

Who is at greatest risk for heat-related illness?

Those at greatest risk for heat-related illness include infants and children up to four years of age, people 65 years of age and older, people who are overweight, and people who are ill or on certain medications.

What is heat rash?

Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. It can occur at any age but is most common in young children.



Next: What does heat rash look like? »

Heat Rash - Describe Your Experience

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Heat Rash

What is sun protection?

Sun protection is simply guarding a body from the adverse effects of sunlight. Aside from the hazards of heat, the sun poses the danger of sunburn, which can permanently damage the skin and cause skin cancer, precancerous changes in the skin, as well as premature wrinkling and signs of aging. Exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun is a known risk factor for the development of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.

How is sunburn best prevented?

The best ways to avoid sunburn are to

  • limit time in the sun, especially between peak sunlight hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.;
  • wear protective clothing, including
    • a broad-brimmed hat,
    • a shirt with sleeves that cover the arms, and
    • a long skirt or pants with long legs; and
  • use a protective sunscreen to minimize the penetration of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.

...

Read the Sun Protection and Sunscreens article »










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