Heat Rash Center - Santa Cruz, CA
WebMD Physician DirectorySanta Cruz, CaliforniaUpcoming Local Events2012-06-16
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Heat RashWhat 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. What does heat rash look like?Heat rash looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters. It is more likely to occur on the neck and upper chest, in the groin, under the breasts, and in elbow creases. How is heat rash treated?The best treatment for heat rash is to provide a cooler, less humid environment. Keep the affected area dry. Dusting powder may be used to increase comfort, but avoid using ointments or creams-they keep the... Recommended Reading Related to Heat RashObesity facts
Other Related Heat Rash ArticlesEmergency Contact for Santa Cruz
Nearby Santa Cruz Hospitals * Dominican Hospital  Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center  Watsonville Community Hospital  Good Samaritan Hospital Mission Oaks  Good Samaritan Hospital San Jose  El Camino Hospital of Los Gatos  Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center  Santa Clara Valley Medical Center  O'Connor Hospital  Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Medical Center  Saint Louise Regional Hospital  El Camino Hospital  Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula  Regional Medical Center of San Jose  Natividad Medical Center  VA Palo Alto Health Care System  Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System  Stanford Hospital & Clinics  Lucile Packard Children's Hospital  Menlo Park Surgical Hospital Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
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Dehydration
- Dehydration is the excessive loss of body water. There are a number of causes of dehydration including heat exposure, prolonged vigorous exercise, and some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The best way to treat dehydration is to prevent it from occurring.
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Heat Stroke
- Heat stroke (heatstroke or sun stroke) is a form of hyperthermia. Heat stroke is a true medical emergency that can be fatal if not promptly and properly treated. Symptoms of heat stroke include: high body temperature, absence of sweating, with hot red or flushed dry skin, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, strange behavior, hallucinations, confusion, agitation, disorientation, seizure, and coma. A victim of heat stroke must receive immediate treatment to avoid permanent organ damage.
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Heat Exhaustion
- Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement fluids. Warning signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and fainting.
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Fever
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Obesity
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Sunburn (Sun Poisoning)
- Sunburn is caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun. UV rays can also damage the eyes. Repeated overexposure to UV rays also increases the risk for scarring, freckles, wrinkles, and dry skin. Symptoms of sunburn include painful, red, tender, and hot skin. The skin may blister, swell, and peel. Sun poisoning (severe sunburn) include nausea, fever, chills, rapid pulse, dizziness and more. Treatment for sunburn depends upon the severity. Sun protection and sunscreen for an individual's skin type is recommended to decrease the chance of sunburn.
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Sun-Sensitive Drugs (Photosensitivity to Drugs)
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Sunscreen
- Sunscreens are crucial for sun protection. Sun damage to the skin from exposure to ultraviolet rays is a risk factor for skin cancer and melanoma. To avoid sunburn, people should limit sun exposure during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., wear protective clothing, and use a sunscreen. People with sensitive skin should use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more.
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Heat-Related Illness
- Hyperthermia is the overheating of the body. Heat-related illnesses like heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat rash, and sunburn are all hyperthermia conditions. Treatment of these conditions depends upon the condition, environment, and circumstances. Heat stroke is a medical emergency, and may result in death if not treated promptly. Heat exhaustion may lead to heat stroke if not treated properly.
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Heat Cramps
- Heat cramps usually affect people who sweat a lot during strenuous activity or work in a hot humid environment. Symptoms of heat cramps are muscle pains or spasms, usually in the abdomen, arms or legs that occur in association with strenuous activity. Heat cramps is part of a group of heat-related illnesses.
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First Aid
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Hurricane Preparedness
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