. . . . and especially so on a cloudy day, for he
can burn you even then—and very seriously, too.
Though the sun itself may not be visible, it s
possible for its rays to filter through the clouds.
Too, reflections of the rays from a body of water
or from ice, snow, or sand increases the rate of
burning, resulting usually in first or second de
gree skin burns.
Gradual exposure to the sun’s rays, increasing
the length of time each day, to build up a pro
tective coat of tan is the best sunburn prevention.
Application of olive oil, cocoa butter, or some
good burn ointment before exposure helps by
keeping the skin soft.
After exposure, calamine lotion and oil, like
olive oil and cocoa butter will provide some re
lief. A wet dressing of an Epsom Salts solution
is excellent in severe cases. If blistering is ex
tensive, a dressing of sterile petrolatum-coated
gauze should be used. If the burn is extensive,
or, if a fever develops, a doctor should be called
at once.
SUNSTROKE AND HEAT STROKE
These conditions have the same symptoms, al
though the cause may be slightly different. It is
sunstroke if the cause is direct exposure to the
HOW TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN
SUNSTROKE AND HEAT EXHAUSTION
Sunstroke and Heat Stroke
Cause: Exposure to heat, particularly
the sun’s rays.
Symptoms: Headache, red face, skin
hot and dry, no sweating, pulse strong ^
and rapid, very high temperature, usually
unconscious.
Treatment: Call a doctor, cool body
with bath or cokl applications, patient
lies with head elevated, no stimulants.
Heat Exhaustion
Cause; Exposure to heat, either sun’s
rays or indoors.
Symptoms: Pale face, skin moist and
cool, sweating profusely, pulse weak, ^
temperature low, often faint but seldom
remains unconscious for more than a few
minutes.
Treatment: Keep head level or low.
Give salt. Coffee or tea may help. Ex
ternal heat needed in severe cases.
sun’s rays; heat stroke if the cause is excessive in
door heat. For symptoms and treatment see dia
gram below.
If you notice the beginning of any symptoms,
find a cool place to rest immediately. If you have
ever had sunstroke you are particularly vulnerable
and should exercise proper caution.
HEAT EXHAUSTION
This condition is caused both by direct expos
ure to the sun’s rays and by excessive indoor heat.
People who have not been in good health or who
are intemperate are especially susceptible to true
heat exhaustion. Loss of salt from the body is the
chief cause. Symptoms and treatments are listed
in the diagram.
HEAT CRAMPS
The cramps occur usually in the abdominal
muscles or in the limbs. They are extremely pain
ful and may or may not be accompanied by the
symptoms of heat exhaustion.
First aid is the same as for heat exhaustion.
Give the patient salt water, a teaspoonful to a pint,
in small drinks at frequent intervals. Firm hand
pressure applied to the muscles of the limbs will
often relieve the cramps.
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