Protect Yourself from Summer Health Hazards

The summer sun brings pool parties, beach days, and more time outdoors. But with weather forecasters predicting this summer to be hotter than those in years’ past in Frederick County, it’s important to take simple steps to prevent common summer health hazards from ruining your plans. 

Sunburn 

When you think of “summer,” the intense heat is one of the first things to come to mind. While tanning on the beach sounds like a nice way to relax, without proper skin protection, prolonged sun exposure can do more harm than many people realize. Sunburn is one of the most common and obvious threats to your skin, but sun poisoning is another risk to consider.  

Sunburn can develop quickly after exposure to the sun’s UV rays and can cause your skin to appear red, feel warm to the touch, and become itchy.  

“A lot of people don’t realize how quickly the sun can affect them,” said Jessica Pecor, Registered Nurse and Director of Emergency Services at Frederick Health. The emergency department can treat severe sunburn, and other heat-related illnesses like heat stroke and heat exhaustion. 

“Even on cloudy days, UV rays can still cause sunburn, so sunscreen should be part of your routine anytime you’re spending time outdoors.”  

Sun poisoning 

Sun poisoning is a severe case of sunburn that can result in blistering, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. If you have sun poisoning, you may need to seek medical care. 

The best way to protect yourself and your skin is to prepare for the summer heat properly with protective clothing and sunscreen. Sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and protective cover-ups are more than just a fashion statement. Wearing sun-protective clothing can go a long way in protecting you from the sun’s harmful UV rays. 

“When you’re outside for long periods, especially if you’re swimming or sweating, sunscreen isn’t a one-and-done application,” said Pecor. “Reapplying every couple of hours helps make sure you’re staying protected throughout the day.” 

If you’re going to be outside for an extended period, be sure to come prepared and, if possible, choose a shadier spot to give yourself a break from the sun. 

When to seek Urgent Care 

If you or a loved one has a severe sunburn, Frederick Health Urgent Care can help. Our advanced healthcare providers can assess your sunburn, diagnose its severity, and recommend treatments such as prescribing topical creams to help relieve pain and discomfort. They can also properly clean and dress any blisters or open wounds to prevent infection. 

If you’re experiencing one or more of the following from your sunburn, seek urgent care for treatment right away: 

• Severe or increasing pain 

• Swelling, fever, or redness that is spreading beyond the sunburned area 

• Blisters or open wounds 

• Signs of heat illness including dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fainting, or confusion. 

• Pre-existing health conditions with severe sunburn 

Dehydration and heat illnesses 

Another common condition that can sneak up on you in the summer is dehydration. Dehydration occurs when your body uses or loses more fluid than it takes in, throwing your body’s normal functions and temperature out of balance. 

“Your body sweats more in the summer heat, dehydrating your body much faster than normal,” said Pecor. “Anyone can become dehydrated, but infants, children, and older adults can be seriously impacted. It’s crucial to stay hydrated to avoid serious injury.” 

Excessive heat can also affect your body’s ability to cool itself down, resulting in heat exhaustion. This can occur either externally or internally, whether you are in a hot environment for an extended period (such as a hot car or outdoor space) or participating in an activity that’s physically demanding and heating you up from within (sports or physical labor).  

You may feel physically weak, nauseous, and dizzy. Do not ignore these symptoms—act by staying hydrated, taking breaks, and head to a colder area to cool down. If these symptoms start to get worse, call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately. It is crucial to stay hydrated, pay attention to your body, and pace yourself. 

Left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke. Heat stroke occurs when your body temperature soars dangerously high, typically above 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). 

You may experience the same symptoms as heat exhaustion, but heat stroke can lead to confusion, organ damage, and even death. If you or someone around you has signs or symptoms of heat stroke, call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately.  

Get care when you need it 

Don’t let sunburn, dehydration, or heat illness cut your summer short. Knowing where to get proper care for your injuries can make all the difference when summer heat takes a toll. For moderate sunburns and rashes, Frederick Health Urgent Care in Emmitsburg is available to get same-day relief. If you’re far from an urgent care location, you can also schedule a virtual care appointment at frederickhealth.org/VirtualVisit. 

If you’re experiencing signs of heat stroke, chest pain, severe vomiting, or extreme fatigue, call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room. 

And for tips on staying healthy all season long, your primary care provider can help you build a summer safety plan tailored to you and your family’s needs. If you have a pre-existing health condition that might be affected by extreme weather, your primary care provider can also help you form a plan to prepare for and prevent any problems when the weather takes a turn.  

Schedule a visit or find a provider at FrederickHealth.org/FindAProvider. Frederick Health wishes you a safe and fun summer!