Latest news with #sunburn
CTV News
6 hours ago
- Health
- CTV News
Hot weather, cool pets: Summer safety tips
Winnipeg Watch Kara Holik from the Winnipeg Humane Society shares how to keep pets safe from heatstroke, sunburn, and more.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Summer 2025 brings killer heat. Here are some surprising ways to stay safe.
Summer 2025 has arrived. It's starting off hot, and the forecast says get used to it. A hot summer isn't just uncomfortable — it's dangerous. Heat killed more people in the United States in 2024 than floods, tornadoes, wind or hurricanes, according to a report on weather-related fatalities published by the National Weather Service. The 30-year average tells the same story. Heat danger comes in many different forms. Sun exposure can damage your skin; sweating dehydrates you; humidity prevents sweat from doing its job; your body stops functioning property when it gets too hot. That can all quickly cascade into a life-threatening or deadly illness, even in otherwise healthy people. Some heat safety tips are obvious — but some are surprising. (Do you know how much water to drink while in the heat? It's probably more than you think.) Here's what to know: Keep your cool: Experts on how to stay safe, avoid sunburns in record-high temps Use sunblock or sunscreen: And reapply it regularly (every 2 hours is a good baseline.) Dress for the heat: Pick loose fitting, light colored and lightweight clothes, the National Weather Service recommends. Don't leave kids or pets in the car: The temperature quickly becomes deadly — even if it's not that hot outside. Check the weather: Your favorite weather app should have a wealth of information about UV index (for sunblock purposes), heat warnings and the feels-like temperature (more on why that's important below.) has additional information about the forecast and heat risk. Bring water: You'll need multiple bottles of water per person if you're spending extended time out in the sun. (How many bottles? Read more here.) Seek shade and air conditioning: Minimize your risk by staying cool and avoiding direct sun when you can. Know your risks: Heat is dangerous for everyone, but some people are more vulnerable than others. Being a child, over 65 or pregnant puts you at greater risk, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. How long does sunscreen last? A guide to expiration dates, and if waterproof really works When the humidity is high, sweating isn't as effective at cooling the body. That makes it feel hotter than it is — and increases the danger. The heat index is a measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature. When the heat index reaches 105 degrees or higher, conditions can quickly become dangerous for both people and pets. A lot. In Arizona, officials recommend drinking about 65 ounces of water a day, even if you're mostly indoors. It's even more urgent for people working outdoors in extreme heat. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration says outdoor workers should drink at least 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes, even if they're not thirsty. If you're drinking 16-ounce bottles of water, that would be 3 bottles every 2 hours. Your body may need to replenish electrolytes – but be careful about sugary or caffeinated drinks if you're trying to stay hydrated. Kelly Olino, assistant professor of surgical oncology at the Yale School of Medicine, previously told USA TODAY that people can dilute a bottle of Gatorade with water to replenish both water and replace salt losses from extended sweating. "In the extreme heat, with sweating, we're losing pure water, but we're also losing salt," she said. Excessive heat and humidity make it difficult for your body to regulate its temperature. Here are some of the signs and symptoms of heat illness, according to the CDC. The National Athletic Trainers' Association says heat stroke can quickly turn deadly. The association says to watch out for: Altered consciousness ("seizures, confusion, emotional instability, irrational behavior or decreased mental acuity") Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea Headache, dizziness or weakness Increased heart rate Decreased blood pressure or fast breathing Dehydration Combativeness A person with a temperature around 104 degrees is in a life-threatening situation — they need immediate medical treatment. One incredibly effective treatment: An ice-filled tub. Contributing: Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY; Raphael Romero Ruiz, Arizona Republic; Cheryl McCloud, Pensacola News Journal This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Summer 2025 heat safety tips: How much water to drink and more
Medscape
2 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Ice Relieves Itch? Think Beyond the Skin
Intense itching of the upper arms following sun exposure is often dismissed as a harmless skin reaction. However, this may indicate a neuropathic condition. Brachioradial pruritus (BRP) is a rare and frequently overlooked cause of pruritus, typically localised to the arms and triggered by ultraviolet (UV) radiation in patients with underlying radiculopathy. BRP is a subtype of neuropathic pruritus that occurs most often in fair-skinned women. The Patient and His History A 41-year-old White woman with a past medical history of generalised anxiety disorder and sunburns presented to her general physician (GP) with complaints of sunburn to the bilateral arms, pins and needles, and extreme itching sensation in the bilateral upper arms. The patient reported that the rash worsened with heat and improved with ice. She also endorsed changes in colour to the rash, hot to touch, tender, mild swelling, and significant nighttime awakening related to the pain associated with the rash. Earlier treatments with lotions, over-the-counter cortisone cream, and oral Benadryl failed. Only ice application provided brief relief. Findings and Diagnosis The patient's vital signs were stable. Physical examination revealed dark erythema on the sunburned areas of the bilateral upper arms and an atypical skin rash. She was referred for both dermatological and neurologic evaluations. The dermatologist performed a punch biopsy and allergy test, which showed a nickel allergy. The biopsy report showed sparse lymphohistiocytic, superficial, perivascular inflammatory cell infiltrates; features were non-specific, with suggestions that they may be seen in some drug or viral exanthems, gyrate erythema, urticaria, tumid lupus erythematosus, pigmented purpuric dermatosis, and post-inflammatory pigmentary alteration. The neurologist recommended an MRI of the cervical spine that was normal. The patient was diagnosed with abnormal skin changes and sensory disturbance in the right lateral upper arm with a C5 dermatomal distribution, with recommendations to have dermatology refill topical pain medication (gabapentin 6%, ketamine 4%, and lidocaine 3% cream) and have the GP titrate up the gabapentin dose. Based on the overall clinical picture and through exclusion of other causes, the GP diagnosed BRP. The treatment involved a topical formulation containing gabapentin, ketamine, and lidocaine, with oral gabapentin for neuropathic pain. Within 1 month of initiating therapy, the patient experienced marked improvement in both the rash and associated symptoms. Discussion The aetiology of BRP is unknown. It has been attributed to prolonged solar radiation exposure in the summer months, exacerbating underlying cervical spine issues, and is associated with cervical nerve root injury in the setting of osteoarthritis or trauma, resulting in the compression of the nerve root. Multiple studies have found that BRP is associated with cervical radiculopathy in approximately 57% of patients. The itch and rash associated with BRP are mostly located on the dorsolateral aspect of sun-exposed forearms and are exacerbated by sun exposure. In 75% of cases, both arms were involved. Other neuropathic conditions, such as notalgia paresthetica, similarly involve spinal abnormalities with dermatomal localisation of itching. One theory proposes that UV radiation damages peripheral nerve endings and may also lead to neuropathic BRP in individuals predisposed to cervical spinal disease. Most patients describe itch as picking, prickling, burning, or plain itch involving the unilateral or bilateral dorsolateral forearms, which are neuropathic features, suggesting that BRP can be associated with a neurogenic origin. Patients with BRP report that the application of ice packs provides relief from itching. This is called the ice-pack sign, a key diagnostic indicator of BRP, which is pathognomonic for BRP. This sign was evident in the present case, with itching worsening upon exposure to sunlight and being relieved when ice packs were placed on her forearms bilaterally. Treatment for BRP has been difficult, but some reported treatments include oral gabapentin, topical capsaicin, oral carbamazepine, cervical spine manipulation, neck traction, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medications, surgical resection of the cervical ribs, and sunlight avoidance. In this patient, symptoms improved significantly within 1 month following treatment with oral gabapentin and a topical containing gabapentin, ketamine, and lidocaine. Early recognition and diagnosis of BRP by taking a thorough history and physical examination and the utilisation of the ice-pack test are critical for prompt management and avoiding unnecessary workup. Thorough history taking, focused physical examination, and use of the ice-pack test are critical diagnostic steps. In patients presenting with sunburn to the bilateral arms, pins and needle sensation, extreme itching sensation in the bilateral upper arms, neuropathic dysesthesia of the dorsolateral upper extremities, a visible rash, and stating improvement of pruritus with cold compresses, BRP should be considered as a top differential.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Cancer specialists warn of critical mistake people with thinning hair make as heatwave grips the UK
Balding men were today urged to take extra care during Britain's sizzling heatwave, amid a surge in deadly skin cancer cases. The UK is set to bask in 26C (79F) temperatures from today with the mercury predicted to soar even further to a potential 32C (90f) by next week —as hot as Barbados and Malibu. While many will be enjoying what has been dubbed the 'Mediterranean melt', experts have warned that men's exposed scalps puts them at extra risk of sunburn. Research shows almost 9 in 10 melanoma cases—around 17,100 each year—are caused by cellular damage from UV and UVB rays from the sun and tanning beds. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, accounting for four out of five deaths, but only one per cent of total cases. Yet, rates of the disease are predicted to soar yet again this year—up a fifth in just two years. The head and neck is the second most common site for melanomas in men. Dr Ross Perry, medical director of Cosmedics, told MailOnline men were at particular risk because many fail to apply SPF thoroughly on their exposed skin—if at all. He said: 'Men who are bald or experiencing hair thinning are at a significantly higher risk of developing skin cancer, particularly on the scalp, as this is an area often overlooked in daily SPF routines. 'The scalp is one of the most sun-exposed parts of the body, yet many men fail to apply sunscreen there, assuming their hair still offers adequate protection. 'However, as hair density decreases, UV rays directly impact the sensitive skin of the scalp, which is just as vulnerable, if not more so than other areas of the body. 'Studies have shown that skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are more frequently found on the head and neck, and melanoma on the scalp carries a worse prognosis due to later detection. 'Therefore it's best to apply a broad-spectrum SPF daily, even during winter, always wear a hats, and regular skin checks are super important for sun safety in men with thinning or no hair.' Many Britons fail to apply enough sun cream, or fail to apply it correctly. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends around one teaspoon-sized dollop of sun cream per limb, equating to around seven teaspoons if you are applying the product to your whole body. Extra is needed for the face, head and scalp, neck and tops of the ears. Sunscreen also needs to be re-applied regularly throughout the day, especially when you have been swimming in the sea or a pool or getting a sweat on whilst going for a run. It's also important not to use out of date sun cream, as a rule, it only has a shelf life of around two years from when it is first opened. In 2020, a Cancer Research UK survey found that just 37 per cent of people take their sun cream with them to apply throughout the day. A similar proportion also don't bother with sunscreen when in the garden or exercising outside. People also think that cloudy or overcast days mean you don't need to apply sun cream, but you can still burn and therefore should use it. The sun is highest in the sky and at its strongest in the middle of the day, so, where possible, people should try to stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm. There's also a common misconception that skin cancer only affects people with white or paler skin. A 2021 review article published in the journal Skin Health & Disease found that the risk of skin cancer in those with darker skin is underestimated. It also found that people with darker skin are less likely to use sunscreen, are less likely to report sunburn and tend to seek medical help for skin cancers later. The NHS says that although people with brown or black skin are less likely to get skin cancer than people with lighter skin, you should still take care in the sun and avoid getting burnt, as people of all skin tones can get skin cancer. Those with darker skin tones may not get obvious colour changes with sunburn—it might manifest itself in the form of sore, itchy and tender skin instead. People with black or brown skin most often get melanoma on the soles of the feet, palms of the hands, or under a nail. Melanoma is the UK's fifth most common cancer. But figures released by Cancer Research UK project an estimated record high of 21,300 cases of melanoma in 2025 in Britain. Cases of melanoma have doubled in women and tripled in men between 1993 and 2021. Melanoma does not solely affect the skin on the face, body, and limbs, it can also develop on other areas vulnerable to sun damage—the mouth, scalp, nail beds, soles of the feet, palm of the hands and fingers. Awareness of this type of cancer is increasing, partly spurred on by celebrities including Hugh Jackman, 56, Katherine Ryan, 41, Khloe Kardashian, 40, and Molly-Mae Hague, 25 openly sharing their diagnoses. To avoid the disease, experts advise using sunscreen with a high SPF, applying it 30 minutes before going outside, covering up as much as possible to avoid sunburn, and keeping babies and children out of the sun.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
6 hot weather health mistakes a doctor wants you to stop making
When the sunshine makes a rare appearance in our typically grey country, there's no better feeling than heading out into the heat to bask in the glorious weather. But with parts of the UK set to enjoy a mini heatwave this week, with some regions reaching a toasty 29 degrees, it's never been more important to stay sun safe. From applying your SPF haphazardly to going too hard with your training, there's a plethora of hot weather mistakes Brits commonly make in the summer months. Keen to avoid them? Here's what a doctor wants you to know ahead of this weekend's mini heatwave. When you've got plans to throw a towel down in the park, it's tempting to rush out of the house and apply your sunscreen once you've snagged a prime picnic spot. But Doctify-rated dermatologist Dr Sweta Rai warns against this strategy. "The most common heatwave mistake I see people making is putting sunscreen on once they're out in the sun," she notes. Sunburn can occur in less than 15 minutes when you're exposed to the sun's rays, but as the tell-tale red inflammation can take hours to develop, many people don't realise their skin is at risk. "I always recommend applying suncream an hour before you leave the house and carrying a bottle in your bag so you can reapply regularly," Rai adds. Speaking of re-application, Rai says that hot weather perspiration can quickly wash away a protective layer of suncream. "If you can feel sweat forming in areas like the elbows and back, wipe the moisture away with a tissue or towel, and reapply your suncream immediately," she advises. The same goes if you're planning to swim. "If you're in water, be mindful of the fact that your suncream will only last for around 40 minutes," she adds. "You could set a timer on your phone if you're heading into the pool for a swim, and reapply your cream once the alarm goes off." If you're currently in the midst of a marathon training plan, you don't need to ditch your training sessions entirely. However, it's important to time them correctly. "You want to avoid doing outdoor exercise between 11 to 3pm when the sun is at its hottest, and the UV is at its highest," stresses Rai. Not only will this keep you safe from a potentially nasty sunburn, but exercising in the blistering sun can increase your risk of heat exhaustion too. "Most smart watches and phones have a feature that records the UV index," Rai continues. "If the meter is showing a moderate or high recording, you might want to consider taking your workout indoors, or at the very least, liberally applying a good layer of suncream." When it comes to SPF, there are some seriously exposed spots on our bodies that we often tend to forget, like our ears, eyelids and hair parting. "Many of these delicate areas project from the body, which means they're getting a lot of sun exposure when we're out and about," warns Rai."During the summer, I see lots of patients coming in with painful red burns on the tips of their ears and the backs of their necks, so it's always important to pay special attention to these areas when you're applying your suncream." Regardless of whether you're planning to hit the gym this weekend, stocking the fridge with a few sports drinks can help you to avoid dehydration when the mercury rises - which can cause headaches and nausea. These 'isotonic' drinks contain similar concentrations of salt and sugar as in the human body, helping you to replenish the electrolytes you lose in your sweat. "If you're you're outdoors in the heat and sweating a lot, then rehydrating with something more than just water might be helpful," adds Rai. Finally, it's a myth that you should be reaching for your lightest and breeziest clothing on hot days. "Wearing loose clothing is always a good idea for air flow, but when it comes to fabrics, its best to opt for those that are a slightly thicker, as these don't let the UV light filter through," explains Rai. "Denim is a surprisingly good fabric to wear in the sun as it has a thicker weave and darker colour which provides more protection from UV." Rai's bonus heatwave tip? "If you hold your clothing up against the window and can see tiny holes with light filtering through the fabric, it's probably not going to give you decent protection from sun damage," she notes. "If you want to be extra careful, some companies now produce UPF clothing that's specially designed to block out UV light. "This can be especially useful if you know you're going to be spending long periods of time in the sun and don't want to put yourself at higher risk of summer health issues." Read more about health: Will the hot weather make hay fever worse? (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read) Four ways to stay hydrated in high temperatures, according to science (Yahoo News UK, 4-min read) The 4 most important things to check on your sunscreen, according to a dermatologist (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)
