On the Sunny Side of Health: Who is Most Loved by the Sun
Long, sunny days are finally here! This is a wonderful time of year when we can spend time outdoors, enjoying nature, pools, and numerous open-air activities. However, along with all the joys summer brings, increasingly severe heatwaves require extra caution.
Extreme heat carries numerous health risks, from heatstroke and specific sun allergies to serious conditions we rarely associate with high temperatures at first glance, such as cardiovascular issues.
In this blog, we explore how our bodies react to heat, who needs to be especially careful, and how you can enjoy the summer safely.
Health Reactions During Heatwaves
When temperatures approach the forty-degree mark, our bodies make a tremendous effort to maintain a normal operating temperature of 37°C. When these thermoregulatory mechanisms fail, serious health conditions can occur.
Heatstroke (Hyperthermia)
Heatstroke is one of the most serious conditions caused by extreme heat. It occurs when the body completely loses its ability to regulate temperature, causing body heat to spike drastically in a short period, often over 40°C.
⚠️ Critical Heatstroke Symptoms:
- Severe, throbbing headache and confusion
- Extreme fatigue, weakness, and dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Red flags: The skin becomes red, hot, and completely dry as sweating stops, accompanied by an extremely rapid pulse. This condition requires emergency medical attention!
Temperature Shock
We most often see this condition on vacations and at public pools. It occurs due to sudden temperature changes—such as jumping into a cold pool after sunbathing in extreme heat, or entering an over-air-conditioned room directly from a sweltering street.
In the heat, blood vessels dilate to cool the body down. Upon a sudden encounter with cold, a shocking, rapid constriction of blood vessels occurs. In people with poorer thermoregulation, this can cause:
- A dramatic spike in blood pressure
- Fainting or sudden loss of consciousness
- High risk of cardiac complications due to an overloaded cardiovascular system
Savet: Always cool down gradually before entering cold water or air-conditioned spaces.
Sun Allergies (Photodermatoses)
Hypersensitivity to sun rays is an increasingly common occurrence and is generally divided into two types:
- Early-Type Hypersensitivity – Similar to a classic anaphylactic reaction where swelling and choking can occur. Although extremely rare, this reaction is life-threatening. Following an emergency medical consultation, patients are prescribed local or systemic corticosteroids alongside rigorous, absolute protection from UV radiation.
- Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity – This is by far the most common form of photodermatosis. It is characterized by severe itching and a polymorphic rash (including redness, blisters, and bumps) on areas of the body exposed to the sun.
💡 The Best Prevention Strategy:
Standard sunscreens (SPF) often do not provide adequate protection on their own. The best measure is preparing your skin from the inside out 4 weeks before expected sun exposure by taking:
- Beta-carotene
- Calcium with vitamin D3
- Vitamin C
- Antihistamines and alpha-lipoic acid
Who Does the Sun Affect Most?
Although we all need to be careful, certain groups of people are at a significantly higher risk of heat-induced complications:
- Outdoor Workers – Farmers, construction workers, professional athletes, and lifeguards face prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which significantly increases the risk of dehydration and heatstroke.
- People with Autoimmune Skin Conditions – Conditions like vitiligo (where pigment loss leaves the skin without melanin, the natural shield against UV rays) or lupus (which causes severe photosensitivity) require extreme caution, as the sun can drastically worsen symptoms.
- Children, the Elderly, and Pregnant Women – In children, the thermoregulatory center is not yet fully developed, while in older adults, it is naturally slowed down. Pregnant women deal with shifts in metabolism and circulation, making it harder for the body to cool down.
- Individuals with Blood Pressure Fluctuations – Due to blood vessel dilation in the heat, blood pressure naturally drops. People with hypertension (high blood pressure) must check their levels more often and adjust their medication doses under a cardiologist's guidance. Conversely, those with hypotension (low blood pressure) face a high risk of collapse and fainting.
- Diabetics and Chronic Heart Patients – The body uses an enormous amount of energy to cool down. This leads to accelerated glucose burn and excessive sweating (loss of vital electrolytes), which can quickly trigger hypoglycemia in diabetics.
- People with Fair Skin and Many Moles – A lack of melanin means less natural UV protection, leading to severe sunburns and a higher long-term risk of malignant changes, such as melanoma.
Universal Recommendations for a Safe Summer
Regardless of which group you belong to, these rules are the gold standard during heatwaves:
- Protective Clothing & Cosmetics – Wear light-colored, lightweight cotton or linen pieces. Wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses are mandatory. Choose natural SPF creams (SPF 30 or 50) without aluminum or harmful parabens.
- Hydration – Drink water even when you are not thirsty. Water is crucial for preventing dehydration and keeping your sweating system functioning properly.
- Timing is Everything – Avoid being outdoors when the UV index is at its peak, from 10 AM to 6 PM.
- The Unexpected Food Trap – Reduce your intake of foods that naturally lower blood pressure, such as garlic, during intense heat waves. Since the heat already dilates blood vessels, large amounts of these foods can exacerbate the drop and lead to dizziness.
- Light Meals – Focus on water-rich foods like watermelons, cucumbers, light salads, and plenty of fresh fruits. Heavy, greasy food heats your body up from the inside during digestion.
- Smart Supplementation – Vitamins C and D, minerals, and antioxidants help protect your immune system and skin barrier.
The Good Side of the Sun
The sun also has an exceptionally healing side, especially for people suffering from certain skin conditions like psoriasis.
Moderate and controlled exposure to UV rays has an immunosuppressive effect on the skin. This means the sun slows down the excessive and rapid division of skin cells characteristic of psoriasis. The result is reduced redness, fewer inflammatory processes, and drastically less skin flaking.
Note: Moderation is key! The surrounding healthy skin must still be adequately protected from UV damage and burns.
Ready for Summer with Polyclinic Primea
Heatwaves require a responsible approach to your health. Before you dive into your summer holiday, visit Polyclinic Primea. Our team of general practitioners and specialists is here to ensure you are fully prepared for the hottest months of the year.
At Polyclinic Primea, you can:
- Schedule a preventive check-up to assess your risk of sun allergies.
- Consult a doctor about summer adjustments to your blood pressure therapy.
- Get a complete blood count (CBC) analysis to rule out any systemic deficiencies.
- Revitalize with vitamin IV infusions—the fastest way to rehydrate your body, restore electrolytes, and combat heat exhaustion.
Our Services:
- Doctor Consultation (General Medicine
- IV Infusion plus Price of Medicine
Book your appointment on time, stay protected, and enjoy a safe, sunny summer!
