Symptoms of heat rash or worse? How to stay safe during the Middle Tennessee heat wave

The first day of summer entered with a bang in a swell of extreme temperatures over the Middle Tennessee area starting last week.

"Above-normal temperatures will continue for most of the upcoming week," said the National Weather Service. "Heat index values of 100-plus will be common."

As Nashville temperatures continue to push triple digits, it’s crucial to be aware of potential heat-related emergencies before it's too late.

Many heat-induced illnesses including heat cramps and heat rash can be treated by staying hydrated and cooling off indoors but some, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be more serious, and at times fatal, according to the CDC.

Older adults, infants, children, people with medical conditions and outdoor workers are more susceptible to heat-related illness, but even young, healthy adults can get ill from too much time in the sun.

Here are symptoms of heat-related emergencies to look out for and quick actions for first aid.

Heat Rash

Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating in hot and humid weather.

Symptoms:

• Red clusters of pimples or small blisters
• Appears on the neck, upper chest, groin, under the breasts and in elbow creases

Workers who spend a majority of their time outdoors are more likely to experience heat rash, however it is possible for anyone to contract. Those who have heat rash should keep the affected area dry, apply powder to increase comfort and avoid using ointments and creams.

Heat Cramps

People who sweat a lot from strenuous activity will usually experience heat cramps. The sweating deprives the body of water and salt, causing the muscles to spasm and painfully cramp. Heat cramps can also be a symptom of heat exhaustion.

Symptoms:

• Muscle pain or spasms in the abdomen, arms or legs

Heat cramps can be remedied by drinking water and eating a snack or having a drink with carbohydrates and electrolytes, like sports drinks, every 15 to 20 minutes. Medical help should be contacted if the person has heart problems, is on a low sodium diet or the cramps do not subside within one hour, according to the CDC.

Heat Syncope

Fainting, or syncope, occurs when someone stands for too long or stands up suddenly after sitting or lying down. Dehydration and lack of acclimating to harsh temperatures can be contributing factors to heat syncope.

Symptoms:

• Fainting in short durations
• Dizziness
• light-headedness from standing too long or suddenly sitting up

People experiencing heat syncope should sit in a cool place and slowly drink water, clear juice or a sports drink.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustions is the body's response to an excessive loss of salt and water, usually through sweating. Heat exhaustion is more likely to affect the elderly, people with high blood pressure and workers in outdoor, hot environments.

Symptoms:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Heavy sweating
• Cold and clammy skin
• Muscle cramps
• Fainting

Heat exhaustion is severe and may require emergency medical attention. Treat this condition by calling 911 if medical care is unavailable, find solace indoors and drink liquids, remove unnecessary clothing like shoes and socks and cool the body with a cold compress or by splashing water on the head, face and neck.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness, according to the CDC. The condition occurs when the body's temperature rises quickly and the sweat system fails, causing the body to be unable to cool down. During a heat stroke, body temperature can climb past 106 degrees within 10 to 15 minutes. Without emergency treatment, heat stroke can cause permanent disability or death.

Symptoms:

• Confusion, altered mental state and slurred speech
• Loss of consciousness
• Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
• Seizures
• High body temperature (104 degrees or higher)
• Fast and strong pulse

The first step to treating heat stroke is to call 911 for emergency medical care and stay with the person until services arrive. Move the person into a cool area and remove outer clothing. Quickly cool them down with cold water, by wetting the skin, placing cold compresses on the skin or soaking the clothing with cold water and place on head, neck, armpits and groin.