Jurga Dūdienė, a family doctor at the Family Medicine Center of Vilnius Diagnostics and Surgery Clinic “Meliva” (formerly “Kardiolitos klinikos”), emphasizes that many ailments that complicate holidays can be avoided by remaining vigilant and adhering to the basic principles of safe behavior in the sun, near water, and proper food storage, according to a press release.
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Not only the scorching sun poses a danger
Heat poses the greatest danger to children, the elderly, and those suffering from cardiovascular, kidney diseases, or diabetes.
“If it’s hot outside and you plan to spend more time there, it’s important to have drinking water, cover your head with a cap or hat, and regularly retreat to the shade. Overheating can occur even without direct sunlight. Hot and humid air in an enclosed, poorly ventilated room is also dangerous, so work in greenhouses or other enclosed structures is best planned early in the morning or late in the evening,” says J. Dūdienė.
Overheating can be indicated by dizziness, nausea, increased pulse and breathing, reddened skin, vomiting, or fainting. It is especially dangerous when a person stops sweating. An overheated person should be immediately moved to a cool place, their skin cooled with damp towels, and given plenty of cool, but not icy, liquids to drink. Often, body temperature rises to 39–40 degrees Celsius, so fever-reducing medications can be used. If the person becomes confused, vomits, or loses consciousness, it is important to call for emergency medical help immediately.
Sun protection starts before leaving home
A common mistake is to apply sunscreen only upon arrival at the beach. For the product to start working, it should be applied approximately 10–20 minutes before going outside. It is important to reapply the protective layer immediately after each swim or heavy sweating.
For small children and people with sensitive skin, it is best to choose SPF 50 protection, while for adults, SPF 30 may be sufficient. The family doctor notes that people often forget to apply sunscreen to their hands. They are constantly exposed to the sun and frequently washed, so the protective layer quickly wears off, and the skin can dry out and age faster.
Food spoils faster in the heat
In summer, cases of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are more common. These can be caused by intestinal viruses or improperly stored and prepared food. The risk particularly increases during picnics when products are kept in the heat for several hours.
“Digestive ailments are common in summer because people often become less careful during holidays. For example, after eating an insufficiently washed or improperly cut watermelon, the whole family or group of friends can experience similar symptoms. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables and not keep them in the heat for long. When going on a picnic, it is advisable to use a cooler bag and avoid dishes with dairy products, sour cream, or rich sauces if they cannot be kept cool. Perishable food should be consumed first, and other products should be properly heat-treated,” says the family doctor.
When vomiting or diarrhea begins, the most important thing is to restore lost fluids. It is advisable to drink water and electrolyte solutions frequently, alternately, and in small sips. For a few days, dairy products should be avoided, and easier-to-digest foods should be chosen.
J. Dūdienė notes that anti-diarrhea medications should not be taken independently, as in the case of viral or bacterial infections, they can prevent the body from eliminating pathogens.
Careless swimming can result in serious injury
A great danger when vacationing near water is jumping into an unfamiliar body of water, swimming while intoxicated, and overestimating one’s physical abilities, for example, deciding to race or swim long distances. Jumping into an unknown place can lead to severe spinal injuries or even permanent disability, and alcohol suppresses self-preservation instincts and impairs coordination.
“It is dangerous to suddenly jump into cold water after spending a long time in the sun. Due to the large temperature difference, thermal shock can occur, muscles can suddenly contract, or heart function can be disrupted. It is best to enter the water gradually, allowing the body to adapt to the temperature,” says the family doctor.
J. Dūdienė adds that people often complain of impaired hearing or a blocked ear after swimming. The cause of this can be a swollen earwax plug or water remaining in the ear. A moist environment is conducive to the multiplication of bacteria and fungi, so if pain, itching, or discharge appears, it is advisable to consult a specialist for a detailed examination.
Swimming in stagnant or polluted water can also cause skin rashes, itching, redness, or blisters. If symptoms do not subside after using over-the-counter allergy medications or applying a topical product, or if they worsen, it is best to consult your family doctor.
Insect bites are important to monitor
If stung by a bee, hornet, or wasp, it is important to first remove the stinger – scrape it off with a fingernail or plastic card, but do not squeeze it with your fingers, as this can inject a larger amount of venom into the skin. The sting site should be washed with soap and water and cooled by applying an ice pack wrapped in a cloth.
“A small redness, swelling, or rash is usually a local reaction that can be relieved with anti-allergy medications or a special ointment. However, if the rash and blisters spread throughout the body, lips or tongue begin to swell, breathing becomes difficult, dizziness occurs, or the person loses consciousness, this could be a severe systemic allergic reaction. In such a case, it is important to call 112 immediately,” emphasizes J. Dūdienė.
The bite site should not be scratched, as damaging the skin can lead to a secondary bacterial infection. When spending time in nature, it is also important to protect against ticks, choose clothes that cover the body, and thoroughly inspect the skin upon returning.
