Heat Stroke and Sunburns

In a previous article we covered how to keep cool, but what happens if you overheat? Heat exhaustion is a heat related illness that comes from being in the heat for long periods of time combined with dehydration and can progress into heat stroke which is a medical emergency. Heat stroke can result in high temperatures, nausea, seisures, and even loss of consciousness causing damage to the brain and other organs.

Warning Signs

The best way to protect yourself and your friends is to pay attention to the warning signs so that you can react to them. If you experience any of the following, or have a friend complaining about these symptoms you should get out of the heat!

Heat Exhaustion:

• Confusion
• Dark-colored urine (a sign of dehydration)
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea
• Pale skin
• Profuse sweating
• Rapid heartbeat

Heat Stroke:

• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness and light-headedness
• Lack of sweating despite the heat
• Red, hot, and dry skin
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rapid heartbeat, which may be either strong or weak
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Behavioral changes such as confusion, disorientation, or staggering
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness
  

Treatment

Heat Exhaustion: Get out of the heat and rest! We cover a variety of ways to cool down in our Cosplay and the Heat article but the basics are simple: move into an air conditioned area, remove some clothing layers and drink water to help rehydrate.

Heat Stroke: Heat stroke is a medical emergency. If you identify the symptoms as those of heat stroke Call 911 (or the emergency number for your area). Move the person to a cool area (inside air conditioning if possible) and remove layers of clothing to help them cool down. You may also use fans, or cool cloths to help cool the person down - the emergency operator may provide you with additional instructions. If possible, alert a con volunteer or staff member of the situation so they can alert their team and assist.

Watch out for yourself and your friends. Encourage everyone to take breaks and drink plenty of fluids. If a friend is weak, tired, dizzy, or otherwise experiencing symptoms encourage them to pay attention to these symptoms and take a break!

Sunburns

Sunburns can instantly turn your cosplay into a lobster version of the character, but can also make it painful to wear your costume!

So what can you do to prevent the wrath of the sun?

• Cover exposed areas.
  If you plan to spend a lot of time outside you may want to wear a light costume with long sleeves, sit under an umbrella or wear a pair of sunglasses. Bonus points if the umbrella or sunglasses fit your character's personality!
  
  
• Use sunscreen.
  When you can't cover up, use sunscreen to give yourself some protection. Some makeups can offer sun protection (they'll mention it on the package) but many theatrical makeups and body paints do not offer any protection from the sun. Remember to reapply the sunscreen according to the directions, it won't last the whole day and non-waterproof sunscreens will wash off in the water.
  
  
• Limit time in the sun
  The best way to make sure you're not getting a burn is to stay out of the sun, or limit the amount of time you spend in it. During the hottest part of the day (about 10am to 4pm) it's best to do indoor photoshoots and events.

So what can be done if you do get burnt?

• Moisturize
  Not only does it help make flaking and peeling less noticeable, but applying moisturizer after a cool bath can help soothe the pain and itching as well. Aloe Vera products can also help with soothing the pain.
  
  
• Hydrate
  Burns pull fluid toward the skin, leading to the rest of your body dehydrating and can be the cause of post-sunburn headaches. You'll want to keep hydrated in the heat anyway!
  
  
• Medicate
  Ibuprofen, such as advil, can be taken to help reduce redness, swelling and pain.
  
  
• Soothe
  A cool bath or shower, cool cloths or medicated sprays can help with the sting of a sun burn.
  
  
• Plan Ahead
  If you know that you burn easily, plan for it. Pack the above supplies and a loose fitting costume or outfit to wear afterwards.

I also suggest avoiding a sunburn at least a week before the convention. Wearing a costume while burnt can be a painful experience.