Prolonged sun exposure can cause dehydration and heat exhaustion, doctor warns
A Dammam Medical Complex emergency physician has warned that direct sun exposure for extended periods can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
Key Takeaways
AIAbdullah Basri, senior emergency physician at Dammam Medical Complex, has warned against prolonged direct exposure to sunlight.
Speaking in an interview broadcast on Al Ekhbariya TV, Basri said that spending long periods in direct sunlight can cause dehydration and heat exhaustion, which may progress to heatstroke.
He explained that standing under the sun forces the body to work harder to cool itself, leading to increased fluid loss, fatigue, and potentially life-threatening heatstroke.
Basri added that the body cools itself by sweating and by widening blood vessels near the skin's surface to release heat. However, if temperatures rise too high, the body's cooling mechanisms can fail, causing electrolyte imbalances, muscle cramps, nausea, and life-threatening complications.
He noted that individuals' tolerance to heat varies, as does acclimatization between regions, but once temperatures exceed 40.5°C, the risk of heatstroke increases significantly.
The doctor advised avoiding direct sunlight for extended periods, seeking shade, and if work requires sun exposure, taking regular breaks in shaded areas and replenishing fluids by drinking water.
He concluded by recommending people avoid sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., wear light, cool, and light-colored clothing, stay hydrated, and replace lost electrolytes.