The sun is very intense in the tropics and at higher elevation. For every 5000 feet (1500 meters) in . . . → Read More: Problems With The Sun]]>

The sun is very intense in the tropics and at higher elevation. For every 5000 feet (1500 meters) in altitude gain, UVB radiation increases by twenty percent.

Travellers should wear a hat with at least a three-inch brim all around, and use sunblock with a sun protection factor of at least fifteen.

Wear sunglasses with ninety-nine percent UVA/UVB protection, and protective goggles are a must for preventing snowblindness at altitude.

Heat and humidity

Unacclimated travellers run a risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke if they try to do too much, too soon. Also, pricky heat may be a problem.

If you are AC-addicted or from a cool climate, use caution and allow time. Soon the hot environment will seem cooler. Knowing your body is adjusting should be a comfort. In one to three weeks the body gradually acclimates to heat through a physiological process.

Prickly heat is a red rash which occurs under clothing. It has a moderate prickly feeling, and goes away after a day or two.

Prevention – travellers may be able to partially acclimate themselves to a hot environment like Egypt by taking daily saunas for a week or two before departure, gradually building exposure levels.

Treatment – high humidity is the worst aspect of the tropics for many travellers. Wear loose cotton clothing and drink lots of clean water. A wet bandanna around your neck or forehead provides good cooling. Prickly heat is assuaged by cool showers, cold water sponging, calamine lotion, and loose-fitting, breathable clothing. In my case clothing should also be well-rinsed of detergent, which is harsh in developing countries.

Heat exhaustion

Cause – overexposure to heat by a non-acclimated person, or insufficient water or salt intake by any person.

Symptoms – fatigue, dizziness, nausea, headache, and possibly muscle cramps.

Treatment – rest, shade, and drinking water at a slow but steady rate, including water with a weak salt solution of approximately 1/4 teaspoon per eight-ounce (1/4 liter) glass. Cool the body with water, wet towels, and a fan, if possible. If the victim becomes unconscious, feet should be raised twelve inches above the head.

Heat stroke

Cause – untreated heat exhaustion. It often results in rapid death due to a breakdown of the body’s heat regulating mechanisms. Body temperatures can reach soaring levels.

Symptoms – a cessation of sweating, shallow breathing, hot, dry, and flushed skin, unconsciousness, and if conscious, disorientation or stupor.

Treatment – should be immediate. The victim should be placed in shade and his body cooled as quickly as possible. Remove all clothing and wrap him in wet towels, or sponge the body continuously with cool water. Direct a fan at the victim. If unconscious, raise feet twelve inches. If conscious, give the victim water, preferably with 1/4 teaspoon salt per eight-ounce (1/4 liter) glass. Medical help must be summoned.

Some problems with the cold aren’t necessarily associated with cold temperatures, for example, hypothermia.

Hypothermia

Cause – a life-threatening . . . → Read More: Problems With The Cold]]>

Some problems with the cold aren’t necessarily associated with cold temperatures, for example, hypothermia.

Hypothermia

Cause – a life-threatening condition defined as body temperature below 95 F (35 C).

Temperatures do not have to be extreme to cause hypothermia, since water and wind can combine to rapidly chill a person. Most deaths from hypothermia occur in well-above freezing temperatures.

Symptoms – a pale, drowsy, confused, and cold victim. She may become unconscious.

Treatment – consists of seeking immediate medical help and warming the victim. Warm drinks are effective, as well as hats, blankets, emergency aluminum blankets which reflect body heat, and, of course, warm shelter. Remove wet clothing.

Prevention – wear warm clothing in insulating layers, a windproof/waterproof shell, and a hat. An aluminum reflective space blanket should be in every traveler’s pack. Avoid cotton clothing in cold, wet conditions.

Frostbite

Treatment – must be immediate. Warming affected areas. Massage is not helpful, but placing feet and hands under armpits is. If warm water is available, place the affected areas in it. The water should not be hotter than 110 F (43 C). Remove constricting clothing, rings, and watches. Don’t warm affected areas with direct heat, such as from a lighter. Don’t allow someone to walk on a frostbitten foot, unless it’s necessary for survival.