With triple-digit “feels-like” temperatures locked in this week, staying hydrated is top of mind. But local doctors are warning that this extreme heat wave carries dangerous conditions for your skin.
As the Lehigh Valley bakes in consecutive days of extreme heat, doctors say your skin is facing a perfect storm.
“Anything after, I would say about 20 minutes or so, you’re at risk that you get burned if you’re in direct sunlight,” said Dr. Heather Osher. “Even if it’s not sunny, it’s very cloudy, they can still get sunburn.”
Osher, who is with Patient First, says any SPF 30 sunscreen works, but forgetting to reapply can trigger dangerous sun poisoning.
“Sunburn is just the burn of the skin. Sun poisoning, you actually get systemic issues. You can have sweating; you can get really confused. You can get a headache,” Osher said. “They’ll be vomiting, that type of thing, because their body can’t regulate their temperatures well enough.”
A cold water bottle and a handheld fan might keep you moving during this high heat, but doctors say it is not enough to stop a severe burn.
Without a good physical barrier, your skin is defenseless.
“The clothing actually protects your skin. Because if you’re just mowing the lawn without a shirt, there’s no barrier, there’s no protection,” Osher explained. “And the actual loose, light-fitting clothing, like cotton, actually will help cool your skin down also.”
Osher has seen plenty of patients hospitalized due to the high heat’s effect on their skin.
“It can be really serious,” Osher said. “And then if the sunburn gets bad enough and people can get second-degree burns that require, you know, wound care and things like that.”
Experts say to reapply at least every two hours to stay safe.