Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke: What’s the Difference?

 

Here’s how to recognize two common heat-related illnesses – and what to do if they occur.

Many people don’t think much about what happens to their bodies when it’s very hot out. They may know that it’s important to drink water or to apply sunscreen, but not everyone pays attention to symptoms that signal that the heat is getting the best of them. Heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be serious or even life-threatening, and the best way to protect yourself is to recognize the symptoms and know what to do if they occur.

Here’s how to tell the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The first is a warning that you need to cool down and the second is a medical emergency.

Heat Exhaustion

If you’ve been outside for a while in the heat, whether working in the yard, doing your job, having fun at the beach or playing sports, the heat may take a toll on your body after a while. You may be sweating a lot one minute but then before you know it, you just don’t feel right. Your head might hurt or you may feel weak, dizzy or very tired. You could be nauseous or have cramps in your legs or stomach. You might be extremely thirsty or have little urine output. Your skin may be pale or flushed.

If this is happening, you likely have heat exhaustion, which occurs due to excessive water and salt being lost when you sweat. You don’t need to panic, but you do need to cool off. Stop what you’re doing, get out of the heat and cool your body down. Seek shade or go inside. Take slow sips of water. Put cool water on your body. Loosen any tight clothes. Rest. Most people start feeling better after doing these things, but if you don’t you may need medical attention.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke isn’t just feeling like you’re overheated when you’re out in the sun. It means the body’s cooling system has shut down. Body temperature may shoot up past 104°F and that’s dangerous – in fact, heat stroke is a medical emergency.

People with heat stroke might stop sweating altogether and their skin may feel hot and dry. They may seem confused or start acting strange. They may even faint, have a seizure or become unresponsive.

It’s more likely that you would notice signs of heatstroke in someone else than in yourself because people with heatstroke may be too sick to realize they need to get help. But if you ever suspect heat stroke in someone, call 911 right away. While waiting for help to arrive, try to lower the person’s body temperature by moving them into the shade or indoors and using cold water or wet towels to cool them down. Ice packs on the neck or underarms can also help.

Who’s Most at Risk for Heat-Related Illnesses?

Babies, older adults, people with health problems or anyone taking medications that affects their circulation or body’s cooling mechanisms are more at risk of developing heat-related illnesses. Athletes, construction workers and other people working outside in the heat are also at higher risk. But heat exhaustion and heat stroke can happen to anyone, even if you don’t fall into one of those categories and are healthy.

The best way to prevent heat-related illnesses is to take steps to avoid getting overheated. This includes skipping outdoor activities when it’s very hot, taking breaks in the shade or indoors, dressing in light, loose-fitting clothing, and drinking plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty. It’s also important to listen to your body. If you start to notice any symptoms or don’t feel like yourself when out in the heat, don’t try to tough it out. Instead, take steps to start cooling yourself down so things don’t get worse.

Copyright 2025 © Baldwin Publishing, Inc.  Health eCooks® Heart Healthy Recipes® is a registered trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein without the express approval of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. is strictly prohibited.

Date Last Reviewed: May 16, 2025

Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor

Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD

Learn more about Baldwin Publishing Inc. editorial policy, privacy policy, ADA compliance and sponsorship policy.

No information provided by Baldwin Publishing, Inc. in any article is a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical condition. Baldwin Publishing, Inc. strongly suggests that you use this information in consultation with your doctor or other health professional. Use or viewing of any Baldwin Publishing, Inc. article signifies your understanding and agreement to the disclaimer and acceptance of these terms of use.

 

What to Do if You Get a Sunburn

 

Here are 7 tips to help ease the pain and discomfort of sunburned skin.

Is your skin red, tender, itchy or tight after a day outside? If so, you’ve likely got a sunburn. Whether you forgot to apply or reapply sunscreen while you were out in the sun, didn’t think you were outside long enough to need sunscreen or assumed that the clouds were all the protection you needed from getting burned, it’s not uncommon to end the day with the discomfort of sunburned skin.

The best remedy for sunburns is to take precautions to avoid getting burned in the first place – apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF30+, reapply every two hours or if you get wet, wear protective clothing and stay out of the sun when the sun’s rays are strongest (10 am to 4 pm). That not only protects you from the pain and tenderness of sunburned skin but also helps keep your skin healthier by limiting sun damage and reducing skin cancer risk. But if sunburn has already occurred (and yes, it happens even to the most diligent of sunscreen users!), here are some tips for getting relief:

• Get out of the sun. Once you notice the first signs of sunburn, it’s best to get out of the sun so it doesn’t get worse. A little pink on your skin will soon turn into red skin that feels hot, sensitive and painful. If you can’t go indoors, find shade, cover up or reapply sunscreen often for the rest of the day.
• Cool off. A cool shower or bath helps calm inflamed and overheated skin. You can also use a clean damp cloth to get some relief. Don’t make the water too cold or put ice directly on your skin. Pat your skin dry (don’t rub) with a soft towel.
• Drink water. Not only does cool water soothe skin from the outside but drinking water helps your body cool down from the inside. It also keeps you hydrated, which is important because sun exposure can lead to dehydration.
• Moisturize skin. Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer made for sensitive skin to lock in moisture (sunburns will dry your skin out). Just avoid creams with too many ingredients or you may find them more irritating than soothing.
• Leave your skin alone. Many sunburns lead to dry, flaky skin or even blisters. It is best to leave skin to heal on its own without scratching, picking or rubbing. Don’t pop blisters or pull off skin because it can lead to infection.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing. By giving skin a chance to breathe and not causing friction, your skin is more likely to recover more quickly and without discomfort. It just takes a few days for skin to get back to feeling its best.
• Ease pain and discomfort with OTC products. If you feel uncomfortable after a day in the sun, OTC meds such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Topical products with aloe vera also provide relief.

Most sunburns just cause minor discomfort and get better in a few days, but pay attention to any signs that you may need to see a healthcare provider. This includes signs of infection, such as pus, red streaks or having a fever or chills. If blisters cover a large part of your body, your pain is severe or doesn’t improve quickly or you feel ill, it’s also time to call the doctor.

Copyright 2025 © Baldwin Publishing, Inc.  Health eCooks® Heart Healthy Recipes® is a registered trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein without the express approval of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. is strictly prohibited.

Date Last Reviewed: May 16, 2025

Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor

Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD

Learn more about Baldwin Publishing Inc. editorial policy, privacy policy, ADA compliance and sponsorship policy.

No information provided by Baldwin Publishing, Inc. in any article is a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical condition. Baldwin Publishing, Inc. strongly suggests that you use this information in consultation with your doctor or other health professional. Use or viewing of any Baldwin Publishing, Inc. article signifies your understanding and agreement to the disclaimer and acceptance of these terms of use.