You don’t have to trek the Sahara to suffer heat exhaustion. Scorching, humid weather, wherever you may be, can cause the body to heat up faster than it can cool down, especially in young children and the elderly. Some medication for underlying medical conditions may also leave you prone to heat-related illnesses. Check with your doctor to find out if you’re at risk. We spoke to Richard Zane, M.D., vice chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston, to learn how to prevent the most common heat-related illnesses.

PREVENTION FIRST
In general, follow these common-sense rules: Stay indoors when it’s hottest (usually from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), keep yourself hydrated and avoid alcohol. “On vacations, people tend to overeat and overdrink,” cautions Dr. Zane. “Alcohol leads to dehydration and impairs your judgment. Someone who is sober knows better than to spend eight hours fishing for tuna under the sun without wearing a hat.”

HEAT RASH
Also called prickly heat, this rash results from blocked sweat ducts. It typically develops in skin folds or wherever clothing causes friction, and can be intensely itchy.
PREVENTION: Apply talc or vaseline. Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing, which allows perspiration to evaporate.
QUICK FIX: Use calamine lotion to soothe itching in extreme cases.*

HEAT EDEMA
The heat can dilate your blood vessels, while gravity pulls body fluids to your extremities, causing swollen hands and/or feet.
PREVENTION: If you can’t get out of the heat, put on loose-fitting clothes and shoes that are a half-size bigger than usual.
QUICK FIX: Move to a cool place and rehydrate.

HEAT CRAMPS
Muscle spasms or cramps in the abdomen or limbs, often caused by physical exertion. Can be accompanied by nausea or fatigue.
PREVENTION: Often “directly related to electrolyte imbalances,” according to Dr. Zane, so be sure to hydrate well and don’t over-exert yourself.
QUICK FIX: Rest in the shade or in an air-conditioned room and get fluids.

FAINTING
Warning signs include pale, cool or moist skin and a feeling of lightheadedness due to decreased blood pressure.
PREVENTION: Avoid changing positions rapidly (i.e., going from lying down to standing up) in the heat and strenuous exercise at midday.
QUICK FIX: Call 911 if someone faints, and move victim to a cool, shaded area.

HEAT EXHAUSTION
A precursor to heat stroke, it’s characterized by dizziness, headache, nausea and skin that is cool, pale or moist. Body temperature is usually normal.
PREVENTION: Hydrate well and don’t over-exert yourself in the heat.
QUICK FIX: If symptoms persist after you move to a cool area and rehydrate,
seek medical attention right away.

HEAT STROKE
This serious ailment requires immediate emergency treatment. Symptoms are similar to heat exhaustion, except for higher body temps (104 degrees or more) accompanied by impaired thinking.
PREVENTION: Move somewhere cool and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
QUICK FIX: Call 911 and relocate victim to a cool, shaded area.

*Consult your physician before taking any medication—even over-the-counter treatments—and use all medications as directed.