Dehydration Slideshow: Symptoms, Tips to Stay Hydrated Summer Skin Hazards Slideshow Pictures Sun-Damaged Skin Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey.

View Full Profile

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

View Full Profile

Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke Treatment

Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke Self-Care at Home

Home care is appropriate for mild forms of heat exhaustion. Heat stroke is a medical emergency, and an ambulance should be called immediately.

For mild cases of heat exhaustion

• Rest in a cool, shaded area.
  
  
• Give cool fluids such as water or sports drinks for dehydration (that will replace the salt that has been lost). Salty snacks are appropriate as tolerated.
  
  
• Loosen or remove clothing.
  
  
• Apply cool water to skin.
  
  
• Do not use an alcohol rub.
  
  
• Do not give any beverages containing alcohol or caffeine.

Heat stroke (do not attempt to treat a case of heat stroke at home, but you can help while waiting for medical assistance to arrive.)

• Call 911 immediately
  
  
• Move the person to a cooler environment, or place him or her in a cool bath of water (as long as the person is conscious and can be attended continuously).
  
  
• Alternatively, moisten the skin with lukewarm water and use a fan to blow cool air across the skin.
  
  
• Give cool beverages by mouth only if the person has a normal mental state and can tolerate it.