After sunburn, another common ailment from too much exposure to the sun is heat exhaustion, or when more severe – heatstroke/sunstroke. When a person has been in the heat too long, the body becomes dehydrated from the loss of sweat as the body attempts to keep itself cool. When the humidity is high, the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke is greater because warm, moist air absorbs less sweat from the skin, so the body struggles to cool down. When the body’s heat-regulating mechanisms become overwhelmed, body temperature can rise to 104° or above. The primary difference between heat exhaustion and heatstroke is the presence of a high fever. Homeopathic remedies can reduce the dangerous effects of becoming overheated and dehydrated.
The symptoms of heat exhaustion include muscle cramping, weakness, dizziness or fainting, headache, nausea or vomiting, cold clammy skin, red flushed face or paleness, excessive sweating, dark colored urine, rapid breathing, and a fast heart rate. When this occurs, the person must get out of the sun and rest in a shady or air-conditioned place, rehydrate by sipping a cool water frequently, and apply cool cloths to the skin or take a cool shower or bath. Avoid plunging into cold water or gulping down an ice cold caffeinated or alcoholic beverage, for this will further shock the body.
The symptoms of heatstroke or sunstroke include a temperature of 104° or higher, dry hot red skin, a throbbing headache, confusion, hallucinations, slurred speech, agitation, a racing heart beat, rapid shallow breathing, no sweat, fatigue and weakness, fainting, seizures, and even coma. This can be a life-threatening emergency. If the person’s body temperature is not reduced after attempts at cooling, medical assistance is recommended.
When choosing an appropriate homeopathic remedy, match the symptoms as closely as possible. If there is no improvement after taking 4-6 doses of one remedy, try another. Usually a 30C potency is sufficient, but sometimes a 200C or higher potency is needed.
Remedies for heat exhaustion, heatstroke and sunstroke:
- Glonoine – This is the top remedy for sunstroke. Symptoms come on suddenly with a throbbing, bursting headache and visibly throbbing neck arteries. The person feels cold internally although the skin is burning hot and sweaty. Dizziness and confusion may be present. The head feels heavy and feels better with cold compresses and pressure.
- Belladonna – Symptoms come on suddenly with dizziness or a severe throbbing headache in the temples and forehead. The skin will be bright red, dry, and hot. Pupils will be dilated and the eyes may be bloodshot. The feet will feel cold while the head will feel hot. Try this remedy if Glonoine didn’t prompt improvement.
- Carbo vegetabilis – Cold, clammy skin and collapse are primary symptoms. There will be a congestive headache in the forehead with heaviness and throbbing. The person will have trouble breathing and will want to be fanned constantly.
- Gelsemium – There will be a flushed face and drooping eyelids. The person will feel drowsy, droopy, dizzy, and may act a little drunk. There will be chills up and down the spine. There will be no thirst, although drinking water is imperative.
- Natrum Muriaticum – For sunstroke with nausea and vomiting. The headache will be bursting or will feel like “little hammers” banging on the head. The person may see zig-zags or flickers before the eyes and the headache is better with pressure. There will be extreme thirst for large quantities.
Information contained on this site is for educational purposes only and should not be used to prescribe, diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. Any information provided is not intended to replace medical advice offered by a physician. If you desire or need such advice, you should consult a professional healthcare provider.