Sunstroke

Sunstroke: Heat Damage: Insolation

Medics also refer to sunstroke as "insolation," "heliosis," or "ictus solis."

Sunstroke, like heatstroke and heat exhaustion, belongs to the group of heat-related illnesses.

Sunstroke is always caused by prolonged and intense sun exposure to the head, neck, and nape.

The strong heat radiation of sunlight irritates the meninges, which are located directly under the skull. Characteristic symptoms of sunstroke include headache, nausea, dizziness, and a red, hot head.

As a rule, the symptoms and discomfort disappear on their own after a short time if the head is kept away from the sun by cooling, shade, or head covering. If this is not the case, you should definitely consult a doctor. 

Some groups of people are particularly at risk of suffering sunstroke and should therefore always take sufficient precautions to protect themselves from excessive sun exposure. These groups include:

• Small children
• Fair-skinned people
• Elderly people
• People with little hair on their head