NAUI Master Scuba Diver 132 Diving Physiology serious and possibly fatal condition of heat stroke may occur. Heat rash is an inflammatory skin condition associated with high heat, humidity, and profuse sweating. Heat rash is more likely when your skin is weak from irritation, infection, or dryness. Your sweat gland ducts block with plugs of cells. Accumulating sweat bulges through the surrounding skin, inflaming the area. Heat cramps are possibly misnamed. Some authorities believe they are not caused by heat exposure but are ordinary cramps occurring during exercise in the heat. Others believe that fluid loss during exercise in the heat contributes, particularly in dry heat when sweat evaporates readily and excessive sweating can go unnoticed, and so unreplaced. Effects of Each Heat exhaustion: Increasing fatigue, weakness, cold, pale, clammy skin, drenching sweats, dizziness, nausea, weak pulse, rapid breathing, low blood pressure, and confusion, which may be followed by collapse and a shock-like unconsciousness. Heatstroke: Abrupt onset, headache, high fever, confusion, rapid pulse, and hot, flushed skin. Although popular to list absence of sweating as a sure sign, some ability to sweat may or may not remain. Serious, sometimes irreversible damage to vital organs may occur, leading to collapse, coma, and possibly death. Survivors may have permanent brain damage. Heat Rash: Small, red, solid skin elevations and itching or prickling sensation. Heat Cramp: Painful muscle spasms. First Aid: For mild overheating, go to a cool place to lie down, reduce body temperature, and replace water loss. Heat exhaustion, and particularly heat stroke, require immediate medical care. Transport to a medical facility. Give cool fluids on the way. The semiconscious or unconscious diver is an emergency. Do not put any food or drink in their mouth. Keep them reclining to reduce shock. Remove their dive suit, splash cool water on areas that will evaporate readily, and fan vigorously to reduce body temperature. Do not cool them to the point of chilling them. Monitor airway at all times. For heat rash get out of the heat, drink cool fluids, and rest. Apply soothing skin preparations. Wear clean clothes. If your muscles are cramping, stretch them as explained in the section on “Cramps.” Drink nonalcoholic fluids and sport drinks. Usual Range Delirium Coma Heat Gain Heat Loss FIGURE 4-20. BODY TEMPERATURE NORMALLY VARIES WITHIN A HEALTHY RANGE. OUTSIDE OF THAT RANGE, PROBLEMS CAN OCCUR.
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