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Sunburn, sunstroke or heatstroke: what to do on holiday?
In Hurghada the sun shines almost all year. Three problems are often mixed up: sunburn, sunstroke and heatstroke. Heatstroke is an emergency.
The three problems at a glance
- Sunburn: The skin is red, hot and painful, often hours after the sun. With blisters, the skin is more severely burned.
- Sunstroke: The sun has shone on head and neck for a long time. Headache, nausea, dizziness, a red hot head, a stiff neck.
- Heatstroke: The body can no longer cool itself. Very hot, often dry skin, confusion, drowsiness, disturbed consciousness. This is life-threatening.
Heatstroke: act at once
- Call the ambulance immediately: 123.
- Bring the person into the shade or an air-conditioned room.
- Loosen clothing, cool the body with cool water and damp cloths, fan the person.
- If awake, give small sips of water. If unconscious, give nothing to drink and do not leave the person alone.
Sunstroke: what helps
- Move into the shade or a cool room, cool head and neck, lay the person with the upper body slightly raised.
- Drink plenty, water or oral rehydration solution.
- Rest, and no more sun that day.
- With confusion, severe vomiting or disturbed consciousness: call the ambulance as for heatstroke.
Sunburn: what helps
- Out of the sun. Cool the skin with cool, damp compresses (no ice directly on the skin).
- Moisturising lotion or after-sun, drink plenty.
- Painkillers as described in the leaflet; if unsure, ask a pharmacist or doctor.
- Do not pop blisters.
When to see a doctor
- Fever, chills, severe headache or nausea after the sun
- Large blisters, especially in children or on the face
- Babies and small children with sunburn
- Signs of dehydration: hardly any urine, a very dry mouth, dizziness
Prevention on holiday
- Sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (at least 30), reapplied after swimming.
- Avoid the midday sun from about 11 am to 3 pm.
- Hat, sunglasses, light clothing. Protect children especially.
- Drink plenty through the day, even without thirst. Avoid alcohol in the heat.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between sunstroke and heatstroke?
With sunstroke the sun acts directly on head and neck, causing headache, nausea and dizziness. With heatstroke the whole body overheats, with very hot skin and confusion. Heatstroke is an emergency: ambulance 123.
How long does sunburn last?
Redness usually fades after a few days. With blisters it can take longer, and a doctor should look at the skin.
Can a doctor come to my hotel?
For sunstroke, severe sunburn or dehydration, a doctor comes to your hotel room. If heatstroke is suspected, call the ambulance 123 first.
How we work
We come to your hotel room or accommodation, examine you and agree the price in writing beforehand. You receive a report and an invoice in English for your insurer.
A drip is given only if the doctor considers it necessary after the examination. Travel once per visit, written fixed price beforehand. No hidden fees: no service charge, no extra bill afterwards.
Please do not send health details on WhatsApp. Only your accommodation and that you would like a doctor’s visit.