Which condition is life-threatening and caused by over-exposure to the sun?

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs due to prolonged exposure to the sun or high temperatures, often combined with high levels of physical exertion. It is characterized by a significant rise in body temperature, which can reach dangerously high levels. The body’s ability to cool itself through sweating becomes overwhelmed, leading to a failure of the thermoregulation system.

When someone experiences heat stroke, they may exhibit symptoms such as confusion, loss of consciousness, rapid heartbeat, and hot, dry skin. If not treated promptly, heat stroke can result in severe complications or even death.

In contrast, sunburn, while painful and damaging to the skin, is not immediately life-threatening, though it does increase the risk of skin cancer and other long-term skin issues. Dehydration refers to the loss of fluids and can be serious, but it is a different condition that may contribute to heat-related illnesses, rather than being solely caused by sun exposure. Hypothermia occurs in cold weather conditions when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, making it unrelated to sun exposure.