Almería is one of the sunniest places in Europe. For sunburn: cool the skin, drink water and take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you can. For heat exhaustion (dizziness, headache, nausea): move to the shade, cool down and drink; if the person is confused, very hot and stops sweating, it may be heatstroke: call 112. For a jellyfish sting: rinse with sea water, not fresh water, do not rub, remove tentacles with tweezers and apply a wrapped cold pack. If it does not settle, I can visit you at your hotel in English.
Sunburn
- Get out of the sun and cool the skin with cool (not icy) water or damp towels.
- Drink plenty of water. Children and older people dehydrate faster.
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help with pain if they are suitable for you.
- Do not burst blisters. See a doctor if blisters cover a large area, or if there is fever, chills or feeling unwell.
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Heat exhaustion causes tiredness, dizziness, headache, nausea and heavy sweating. Move to a cool place, loosen clothing, cool the skin and drink water. You should feel better within 30 minutes.
Heatstroke is an emergency: confusion, fainting, very high temperature and hot skin, sometimes without sweating. Call 112 and cool the person while you wait.
Jellyfish stings
- Get out of the water and rinse the area with sea water. Fresh water can make it worse.
- Do not rub the skin or the sand into it.
- Remove any tentacles with tweezers or gloves.
- Apply a cold pack wrapped in a cloth for 15 minutes.
- Ask the lifeguards on the beach: they deal with stings every day.
When I can help at your hotel
If the pain, the rash or the sickness does not settle, if a child or an older person is affected, or if you need a report for your travel insurance, I can visit you at your hotel or holiday flat in Almería, Roquetas de Mar, Aguadulce, El Ejido, Vícar or Níjar, in English. A visit costs €45. See English-speaking doctor in Roquetas and Aguadulce.
Call 112 if
There is difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat after a sting, confusion, fainting or a very high temperature. 112 answers in English.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do for a jellyfish sting in Spain?
Rinse with sea water, do not rub, remove tentacles with tweezers and apply a wrapped cold pack. Call 112 if there is difficulty breathing or swelling of the face.
When is sunburn serious?
When blisters cover a large area or there is fever, chills, vomiting or confusion.
Can a doctor come to my hotel in Almería?
Yes. Dr Guillermo Martínez visits hotels and holiday flats in Almería, Roquetas de Mar, Aguadulce, El Ejido, Vícar and Níjar, in English. A visit costs €45.