What term describes self-limited edema that can occur with initial warmth exposure?

• A. Heat edema
• B. Prickly heat
• C. Heat syncope
• D. Heat cramps

Answer: (A)

Heat edema occurs when warm exposure causes cutaneous vasodilation and venous pooling in dependent parts of the body, leading to a self-limited swelling of the ankles and feet (and sometimes hands). It’s a benign, transient finding that often improves with time as the body acclimates to the heat, and with elevation or rest.

Prickly heat (sweat gland blockage causing a miliaria rash), heat syncope (fainting from heat and dehydration), and heat cramps (muscle spasms from electrolyte loss with sweating) involve different heat-related issues: a skin eruption, fainting, or cramps, respectively.