What is a primary characteristic of heat stroke?

Heat stroke is a severe condition that occurs when the body overheats, typically due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures or excessive physical exertion in hot weather. One of the primary characteristics of heat stroke is hot, red, dry skin. This occurs because the body's thermoregulatory mechanisms have failed, leading to an inability to cool itself through sweating.

In heat stroke, the skin's temperature rises significantly as the body can no longer release heat, resulting in the skin appearing red and feeling hot to the touch. Unlike heat exhaustion, where the skin may be cool and clammy due to sweating, individuals experiencing heat stroke will lack sufficient perspiration, hence the dry skin.

Understanding this characteristic is vital for recognizing heat-related illnesses and ensuring prompt treatment, as heat stroke can lead to serious complications or even death if not addressed quickly.