What is a characteristic symptom of heat stroke?

A characteristic symptom of heat stroke is hot, dry skin. This occurs because, during heat stroke, the body's temperature regulation system becomes overwhelmed, and the person can no longer sweat effectively. While sweating is the normal response to high temperatures, in heat stroke, the body’s ability to cool itself through perspiration is lost, leading to an extreme rise in core temperature.

In cases of heat stroke, the skin may feel hot to the touch and can appear dry instead of sweaty. This is significant as it indicates that the body is not able to dissipate heat effectively, which is a critical difference compared to other heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion.

The other symptoms mentioned, such as profuse sweating, a near-normal body temperature, or cool, clammy skin, are associated with other heat-related conditions rather than heat stroke itself. Recognizing the signs of heat stroke, including hot, dry skin, is vital for appropriate intervention and treatment.