A Belgian tourist visiting Death Valley National Park in Las Vegas has been hospitalized with third-degree burns to his feet after walking on scorching sand dunes, according to officials. The incident occurred last Saturday at the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, where the air temperature was recorded at a blistering 123 degrees Fahrenheit.

The 42-year-old man had been wearing flip flops which either broke or were lost in the hot sand, leaving his feet vulnerable to the extreme temperatures. With the sand being even hotter than the air, the tourist suffered severe burns.

Alerted by the man's family, park visitors joined forces to carry him to safety before park rangers transported him to a hospital due to the severity of his burns and pain level. However, the extreme temperatures prevented Mercy Air's helicopter from landing safely, prompting park rangers to transport the victim by ambulance to a higher elevation landing zone, where the temperature was 109 degrees. From there, he was flown to the University Medical Center in Las Vegas for treatment.

Following the incident, the National Park Service emphasized the importance of taking precautions when visiting Death Valley during the summer months. They strongly recommend staying within a short distance from an air-conditioned vehicle, avoiding hiking after 10 a.m., staying hydrated, consuming salty snacks, and wearing a hat and sunscreen.

Hot sand injuries, known as "beach feet," can result in burns ranging from first-degree to third-degree. A study conducted in 2019 found that even at an outside temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit, sand can reach temperatures of 100 degrees or higher. When the external temperature rises to 90 degrees, sand can exceed a scorching 120 degrees.

First-degree burns affect the outermost layer of skin, causing redness, dryness, and pain. Second-degree burns penetrate the second layer of skin, resulting in blisters, redness, and intense pain. Third-degree burns are the most severe, destroying both the top layers of skin and potentially damaging muscles, tendons, and bones. Numbness is common as nerve endings are often affected.

Belgian Tourist Hospitalized with Severe Burns After Walking on Hot Sand in Death Valley According to the American Burn Association, patients with burns to the hands, feet, genitals, or major joints should be transferred to a burn center for specialized treatment. Treatments for burn injuries may include cleaning and covering the burn, replenishing fluids, antibiotics, pain medications, as well as skin grafting or reconstructive surgery if necessary.

In light of this incident, experts advise applying sunscreen to the feet to protect against the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and reduce the risk of skin cancer. With the summer heat intensifying, it is crucial to prioritize safety and take necessary precautions when venturing into extreme environments.