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A heat rash is a skin condition that often occurs in the summer months. Summer weather is hot and often humid in many parts of the world and these are the prime conditions for the development of this type of skin rash or skin irritation. It can also develop in cooler weather when individuals get too hot because they are overdressed or wearing tight fitting clothing.
This type of rash is known by other names as well, such as prickly heat, miliaria, sun rash, or sweat rash.
A heat rash occurs when excessive sweating occurs, skin pores subsequently get clogged, and the skin over heats. It is characterized by the appearance of a cluster of red pimples with red skin surrounding them. Small blisters may also be present. The rash is often very itchy, prickly or may sting and burn quite significantly. The areas of the skin most often affected include the upper chest and neck, back, groin, under the breasts, and in skin creases or skin fold areas such as elbow and knee regions. Children, especially younger children, are usually affected more often than adults although an adult heat rash does occur in many people.
Heat rash treatments are generally quite basic and include cooling the skin and body and keeping the affected skin areas dry. Cool showers and light loose fitting clothing will help. In addition, staying out of the sun would also be a good idea. Seeking an air-conditioned environment is beneficial. In many cases, the prickly rash will disappear on its own in a short amount of time, if the basic advice given above is followed. Calamine lotion can soothe the itch, but avoid any oil-based products because these may lead to additional skin pore clogging and prevent the heat rash healing process from occurring.
In more severe heat rash or miliaria cases, infection or heat exhaustion is possible. For these cases, medical attention is required in order to treat the infection or to prevent death from the heat exhaustion condition.
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Heat Rash, Adult Heat Rash, Prickly Heat, Miliaria |
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