Following on from recent articles on sunburn and sunscreen we thought it relevant to continue the theme and write an article on heat rash. We will cover what heat rash is, the symptoms and causes as well as the treatments available for it.
What is Heat Rash?
Heat rash is also known as prickly heat (the name I remember vividly as a child as I suffered a lot on vacations from prickly heat). It is caused when your sweat ducts become blocked and the perspiration from sweat gets trapped under the skin. This forms as a rash and can develop into red lumps. This rash or bumps are generally very itchy and can become very uncomfortable.
As a child, my heat rash (prickly heat) was always on my back and there was very little to alleviate the constant itching. Thankfully today there are more effective treatments that can help with it. You may not even need treatment as sometimes it can just go away of its own accord, however for small children it is better to try and treat the condition.
What are the symptoms of Heat rash?
The rash forms tiny dots or spots on the skin, usually around the chest, shoulders and neck area. These dots can develop into something more severe forming blisters which burst releasing liquid.
Additional irritation can be caused through friction from clothing so this is something to be wary of if you have a child with the condition.
How to Treat Heat Rash
The most important thing is to remain in a cool place. Any place in the shade or with air conditioning is ideal. You do not want to be sweating so exercise or sitting in the sun should be avoided. Remove any clothing around where the rash is, or if you need to wear something try using clothes that allow the skin to breathe (loose fitting).
If the rash and itching continues there are some treatments that you can use:
- Calamine lotion
- Hydrocortisone cream
These will help with any symptoms you may have and help reduce the itching which is the most annoying part.
Good luck with your heat rash or prickly heat. I remember as a child how frustrating it was and so I do sympathize. Just ensure to stay out of the sun and keep cool - the rash will go away soon enough. If it does persist, which it probably will, try the calamin lotion.
What is Heat Rash?
Heat rash is also known as prickly heat (the name I remember vividly as a child as I suffered a lot on vacations from prickly heat). It is caused when your sweat ducts become blocked and the perspiration from sweat gets trapped under the skin. This forms as a rash and can develop into red lumps. This rash or bumps are generally very itchy and can become very uncomfortable.
As a child, my heat rash (prickly heat) was always on my back and there was very little to alleviate the constant itching. Thankfully today there are more effective treatments that can help with it. You may not even need treatment as sometimes it can just go away of its own accord, however for small children it is better to try and treat the condition.
What are the symptoms of Heat rash?
The rash forms tiny dots or spots on the skin, usually around the chest, shoulders and neck area. These dots can develop into something more severe forming blisters which burst releasing liquid.
Additional irritation can be caused through friction from clothing so this is something to be wary of if you have a child with the condition.
How to Treat Heat Rash
The most important thing is to remain in a cool place. Any place in the shade or with air conditioning is ideal. You do not want to be sweating so exercise or sitting in the sun should be avoided. Remove any clothing around where the rash is, or if you need to wear something try using clothes that allow the skin to breathe (loose fitting).
If the rash and itching continues there are some treatments that you can use:
- Calamine lotion
- Hydrocortisone cream
These will help with any symptoms you may have and help reduce the itching which is the most annoying part.
Good luck with your heat rash or prickly heat. I remember as a child how frustrating it was and so I do sympathize. Just ensure to stay out of the sun and keep cool - the rash will go away soon enough. If it does persist, which it probably will, try the calamin lotion.
SHARE
