Treat Heat Rash

Heat rash is a skin irritation common in hot, humid southern weather. Also known as "prickly heat" or miliaria, heat rash develops when blocked pores trap perspiration under your skin.[1] In its worst forms, heat rash interrupts the body's heat-regulating mechanism and cause discomfort, fever, and exhaustion.

Steps

Treating Heat Rash

  1. Know the symptoms of heat rash. Heat rash usually occurs underneath the clothes, where moisture and heat trap clothes close to the skin. It feels itchy and looks like a patch of bumps or pimples. Other symptoms include:
    • Pain, swelling, or warmth of the skin.
    • Red streaks.
    • Pus or fluid draining from itchy areas.
    • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin.
    • Sudden fever (over 100.4°F or 38°C).[2]
  2. Move the affected person into a cool, shady environment. Get out of the sun and somewhere cool and dry if possible, around 70°F. If you cannot get inside then move into the shade.
    • Most heat rash will go away soon after cooling off.[3]
  3. Loosen or remove tight, damp clothing. Expose the affected area and let it air dry. Since blocked sweat glands cause most heat rash, you want the skin to be able to breath freely to prevent further blockage.
    • Do not use a towel to dry your skin-- air should be fine.[4]
  4. Drink plenty of cold fluids. Heat rash is a symptom of your body overheating. Avoid hot beverages and drink plenty of cold water to lower your body temperature.[5]
  5. Take cool showers or baths to lower your temperature quickly. The water does not need to be cold, just cool enough to be relaxing. Use a gentle cleaner or antibacterial soap to lightly clean the affected area and pat or air dry afterwards.
  6. Avoid popping blisters. Blisters are filled with fluid meant to heal your skin, and they can scar if popped prematurely. While some blisters will pop, try to let your skin heal naturally and avoid picking at it.[6]
  7. Use over the counter medication to ease discomfort. Treat heat rash with an application of 1% hydrocortisone cream or calamine/aloe lotion to relieve itching. For more extreme cases, antihistamines like Benadryl or Claritin can ease itching and swelling.[7]
  8. See a doctor if symptoms worsen or last longer than 2 days. While most heat rash will disappear soon after cooling off, severe heat rash can lead to infections that need treatment. Call a doctor if pain increases or spreads, if yellow or white pus begins to leak from your rash, or the rash does not disappear on it's own. Immediately call emergency services if you feel:
    • Nausea and Dizziness
    • Headaches
    • Vomiting
    • Fainting[8]

Preventing Heat Rash

  1. Wear loose, breathable clothing in hot climates. You don't want your fabric to rub against your skin uncomfortably or trap sweat close to your body. Synthetic fabrics and baggy clothing work best.
  2. Avoid strenuous physical activity in hot, humid environments. Heat rash is commonly caused by exercise, when you have a higher body temperature and create lots of sweat. If you feel a rash developing, take a break and cool off.
  3. Take regular, 20 minute breaks from the heat. Cooling off, changing out of damp, sweaty clothes, or jumping into a cool pool from time to time can help your body effectively regulate temperature, preventing heat rash before it occurs.
  4. Dress infants like you would dress and adult. Most heat rashes occur in infants, when well-meaning parents over-dress their child during hot weather. Babies should wear loose, breathable clothing in the heat as well.
    • Just because a baby's feet or hands feel cool to the touch does not mean they are cold.[4]
  5. Sleep in cool, well-ventilated areas. Heat rashes can appear overnight when you are trapped in damp, hot sheets for extended periods of time. Use fans, open windows, or turn on the AC if you wake up sweaty and uncomfortable.[9]

Tips

  • Always bring water and possibly ice packs when hiking or doing activities under the sun.
  • Stay in shaded areas as much as possible.

Warnings

  • Don't apply oil-based antiperspirants (like deodorant), lotion, or insect repellent to affected areas because these might trap more sweat and aggravate the condition.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-rash/basics/definition/con-20033908
  2. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/heat-rash-topic-overview
  3. ↑ http://www.emedicinehealth.com/heat_rash/page7_em.htm#heat_rash_home_remedies
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/heat-rash-topic-overview
  5. ↑ http://www.naturalhealthmag.com/expert-advice/how-treat-heat-rash
  6. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/understanding-blister-treatment
  7. ↑ http://www.emedicinehealth.com/heat_rash/page7_em.htm
  8. ↑ http://www.emedicinehealth.com/heat_rash/page8_em.htm#heat_rash_when_to_seek_medical_care
  9. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-rash/basics/prevention/con-20033908
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