What is it?

Heat rash is a common condition that occurs when the body becomes overheated, causing the skin to become red and inflamed with dozens of tiny bumps. Heat rash is also sometimes referred to as “prickly heat” or “miliaria,” because the skin may feel hot to the touch during an outbreak. Once the skin has broken out with a heat rash, it generally feels itchy, tingly or prickly and bumps typically appear on areas of the skin that are covered by clothing, such as the upper body, arms or even the head. Scratching will cause the bumps to swell and possibly lead to infection. It’s important to monitor scratching in kids.

Causes of heat rash

Heat rash doesn’t discriminate and affects all ages. It does occur more commonly in infants, bedridden patients or active individuals, who’re outside in warm weather. Not surprisingly, heat rash is common in hot, humid climates but can also occur in cold weather when a person wears too many layers and the body overheats. When overheated, sweat helps to cool a person’s body temperature. However, if there’s excessive sweating and the body can’t cool down, the opposite result can occur: Sweat becomes trapped under the surface of the skin, causing damage to the cells on the skin’s surface, and forming prickly bumps. The bumps eventually burst and release the sweat, causing the stinging or burning sensation.

How to treat heat rash

Most cases of heat rash will go away on their own. Here’s what you can do to halt your heat rash symptoms and protect your skin:

• Cool off. Stop sweating by removing clothing layers, seeking the shade or an air-conditioned space, wearing “breathable,” natural fabrics like cotton and taking a cool bath or shower.

• Watch for other symptoms. Although heat rash usually goes away on its own, it can interfere with the body’s heat regulation mechanism by blocking the sweat ducts, leading to heat exhaustion. Heat rash can also lead to secondary skin infections, especially if you scratch the bumps. Watch out for these symptoms: fever or chills, swollen glands, pus and increased swelling. If the rash doesn't clear within several days, see a doctor.

• Use lotion. You can ask the doctor for a prescription calamine lotion or use over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to soothe irritated skin. Until the lesions have cleared and the rash is gone, avoid all other body lotions or creams, because they can cause further irritation.

A note on infants

It’s particularly important to watch out for heat rash in infants, since they’re unable to express when they’re too hot. Here’s what you can do:

• Dress babies the same as adults during the summer months.
• Layer clothing to allow for times when your child may be hot or cold.
• Reach for cotton, loose-fitting clothing, which will breathe and protect the skin.
• Make sure your child is wearing a hat.
• If your child shows signs of heat rash, remove him or her from the heat immediately. And allow them to cool down by removing clothing and applying a cool washcloth to the skin.
• Avoid using lotion or cream, which can exacerbate the rash.
• If the rash doesn’t go away or is accompanied by the above symptoms, see a doctor.

See also:

A No-Sweat Summer Beauty Routine

Acne During Pregnancy: Tips for Clear Skin

Idebenol and Idebenone

Lemon

Sunscreen and Children: What Every Parent Must Know