Heat Rash : Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments of Heat Rash

Heat rash is a skin condition where the skin is inflamed due to the obstruction that occurred to the sweat gland ducts. The obstructions may be caused by bacteria or dead skin cells. Staphylococcus epidermidis are common bacteria that usually occur on our skin which is sometimes associated with acne. The irritation, prickling, itching and development of localized small blisters on the skin are the results of trapped sweats in the body.

Miliria, prickly heat or swat rash are other names for heat rash. The common symptoms of this skin condition are tiny, itchy red bumps of rashes on the skin and accompanied by a burning, stinging and prickly sensation. The tiny, itchy, red bumps of rashes are called papules which cause the sensation of prickling “pins and needles” leading to frequent itchiness. The person who is suffering from heat rash will have a simultaneous occurrence of rashes to the different parts of the body.

The most common affected parts include the face, neck, scrotum and the skin under the breast. Other affected parts are the natural folds of the skin which includes the stomach, chest, back etc., these are areas of the body that are always rubbing and in contact with clothing. Folliculitis which is also a condition where the hair follicles are plugged with a foreign object that results to inflammation may simultaneously occur with heat rash.

Heat rash becomes a very common skin ailment during the hot and humid season of summer. People of all ages may get affected by this skin ailment, however children most especially infants are the more susceptible and vulnerable to it due to their still developing sweat glands.

In general most heat rash can disappear by itself. Specific medical treatments for heat rash are currently very little. Effective recovery may be achieved when the skin condition has been continuously treated at an early stage when the infections were still minor, although severe stages of infections may last for weeks. The symptoms will be lessened and the healing process will be more progressive once an affected person of heat rash stays in an air-conditioned environment. The itching may be soothed and controlled with anti-itch lotions and creams such as topical steroid creams and calamine lotions. However, caution is strongly recommended when using products that may block the sweat gland ducts especially oil based products which may slow the defoliation process of the skin, therefore as much as possible must be avoided. The severity and the symptoms of heat rash are reduced with the help of vitamin A and vitamin C supplementation. In such cases where the rashes are already causing blisters, medical attention is already recommended.

The prevention of heat rash is possible by avoiding activities and body movements that induces too much sweat. During hot and humid weather it is recommended to use some air conditioning to cool the surroundings. Light clothing should be preferred than thick and heavy garments. Taking multiple showers all throughout the day will be very helpful if air conditioning is not available or can’t be afforded, this will unplug the sweat glands keep it clean and prevent it from foreign object blockage.