This article discusses what heat rash looks like and what causes it.
It also includes heat rash pictures and tips on how you might treat and prevent it.
Heat rash is also commonly referred to as diaper rash, summer rash, or wildfire rash.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
What Does Heat Rash Look Like?
Usually, heat rash is composed of small, prickly, itchy bumps with a halo around them.
This key in of heat rash is called miliariaruba, or prickly heat.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNetwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Other than the discomfort, heat rash really isn’t much of a health concern.
However, if left untreated, the condition can cause pus-containing blisters (miliariaprofunda) and lead to infection.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Te Whatu Ora Waikatowww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from DermNetwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
On darker skin, the rash may look like this.
Reproduced with permission from DermNetwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Te Whatu Oradermnetnz.org2023.
Heat Urticaria
A different bang out of rash, also due to heat, is heaturticaria.
This condition is rare, however, and unrelated to miliaria.
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Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee
Reproduced with permission from DermNet and Te Whatu Oradermnetnz.org2023.
Heat rash takes place if sweat glands become blocked and/or inflamed.
Anything that causes sweating can lead to heat rash.
Commoncauses of heat rashinclude:
Who Can Get a Heat Rash?
Heat rash is common in people who live in hot, humid climates and those who sweat a lot.
Babies are more likely to get heat rash because they have immature sweat glands.
What Can Be Mistaken for a Heat Rash?
Choosing light fabrics and loose-fitting garments that don’t chafe is important.
Cotton is an alternative to moisture-wicking fabric, which breathes well and allows damp skin to dry.
Avoiding heat and staying in an air-conditioned environment as much as possible can help.
If you don’t have access to A/C, consider fans, especially to keep your bedroom cool overnight.
If you cannot cool down your home, consider going somewhere cooler.
That could include the mall, a movie theater, a restaurant, or a friend’s house.
Apply Cool Compresses
Cold compresses can cool and soothe your skin when you have a heat rash.
it’s possible for you to use a wet washcloth or wrap an ice pack in a towel.
Just be sure you allow the area to dry thoroughly afterward.
Ice and gel ice packs should never be applied directly to your skin.
Use an appropriate cloth barrier to protect your skin.
Any one of those will relieve the itchiness of your heat rash.
Don’t use bubble baths or bath bombs, even if their ingredients sound soothing.
They may also contain ingredients that dry or irritate your sensitive skin.
Is Aloe Vera Good for Heat Rash?
Yes, pure aloe vera gel can help to soothe heat rash.
Over-the-Counter Heat Rash Treatments
Usually, home remedies are the best way to treat heat rash.
If the rash is itchy and inflamed, talk to your healthcare provider.
You might ask whether they suggest using an over-the-counter (OTC)corticosteroid cream.
Some people find applying pure aloe vera gel can help ease the sting of prickly heat.
Antihistamines are also sometimes used to treat heat rash.
you’re able to also protect the skin from further irritation by applying anhydrous lanolin.
A processed waxy substance derived from sheep’s wool, anhydrous lanolin will not clog pores.
It is particularly helpful for diaper rash and locations where skin rubbing contributes to heat rash.
This is the opposite of what it’s crucial that you clear up the rash.
If it lasts much longer than that or isn’t improving, talk to your healthcare provider.
The most severe form of heat rash (miliariapustulosa) has the potential to develop into a secondary infection.
In that case, prescribed oral ortopical antibioticswill be needed to get the infection in check.
This may take some planning and forethought.
However, it’ll be well worth it when youand your childaren’t dealing with an itchy rash.
That’s right where it’s most likely to cause a heat rash.
Cotton is a breathable fabric that will allow your baby’s skin to stay much drier than plastic.
If you’re near water, take advantage of that to cool off periodically.
It will cool down your skin while washing away the sweat that may clog your pores.
Summary
A heat rash happens when sweat gets trapped in glands under the skin.
You could also try anti-itch baths with oatmeal, baking soda, or Epsom salt.
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Available from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537176/
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