Summertime may be the right time for special projects around your home, but it is important to remember that prolonged exposure to the sun and heat can be a health hazard. From deadly skin cancers to heat-related illnesses, it is not all “fun in the sun” - especially where your skin is concerned.

One of the most common and despised heat-related health issues is heat rash. Also known as “prickly heat” and “miliaria,” heat rash can affect anyone from infancy up to adulthood.

Causes
Heat rash occurs very often during hot, humid weather. When conditions cause you to sweat more, the sweat can become trapped under the skin and, block the sweat glands and pores, which results in a rash.

Conditions that may cause heat rash include:

• Immature sweat ducts in babies

• Excess physical activity

• Wearing thick fabrics

• Use of certain antiperspirants, creams, or ointments that may block pores

• Overheating the body by sleeping under an electric blanket or over-dressing in warm temperatures

• Fever

• Being bedridden for lengthy period of time

Heat rash usually shows up as irritated red skin that is accompanied by a stinging sensation. Skin irritation can be mild to severe, from reddened skin to blisters or bumps that may itch. You may notice little to no sweat in the area. In some people, mild heat rash looks like goose bumps.

Heat rashes are more likely to appear in the regions where the skin folds, or where skin touches skin. The neck, upper chest, scalp (especially in hat-wearers), the folds of elbow, knees and armpits, the area under the breasts, and where the abdomen meets the thigh are all areas of the body commonly afflicted with heat rash.

The most effective treatment for heat rash is to keep the skin cool and dry.

If possible, avoid exposure to heat and humidity. You can also use cool compressors on affected areas, and stand in front of a fan after bathing to help skin thoroughly dry. Wearing clean, loose, cotton clothes can help to avoid rubbing and irritation.

If fever or pain is involved, over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help. Use caution in applying lotions. Some may cause further irritation by keeping skin moist. Products like calamine lotion and anhydrous lanolin (a thick, waxy substance produced by sheep) may help to prevent the blockage of sweat ducts and prevent new lesions. However some people are allergic to lanolin, so use caution. For more severe cases, a topical steroid may be recommended.

In many cases, heat rash goes away on its own, but if the rash persists for more than four days, or seems to be getting worse, it is time to consult a physician. It is also a good idea to call your doctor if the rash becomes excessively itchy, you are experiencing pain, or if the irritated skin is hot to the touch.

Also notify your doctor if the heat rash is accompanied by fever, swollen lymph nodes in the armpit, neck, or groin regions, or if you notice pus or fluid oozing from the affected area.

Symptoms like dizziness, nausea, confusion, rapid heartbeat, or trouble breathing should be reported immediately, as these may indicate heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which can be deadly.

Heat rashes can often be prevented by taking certain precautions. In warm weather, wear loose-fitting, lightweight cotton clothes. Dry off completely after bathing or showering. Stay cool in air-conditioning, or if you must be outside in the heat, take frequent “shade breaks” – and always drink plenty of water to help your body stay hydrated and healthy.

Outlook
Heat rash is a very common nuisance that is usually easily treated, and often goes away in 7 to 10 days. Staying cool and dry is the best way to keep your skin healthy in hot, humid weather.