Health Tips

Heat rash is often referred to as prickly heat or milinia. It is a common condition caused due to overheating of the skin. It usually surfaces on the clothed regions of the body like armpits, back, upper chest, groin or abdomen.

Heat rash can surface irrespective of the age factor. Active people, infants in incubators, bedridden patients with high fever are the potential victims of heat rash. The symptoms of heat rash constitute small itchy red bumps on the skin amongst others. Heat rash may be prickly, stinging, or burning. It may, though rarely develop secondary infection.

It begins with excessive perspiration. The perspiration tends to damage the cells on the surface of the skin. This in turn forms a barrier and traps the sweat beneath the skin, resulting in characteristic bumps. When these bumps burst, sweat is released causing prickly, stinging, or burning feeling.

Heat rash usually goes away if the skin is kept dry and cool within a few days. The most common treatment for heat rash is to let it dry on its own. It is advisable to relax your skin in an air-conditioned room or under a fan to cool off.

Avoid application of insect repellents, lotions, powder to your skin in case you continue to sweat and cannot cool down. To treat infected rash, antibiotics may be needed. Dusting powder may be used to increase comfort, but avoid using ointments or creams as they make the skin warm and moist and may worsen the heat rash condition.

In order to prevent heat rash, avoid humid environments, strenuous physical activity. Do not apply oil-based products to your skin as they may block the sweat glands. Application of over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream or calamine is recommended to relieve the itching, proving to be an effectual heat rash treatment.

Treating heat rash is simple and usually does not require medical assistance. If you experience a prolonged heat rash, seek immediate medical attention.