Heat Rash - Symptoms and Treatment

Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. This results in tiny bumps surrounded by pink or red area on the skin. It usually occurs on clothed parts of the body, such as the back, abdomen, neck, upper chest, groin or armpits. As the bumps burst and sweat is released, you may feel the prickly or stinging sensation. It can occur at any age, but is most common in young children and in overweight people who have overlapping folds of fat. The condition isn't usually painful but it can be annoyingly itchy, and some of the pimples may be tender to the touch. The heat rash goes away on its own within a few days but severity of the disease may lead to fever, heat exhaustion and even death.-- Heat rash occurs most often in hot, humid conditions, but you may develop it in cool weather if you are overdressed. The condition usually appears a few days to a few months after exposure to a hot, humid environment. It's most common in infants. Active people, newborns in incubators, and bedridden patients with fever also are more likely to get heat rash.

Causes of Heat Rash

Common Causes of Heat Rash :

• Heat rash is usually caused by overheating of the skin . The skin overheats when the pores are clogged as a result of excessive sweating. This blocks sweat glands.
• Older children can get it with exercise.
• Infants can also get it in the winter time with fever or ointments applied to the chest for coughs.
• Tropical areas is also a major risk factor for the occurrence of the disease.

Symptoms of Heat Rash

Some common Symptoms of Heat Rash :

• Skin itching.
• Clusters of red bumps.
• Skin prickling.
• Small red bumps.
• High fever.

Treatment of Heat Rash

• Hydrocortisone cream is also a treatment for heat rash.
• Calamine lotion or prickly rash lotions can be used to soothe the affected areas, but avoid ointments or creams as they keep the skin warm and moist and may make the condition worse.
• Wear light,loose fitting soft clothes . Avoid clothing that traps heat and moisture . Natural fabrics such as cotton are best.
• Topical corticosteroids can be tried.

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