With the United States being hit with a major heat wave for several weeks, people are more likely to stay inside to be cool. Unfortunately heat rash is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages especially during the summer months and most people will contract it at some point in their life, but heat rash can also appear at any time of the year. It is often found on the neck, chest, and back. Symptoms of heat rash usually include intense itching, red skin, blisters, and swelling. In severe cases, the rash can lead to a fever and muscle aches.
Heat rash is usually caused by the sweat ducts in your skin becoming blocked, which can happen because of a number of factors. Some people are more likely to develop a heat rash than others due to their sweat glands being more active than others. Heat rashes should not be confused with insect bites which may also appear as a small red bump with a sharp edge surrounded by an area of reddened skin. The bumps may be small or large and can appear anywhere on the body.
Heat rash is a type of rash that is caused by intense heat, such as the heat from a hot shower or bath. The most common form of heat rash is prickly heat, which causes an itchy, red, and sometimes dry skin rash. It can also be caused by sunburns or other forms of overexposure to the sun. Heat rashes are commonly found in people who sweat excessively and have sensitive skin such as those with atopic dermatitis.
The primary treatment for heat rash is prevention of further irritation by staying cool, limiting sweating, and applying a soothing ointment or cream to the area. In order to prevent heat rash, you need to avoid direct exposure to the sun for a long time. The usage of sunscreen and wearing clothes that cover your skin will help. If you are suffering from heat rash, it is important to keep the area clean and dry. Try to avoid scratching and itching the area and use a cold compress to help cool the rash.
Other treatments for heat rash are using a topical cream that contains hydrocortisone. Taking an oatmeal bath helps to relieve some of the symptoms. However, symptoms usually clear up on their own within a few days but can lead to a bacterial infection.
The most common symptoms are a red or pink rash with small blisters. There may be itchiness, followed with a burning pain, swelling or some other form of irritation. The bumps or blisters are often found on the trunk and neck and can be caused by a number of factors such as a sunburn, sweating too much and changing weather patterns. A fever may also accompany these symptoms, but it will not necessarily be present every time you have a heat rash.
Many people believe that heat rash is dangerous but this is not the case. Heat rash is not a long term condition and usually always clears up on its own. A heat rash can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, but are quite easy to prevent. However, if your rash doesn’t clear up on its own after a few days or if you have concerns consult your dermatologist.
