Heat Rash Symptoms

Heat rash, most commonly known as prickly heat or miliaria, is a skin condition characterized by intense itching, and a prickly or sting-like feeling. It is caused due to the blockage of the sweat ducts, where the body's perspiration gets trapped within the surface layer of the skin, and irritates the skin. It mainly causes damage to the cells on the surface of the skin due to excessive perspiration. The perspiration forms a barrier and traps sweat beneath the skin, where it builds up, causing the goose bump like rashes. The clothing we wear, rubs against the skin, causing friction and inflaming the neck, back, abdomen, upper chest, groin, armpits, etc. The most common heat rash symptom is the occurrence of tiny red rashes known as papules, and the skin around the rash appears red in color. People staying in tropical or humid climates are more prone to get heat rash. Mostly, heat rash tends to disappear on its own; however, constant development of the heat rash can interfere with the body's self-heat-regulating mechanism and can lead to fever, and heat exhaustion.

Symptoms of Heat Rash
The symptoms of this skin rash depend upon the type of heat rash. Following are the types of symptoms, on the basis of classification of heat rash.

Miliaria Rubra: The most common form of heat rash, miliaria rubra occurs when the sweat ducts located in the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin get blocked, resulting in a local inflammatory reaction and causing blister-like lesions and an inflammation around it that is typically red in color. The symptoms for miliaria rubra are an intense itch accompanied by anhidrosis, which is complete lack of sweating in affected areas. If the condition spreads to a larger area of the body, there are chances of experiencing heat exhaustion.

Miliaria Profunda: Miliaria profunda is a severe form of miliaria rubra, and affects the deep layer of the skin dermis. It is also known as wildfire, as it has the tendency to spread very fast or occur repeatedly at the same place. The first symptoms become noticeable only after some form of physical exertion that brings on sweating. The rash appears as the body starts to sweat. The lesions are firm and large, resembling goose bumps, and pink in color. If the rash continues to persist, symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and a rapid pulse are exhibited. As the rash has a tendency to spread, the risk of heat exhaustion is larger.

Miliaria Crystallina: Another common form of heat rash, miliaria crystallina is mild in nature and occurs in the form of very tiny, clear blisters, papules and superficial vesicles with no inflammatory reaction. It occurs in the stratum corneum, the most superficial layer of skin. When the sweat ducts get blocked, these lesions break open easily, but are not itchy or painful. It often goes and comes on its own, depending upon the humidity in the climate.

Treating heat rash is easy and the best way is keep the skin cool so as to prevent heat rash. Wear light colored cotton or linen fabric. The skin should be allowed to breathe, and not covered with too much clothing. Other remedies for heat rash include bathing with cool water; try adding a mint essential oil for some added freshness. Powder self liberally, and use only water based light lotions. Heat rash symptoms mostly disappear on their own, however, if condition persists, it is best to consult a doctor.