Heat Rash

Also known as prickly heat or miliaria, heat rash is a very common condition wherein certain areas of skin itch and sting because of intense heat. The affected area is covered with tiny bumps and is surrounded by skin that looks s little blistered. Surprisingly, it does not occur on the parts of the body that are exposed to sunlight directly. Rather, it occurs on clothed parts of the body like the neck, abdomen, chest, groins and armpits and heals on its own. However, if the rash is severe, then it interferes with the body’s heat regulating mechanism causing fever, heat exhaustion and in some cases, even death. This is because heat rash causes disruption to the cooling system of the body as it does not allow sweat to evaporate thus causing the body to overheat severely.

Causes of Heat Rash

The main cause of heat rash is excessive perspiration in a hot and humid environment. The sweat damages the skin cells which in turn form a barrier and traps sweat below the skin where it accumulates causing the characteristic bumps. As these bumps burst releasing the sweat the skin feels prickly. Heat rash is also very commonly seen in infants. This is usually because over protective parents tend to wrap up infants with too many warm clothes. Bedridden patients too are prone to heat rash.

Types of Heat Rash

The types of heat rash is classifies based on the amount of blockage of the sweat gland. These blockages occur at several depths and are broadly classified into the following four category:

• Miliaria Crystallina: This is a superficial blockage that affects only the epidermis layer of the skin. As sweat cannot escape from these blockages, blisters are formed.
• Miliaria Rubra: The blockages formed are at a deeper layer which causes the sweat to seep into the living layers of the skin. This results in skin irritation and itching.
• Miliaria Pustulosais: is an advanced stage of Miliaria Rubra wherein the sweat is infected with pus producing bacteria and contains pus.
• Miliaria Profunda: These are the deepest of all the blockages and can cause dry skin along with goose bumps.

Home Remedies for Heat Rash

As mentioned above, a heat rash does not require a visit to the doctor. A few remedies at home will help ease the itch and will accelerate the healing process. The first step when you discover that you have developed heat rash is to cool down your body. An air-conditioned room or a long cold shower will help. Further some of the following remedies will help:

• Ice Pack: The first priority is to cool the affected area. Apply an ice pack on the area directly for best results. The ice pack should be applied for 10 – 15 minutes every 4 hours.
• Dusting: After a bath, dust yourself with baking soda, cornstarch or an unscented talcum powder. This will help absorb all moisture from the affected area that causes heat rash.
• Powdered Bath: Mix baking soda or finely grounded oatmeal powder in a tub full of warm water and soak yourself in it for some time.
• Air Dry: If you are suffering from a serious case of heat rash and have also developed blisters, then do not bandage the area. Fresh air is the best form of treatment.
• Lotions: Many over the counter lotions are available that help ease the itch. Calamine lotion is an excellent solution to cool the skin. Further, lotions that contain aloe-vera are also very beneficial. Wash and dry the area with water before applying the lotion. Avoid oil based creams as they can further aggravate the problem.

Remember to wear loose comfortable clothes made from fabrics that absorb sweat like cotton. Also, people who are overweight or obese tend to sweat heavily and are more prone to heat rash. Normally, heat rash heal in a week’s time. But if you find that your rash instead of healing develops into white pustules, you must get it diagnosed by a physician as it may indicate eczema which is a more serious skin problem. You can also visit a dermatologist who can peel off the upper layer of the skin with a help of ultraviolet rays thereby reducing the pain and the itch.

As the temperature cools down the rashes disappear. However, you skin may take about 2 weeks to heal as new layers grow. Special care should be taken care of young children who play out in the sun all day long. A little precaution will go a long way in avoiding a lot of unnecessary body discomfort.