What is heat rash / miliaria?
Heat rash, also known as prickly heat or miliaria rubra, is an extremely itchy rash of tiny red spots which develops when the skin becomes overheated. It usually appears around the face, neck, chest and shoulders.

In temperate climates, like Europe’s it is common only in babies and young children during the summer. In the tropics, both children and adults are affected, particularly during the hot season.

What causes heat rash?
The rash develops when the excessive amount of perspiration produced by overheated skin blocks the outlets of the sweat glands. Since most sweat glands are situated around the face, neck, shoulders and chest, heat rash mainly appears in these areas.

Heat rash is most common in babies since their sweat glands do not function as efficiently as those of older children or adults. In babies particularly, heat rash is caused by clothes and bedding that are too warm and not loose enough to allow air to circulate freely. Young children may also suffer from heat rash if they are too hot in bed, have a fever due to infection or when they go on holiday to a hotter country. Adults mostly develop prickly heat in tropical climates, which are hot and humid.

How is heat rash diagnosed and treated?
Heat rash is identified by the development of a red rash of tiny spots which feels warm and prickly, intensely itchy, and that develops when the sufferer is in a hot environment. Treatment consists simply of cooling the skin, and soothing the itching. Treatment is the same for babies, children and adults. Cool the skin by bathing it with cool water or taking frequent cold showers. Dry carefully afterwards. Apply an antiseptic dusting powder containing zinc oxide. An application of calamine lotion will also soothe the itching.

To treat and prevent heat rash, loose cotton clothes should be worn; nylon and other synthetics trap sweat and make matters worse. Indoors, make sure that there is air circulating in the room. Open the windows and, in the tropics, use a fan. Outside, stay in the shade, in a cooling breeze if possible.

What can I do myself?
Heat rash is not a condition which normally requires a doctor’s assistance. Treat as above and the rash will subside.

When should I see my doctor?
It is not usually necessary. But if a heat rash recurs more than occasionally, it could be an allergic rash which is made worse but not caused by the heat. It might then be wise to see a doctor. These rashes include photosensitive dermatitis an itchy rash brought on by exposure to ultraviolet light and nettle rash which can be an allergic reaction to sweat.

There is a similar sort of rash to heat rash called intertrigo, which may require medical attention. It is a red, raw rash which develops in the creases of the skin, especially in the groin area. It is much more likely to occur among obese people.

None of these rashes looks like heat rash although they may feel the same to the sufferer.

What will the doctor do?
If it is a simple heat rash, the doctor will advise you on the treatment outlined above. If it is an allergy he will investigate the causes. If it is intertrigo, an antifungal drug will normally be prescribed in the form of a cream or an ointment as there is usually an underlying fungal infection with this condition. When the skin is severely inflamed a steroid ointment may be the appropriate treatment.

Is heat rash dangerous?
Not in itself, but in babies, who cannot regulate their body temperature efficiently, it is important to respond promptly to prevent overheating.

SYMPTOMS
A rash of tiny red spots, which feels extremely itchy and prickly. It is usually concentrated around the face, neck, shoulders, chest, waist, armpits and the sides of the elbows. If rash is very extensive, seek a doctor immediately.

What can I do to avoid heat rash?

• Avoid heat rash by keeping the skin cool and dry. Take special care when you go on holiday to a hot country.
• Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid hot drinks which raise body temperature.
• Dress in suitably loose, light, cotton clothing. Don’t put nylon or synthetics next to a baby’s skin in hot weather. It is best to sleep in cotton sheets and nightclothes.
• Prevent young children from becoming too hot by discouraging very active games in hot weather.
• In tropical countries, always carry a jar of dusting powder containing zinc oxide, and apply it to your own skin and your children’s skin daily, after bathing.

WARNING
Though heat rash is very uncomfortable, it is not in itself serious. However, other heatrelated disorders such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke both require urgent medical attention. Heat stroke, in particular, can be fatal.

Source: healthtalk info

These articles are sourced from various avenues, all contents within Pure and Gentle Skincare website is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any health care professional. Pure and Gentle Skincare is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of Pure and Gentle Skincare website or advisors. Always consult your own GP is you're in any way concerned about your health as he or she will be able to advise in greater details.