Heat rash often breaks out in the hot summer months. The common skin rash is popularly known as prickly heat but doctors call the condition miliaria. It is generally harmless but the condition can be quite uncomfortable.
Heat rash is the breakout of small eruptions on the skin which look like blisters or inflamed bumps. It is typically linked to hot, humid conditions and can affect both children and adults. The red, raised spots may feel itchy and prickly. In addition to the uncomfortable feeling, the red spots are more obvious in light-skinned people than in people with a darker complexion. These rashes can appear anywhere on the body but the condition is not contagious.
Types of Heat Rash
Heat rash can be of three types:
- Miliaria crystallina – It is the most common form of heat rash and is more commonly seen in babies than adults. The rashes are small, clear, white bumps filled with sweat. They form on the surface of the skin and are not itchy or painful. They are formed when the sweat pores get blocked.
- Miliaria rubra – This type of heat rash is called prickly heat. The bumps are larger and inflamed. As they develop in the deeper layers of the skin, they are painful and uncomfortable. The bumps may get infected with pus – a condition medically known as miliaria pustulosa.
- Miliaria profunda – This is the most uncommon form of heat rash. The bumps develop in the deepest layer of skin. They can become recurrent and chronic. The bumps are large and hard to touch.
What Causes Heat Rashes on Skin?
The hot weather conditions trigger heat rash. As the sweat gland ducts get blocked, the sweat gets trapped in the skin, leading to the breakout of rashes.
The main reasons that cause the sweat ducts to get blocked are:
- Sweat glands in newborns are still developing
- High humidity
- High physical activity
- Fever or infection
- Synthetic clothes
- Using a nonporous bandage
- Prolonged bed rest
- Use of drugs that reduce sweating
- Radiation therapy
- Underlying medical condition
Heat Rash Symptoms
The small eruptions or bumps on the skin are the hallmark symptom of heat rash. These rashes may feel prickly, stinging, or burning and may be mildly swollen.
Heat rash often affects areas which are most prone to sweating. These include:
- Face
- Neck
- Under the breasts and scrotum
Areas where skin rubs against clothing, for instance, the back, chest, and stomach, and areas within skin fold like elbow creases, groin and armpit, are also prone to heat rash.
Heat Rash Diagnosis
Heat rash is not harmful or dangerous. The condition often settles automatically. However, medical attention and treatment will be required if the symptoms of heat rash last longer than a few days or the bumps turn infective.
The doctor will diagnose a heat rash with the help of dermoscopy. A series of tests may also be done to rule out other skin conditions that exhibit similar symptoms as that of heat rash. These are:
- Chickenpox or measles, types of viral infection
- Impetigo, a bacterial infection
- Hives, a result of an allergic reaction
- Candidiasis, a fungal skin infection
- Insect bites
- Folliculitis, a condition caused due to blocked hair follicles
- Acute HIV infection or a side-effect of HIV treatment
Skin bumps with other symptoms like fever, cough, running nose, severe fatigue, enlarged lymph nodes, and/or muscle cramps indicate a more serious infection.
Heat Rash Treatment
A heat rash is self-limiting and clears off once the affected area is kept cool and dry. Thus, the most common and best way to treat heat rash is to stay in a cool, air-conditioned environment. One can also take a cool shower bath and let the skin air dry.
In severe cases, the doctor may prescribe medicines to bring the situation under control. These include:
Calamine lotion – The lotion contains zinc oxide that helps ease itchiness caused by prickly heat. The topical application of calamine lotion also gives a cooling effect to the affected area.
Antihistamine tablets – These over-the-counter drugs provide relief from swelling and itching of heat rash.
Hydrocortisone cream – This is a steroid drug and is used in most serious cases. The application of hydrocortisone cream helps soothe itching caused by heat rash. But prolonged and excessive use can irritate the skin.
The doctor may prescribe antibiotics if there are signs of bacterial infection.
How to Prevent a Heat Rash?
Heat rash can be prevented easily. Here are some of the best ways to prevent a heat rash on skin.
- Avoid situations that cause excessive sweating.
- Avoid hot and humid weather conditions.
- Wear light clothes made from natural fibres.
- Avoid tight-fitted clothes.
- Do not wear excessive clothing layers.
- Avoid working out in hot weather.
- Drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated.
- Avoid using oil-based cosmetic creams and lotions.
- Take cool showers frequently and pat dry your skin.
- Gently exfoliate the skin to remove dead skin cells that clog sweat ducts.
Natural Remedies to Treat Heat Rash
Heat rash can be an uncomfortable condition. Listed below are a few natural home remedies that help ease heat rash symptoms. These include:
1. Ice Pack
Applying an ice pack on the affected area can soothe inflammation, burning sensation and prickly sting.
2. Oatmeal Bath
Oatmeal has great anti-inflammatory properties. Mix one cup of powdered oatmeal with cold water. Immerse yourself in this mix for 30 minutes twice a day.
3. Fuller’s Earth
Popularly known as Multani Mitti, Fuller’s Earth is best used as a face pack. Its cooling properties help treat prickly heat immediately. Mix one tablespoon of Multani mitti in rose water to prepare a smooth paste. Apply on the affected area and rinse off with cold water after 15 minutes.
4. Margosa Leaves
Margosa leaves, commonly known as neem leaves, are a natural antibiotic. Its anti-inflammatory properties soothe itching caused by prickly heat. To apply margosa leaves on the affected area, grind fresh green leaves with water. Apply the paste for 15 minutes and rinse off with cold water.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a magic potion when it comes to healing skin problems. Apply commercially available aloe vera gel or squeeze out fresh gel from an aloe vera leaf. Apply it on the affected area for 15 minutes and rinse off with cold water.
6. Raw Mangoes
Raw mangoes cool down body temperature instantly. Squeeze out the pulp from boiled raw-cut mangoes. Mix it with water, rock salt and sugar to make a drink or apply the raw mango pulp to the affected area. Rinse off with cold water after some time.
7. Cucumbers
Cucumbers, known as natural coolants, can be both consumed and applied topically. In either case, it helps cool the body. Place thin slices of cucumber on the affected area for 15 minutes or add it to a salad.
8. Sandalwood Powder
Sandalwood is known for its cooling property. Make a thick sandalwood paste by mixing sandalwood powder in rosewater. Apply on the affected area for quick relief. Rinse off with cold water when dry.
9. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural exfoliant which helps remove dead skin cells and dirt that clog the skin pores. Prepare a solution of baking powder and cold water. Soak a clean cloth and wring out excess water. Place the wet cloth on the affected area for 15 minutes.
10. Yoghurt
Yoghurt helps smooth and cool the skin. It also has natural anti-microbial properties that prevent the heat rash from getting infectious. Apply cold yoghurt to the affected area and leave it for 15 minutes. Rinse off with cold water and pat dry.
11. Rose Water
Rose water can be used as a base to mix Fuller’s Earth or Sandalwood powder. You can also freeze rose water and use it as an ice cube. Rosewater maintains the skin’s pH balance and controls excess oil secretion.
Conclusion
Heat rash is common. The skin eruptions break out in hot, humid weather conditions. The main heat rash cause is a blockage in the sweat pores on the skin. While the condition usually settles without much hassle, some people may experience uncomfortable heat rash symptoms like itching, stinging, and prickly sensation. The condition can turn infective and will require proper treatment. Natural remedies to treat heat rash can go a long way in keeping the condition under control.