About this topic
Heat rash is a rash that happens on your skin. It happens when your pores get blocked, most often from hot, humid weather. Sweat gets trapped under your skin. This bothers your skin, making it red and itchy. Small red bumps form. Sometimes, this causes pain. ‚
There are three types of heat rash: ‚
- Clear blisters that do not cause any pain. This is Miliaria crystalline.
- Red, itchy bumps. This is Miliaria rubra.
- Firm, skin-colored bumps. You will not sweat. This type of heat rash is less common. It is Miliaria profunda.
What are the causes?
- Hot, humid weather that causes you to sweat more than normal
- Very hard physical activity that causes you to sweat a lot
- Wearing too much clothing or clothing that does not keep the sweat out
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Being very young (babies) or very old
- Being overweight
- Very hard exercise
- Living in hot, humid weather
What are the main signs?
- Small red spots or bumps on your skin in patches or all over the body
- Itching
- Dryness
- Swelling
- Blisters
- Burning feeling
- Reddening of the skin
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Talk to your doctor about: ‚
- How your rash started
- If you have been in contact with substances either at home or at work
- Any drugs you are taking
The doctor will be able to tell if you have a heat rash by looking at your skin. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Heat rash most often gets better without treatment. Your doctor may give you cream or ointment if the rash is very bad or if there is an infection. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Ease itching
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
Will there be any other care needed?
- Do not scratch the rash. Apply a cool compress to help with itching.
- If you are still itchy, try calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream.
- Take a cool shower or bath. Wash the rash with mild soap and water.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Stay out of hot and humid weather. Try to stay inside with air conditioning or a fan to keep your skin cool and dry.
- Wear light clothes that are loose and do not rub against your skin.
- Take cool baths or showers, especially after exercise and physical activities.
- Do not use a towel after bathing. Let your skin air dry.
- Avoid outdoor activities or exercise when it is hot and humid.
- Make sure where you sleep is cool and dry.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of skin infections. These include fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher; chills; pain; swelling; redness and warm skin; discharge of pus from rash; or swelling of the neck, groin, or armpit.
Where can I learn more?
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/heat-rash/prevention.html ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Prickly-heat/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚