published on 11 August, 2023
Hey there! With temperatures soaring year after year, it's no surprise that our skin sometimes feels like it's taking a hit from the summer heat. Today, we're looking at a common woe of the warm weather: heat rash. We’ll get into what it is, what causes it, and, most importantly, how to keep it at bay and find relief.
Heat rash, also known as prickly heat or miliaria, is a condition where areas like the armpits, chest and neck develop red rashes and feel prickly and itchy. They might resemble tiny goosebumps, but they're surrounded by red skin.
They usually get better once your skin cools off but if it gets infected by bacteria, you need a trip to the doctor’s.
Now, why does our skin get worked up in the summer? Heat rashes are caused when the sweat ducts get clogged. Sweat gets trapped under the skin, which spreads to the nearby tissue causing irritation, redness and itchiness. The bumps can get prickly, hence the name prickly heat! So be careful when you’re working out, especially when it’s intense warm exercises.
Heat rashes are most common in babies because their pores are not completely developed. However, adults are prone to it as well.
Another cause of heat rash is wearing tight clothes. This can trap heat, leading to profuse sweating. But even the friction caused by the skin of the inner thighs rubbing together can cause a heat rash.
Heat rashes come in different types, and the symptoms vary accordingly. Here's a quick rundown:
Miliaria Crystallina: This one's the mildest version. It affects the sweat ducts on the top layer of skin and shows itself in the form of bumps filled with white, crystal-clear fluid that bursts easily.
Miliaria Rubra: Also known as prickly heat, this type is a bit more uncomfortable. It appears deeper in the skin, causing red, prickly, and itchy bumps.
Miliaria Pustulosa: A more advanced stage of prickly heat, the bumps linger and get filled with pus (fluid-filled sacs).
Miliaria Profunda: The least common type of heat rash, it occurs much deeper in the skin and presents itself with large, flesh-coloured bumps.
While heat rashes are very itchy and uncomfortable, they are not dangerous and usually reduce after the skin is left to cool and dry. Here are a few quick tips to ease the burn:
Dress Light: In the summertime, leave those tight clothes behind. Opt for loose, breathable cotton attire that lets your skin breathe.
Skip Heavy Creams: Thick or oil-based creams can block your sweat ducts further, so steer clear during a heatwave.
Stay Cool: Don't linger in places where heat gets trapped, like the kitchen. Seek refuge in air-conditioned rooms when you can.
Chill Out: A cold shower can work wonders, especially for the little ones. Just let your skin air dry instead of rubbing it down with a towel.
Remember, these remedies work best when the heat rash is in its early stages and causing discomfort. If things escalate, it might be time to reach out to your family doctor or book an appointment with a dermatologist for some expert guidance.
Now, we all know the golden rule: prevention is better than cure. Here's how to prevent heat rash before things get itchy:
Timing is Everything: Try to avoid the sun during peak hours. Also, skip those sweat-inducing workouts if you can.
Cool Off: Fans and air conditioners are your friend when it's sweltering outside. Frequent cool showers also help to prevent sweating.
Hydration is Key: Make sure you’re hydrating and eating cooling fruits like watermelon and veggies like cucumbers.
A Relaxed Wardrobe: Loose, breathable cotton garments are the best to avoid getting skin rashes. Steer clear from synthetics.
Bye-bye Blankets: Don't wrap yourself up in heavy blankets when you sleep. Let your skin breathe freely.
Now, heat rashes very rarely become so series that they require a trip to the doctor’s. But if your little one experiences heat rashes followed by fever, chills and extreme pain, you should meet with your doctor at once.
Children are more prone to heat rashes and feel more uncomfortable than we do. Ease their discomfort by using lotions recommended by your doctor. And, if the heat rash hasn’t gone away after a few days, be sure to check in with your doctor. And, for you adults, Candid Prickly heat is sure to do the trick to keep heat rashes at bay!