Dorothy FarrarHeat rash
Heat rash is a general term for a rash that appears as red bumps on the skin . It occurs when the sweat glands block during heavy perspiration.
What are hot spots?
Heat rash, medically known as miliaria, is a common form of skin rash that affects mostly infants and young children, but can also affect adults; especially in very warm and humid weather.
Heat rash occurs when the skin perspires excessively. If the sweat pores become clogged, the sweat cannot escape and remains trapped in the skin. This can manifest itself as small red pimples to larger lumps.
Some forms of heat rash produce an intense, uncomfortable itch , or tingling sensation under the skin. In most cases, the heat rash will heal on its own. Only very serious cases require medical attention. The simplest treatment consists of cooling the skin and avoiding sweating .
causes
Heat rash occurs when sweat pores become clogged. Closing the sweat in the skin causes redness and pimples. It’s not always clear why sweat pores clog, but the following factors play an important role.
- Immature sweat pores: Shortly after birth, the sweat pores are not fully developed, so babies quickly develop heat rashes. Especially in warm weather, clothing that is too warm or a fever .
- Tropical climate: Hot, stuffy, humid weather can cause heat rash, even in adults.
- Physical work/ sport: With increased exercise, the body also perspires more; this overactivity can also block the pores.
- Certain clothing: Tight clothing that doesn’t let much air through to the skin can also lead to heat rash.
- Medications: Some medications stimulate the sweat pores and cause heat rash (clonidine, beta blockers , opiates).
- Overheating: Especially in winter, people tend to lie under too many blankets and sweat profusely as a result.
- Creams and ointments: Some heavy creams and ointments can also interfere with the functioning of the sweat pores.
When to the doctor?
Heat rash occurs as soon as the affected person is exposed to intense heat or direct sunlight for several hours. It is often sufficient if he puts cold compresses on the affected parts of the body to relieve them or gives them a cold shower. Drug treatment for heat rash is not necessary in most cases. Since the pimples form when the sweat pores become clogged, sleeping under lots of blankets or applying particularly greasy creams should also be avoided in winter.
A doctor’s visit is necessary if, despite preventive measures, the heat rash continues to spread and become a burden. They represent a cosmetic flaw for which a solution is found in consultation with a doctor.
If itching occurs, which is investigated intensively, a doctor should be consulted. The scratched areas increase the risk of contamination or inflammation. If other symptoms such as headaches , nausea or vomiting occur, consult a doctor immediately. There is a risk of heat stroke. The organism is no longer able to regulate the temperature on its own and needs medical support.
diagnosis and course
No special tests or procedures are needed to diagnose heat rash. The doctor simply performs a physical exam to diagnose the rash. Adults develop heat rashes mainly on body parts where the skin lies on top of each other and in skin folds. In newborns, the rash can appear almost anywhere, but it is particularly common on the upper body. There are three different types of heat rash. They differed by the place where the pores block.
Miliaria crystallina: This is the mildest form. Sweat collects in the top layer of skin and appears as small, fluid-filled blisters. They are usually not painful and heal with less sweating.
Miliaria rubra: This form of heat rash develops in a deeper layer of the skin (epidermis) and is usually caused by tropical temperatures or being bedridden for a long time. This form is usually recognized by larger red nodules, a tingling feeling and a drying up of sweat production in the affected region.
Miliaria profunda: A very rare form of heat rash that only occurs in adults. Usually occurs after hard work and shows as a flesh-colored wavy discoloration. Decreased perspiration can lead to dizziness .
complications
Heat rash usually heals on its own without any special treatment. However, under certain circumstances, the following complications can occur:
- Infections : It can happen that the heat rash becomes infected. Bacteria are usually the cause of such an infection. It is often triggered when the skin cannot breathe adequately. The result is an unpleasant itching. To prevent an infection from occurring in the first place, light cotton clothing, for example, should be worn. Synthetic fabrics should not be worn until after the wound has healed. Heat rash infection is particularly common in diaper-wearing infants.
- Heat Stroke : A rarer complication, but one that should not be underestimated, is heat stroke. Heat rash usually occurs at high temperatures. The skin irritation clogs the sweat glands and the regulation of body temperature does not work as usual. A heat stroke can be the result. This manifests itself in the form of dizziness, headaches, nausea, a high heart rate and/or low blood pressure
treatment and therapy
Heat rash usually resolves on its own after a few days. A doctor should only be consulted if the symptoms do not go away after a few days despite cooling, or if they worsen and inflammation occurs. The best and most direct treatment is to reduce perspiration.
Those affected should stay in cool, acclimatized rooms and wear as little breathable clothing as possible. If air conditioning is not available, fans should be used and good ventilation provided.
Also, physical activity should be avoided to avoid sweating. If the skin stays dry and cool, the heat rash will heal on its own. If the rash still doesn’t heal, there are some additional methods of treatment.
Anhydrous Lanolin: An ointment for application to the skin. Calamine Lotion: Also for application to the skin, relieves itching. Even if the heat rash itself is not dangerous, it is often a sign of physical exertion.
If the person concerned is in a place where he is not used to the climatic conditions, overexertion can quickly occur. A heat stroke can only be the first, serious consequence. It is important to keep as cool as possible and pay attention to such signs of the body.
outlook and prognosis
Heat rash is a mostly temporary symptom of irritated skin, which usually heals on its own without consequences. The prognosis is correspondingly favorable. In order not to endanger them, the skin should not be further irritated by heat pimples. Accordingly, those affected should avoid wearing tight, abrasive clothing or scratching the affected areas of skin. The skin can regenerate best if it is kept clean and dry and excessive sweating can be prevented. In this case, the chance that the heat rash will go away on its own within a few days is very high.
Heat rashes have a slightly poorer prognosis in terms of rapid improvement if the affected areas of skin become inflamed. This can be caused by tight, synthetic clothing and constant scratching of the skin. Children with heat rash are particularly affected. There is a risk that the skin area will become inflamed over a large area and the infection will also spread further. Therefore, a dermatologist should be consulted at the first sign of inflamed heat rash. Depending on the severity of the clinical picture, he can prescribe anti-inflammatory creams. If these are used consistently, the prognosis is very good that the heat rash will soon subside.
prevention
To prevent heat rash, stay in cool, sheltered areas often during hot weather, drink plenty of fluids, and eat water-rich fruits. Clothing should be made of a light, well-breathing fabric that allows air to penetrate the skin and thus protects sweat pores from becoming clogged.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.