Summer Skin Troubles
As temperatures rise some of us might find we are unfortunate enough to experience heat rash (also known as prickly heat or miliaria). Sweating is one way that the body cools itself down and when the sweat ducts in our skin become clogged the sweat cannot get to the surface. This then leads to the sweat becoming trapped beneath the skin’s surface, which then seeps into nearby skin. This causes tiny pockets of inflammation which causes the appearance of what is known as heat rash.
Heat rash appears as a red bumps and an itchy or prickly feeling to the skin. There are 3 different levels of severity of heat rash.
• Miliaria crystallina looks like a scaly cluster of small water blisters on the skin.
• Miliaria rubra shows the same small water blisters, but tiny red bumps or patches will also develop around the affected area. The area can become dry, irritated, itchy & sore.
• Miliaria profunda is recognized by harder, skin-colored bumps. It is less common, but can be dangerous if enough skin is involved, as the lack of sweating can lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke. It usually begins immediately after exercise.
Heat rash is likely to develop when there is excessive sweat and no way for the sweat to evaporate from the area. This situation can be caused by:
● Creases in the skin where there is skin touching skin and it is difficult for air to circulate i.e. armpits, neck, groin.
● Tight clothing preventing sweat evaporation.
● Heavy creams or lotions clogging the sweat ducts
Babies can experience heat rash as they normally have fat folds nappies that don’t allow sweat to evaporate. Also babies’ sweat glands are immature, making them more prone to heat rash if they are overdressed, excessively bundled or exposed to warm weather. While most heat rashes will resolve on their own once the skin cools down there are some ways listed below to help your child. However, if they start to develop a temperature or the rash hasn’t improved after 3 to 4 days then it would be recommended to go to the doctor.
As mentioned most heat rashes will resolve on their own but it can still be incredibly uncomfortable to deal with. There are a few things you can do to make yourself more comfortable.
● Calamine lotion can help reduce the itchy, prickly sensation and has mild antiseptic properties to help try and prevent infection.
● Avoid using ointments and creams as they keep the skin warm and moist and may make it worse.
● A low dose corticosteroid cream may help with some relief- speak to your pharmacist
● Wear light, loose fitting soft clothing. Cotton fabrics are recommended.
● Stay in a cool (if possible air-conditioned) environment
● Use unperfumed talcum powder or prickly heat powder to help reduce itch and absorbs any sweat in the affected area.
● Apply a cool pack to the area (no longer than 20 minutes per hour)
The best treatment for heat rash is prevention. So during these hot days try to allow air to circulate with your skin and keep skin clean with frequent baths or showers to prevent the sweat glands from becoming clogged.
For more information please come in and see our friendly staff.
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