Difference between revisions of "Get Rid of Heat Rash"

Heat rash (also known by its scientific name, ''Miliaria'') is a condition caused when the skin's sweat glands are blocked, trapping sweat beneath the skin.<ref name="rf1">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-rash/basics/causes/con-20033908</ref> The irritation and dotted red "pinprick" rash that results can be anything from a minor nuisance to a serious problem depending on how far they are allowed to progress. Luckily, the condition is easy to get rid of if you treat it early. Use these easy tricks to clear up a minor case of heat rash!

#Stay out of the heat. As its name suggests, one of the main causes of heat rash is exposure to hot weather that encourages sweating. The less you sweat, the less sweat will build up behind your blocked pores and the less irritated your rash will be. Thus, the more time you can spend out of hot weather, the better.<ref name="rf2">http://www.medicinenet.com/heat_rash/page5.htm</ref>

#* If you have access to it, spending time in an air-conditioned area is a very good idea. Not only does air conditioning make the air cooler &mdash; it also makes it ''much less humid''.<ref name="rf3">https://www.ashrae.org/resources--publications/free-resources/top-ten-things-about-air-conditioning</ref> This is a big help when it comes to fighting heat rash, as high humidity keeps sweat from evaporating, worsening heat rash.

#Use soothing powder to dry the skin. Sometimes, especially in hot and humid climates, it can be difficult to keep heat rash-affected skin completely dry, even if you avoid exercise. In these cases, try applying a small amount of talcum powder, baby powder, or corn starch (in a pinch) to the affected area. These powders absorb moisture, keeping the skin dry.<ref name="rf4">http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/ss/slideshow-baby-skin-care</ref> This can be a big help if, for whatever reason, you can't follow all of the directions above.

#Bathe frequently and let your skin air dry. Keeping the skin clean is important when you have virtually any kind of rash. Dirt, grime, and bacteria can all make a heat rash worse by starting an infection, but regular bathing (at least once per day while you have a rash) can help keep your skin free of these contaminants. When you do bathe, '''don't use a towel''' on the rash-affected skin. Instead, let it gradually air dry.<ref name="rf5">http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/heat-rash-topic-overview</ref> Towels can irritate the skin further and transfer infection-causing bacteria on to it.

#* Petroleum or mineral oil. These greasy ingredients can clog the pores, which is the main cause for heat rash in the first place.<ref name="rf5" />

#Apply a gentle calamine lotion. Calamine is an ingredient that soothes and protects the skin, reducing irritation. In addition, it's known reduce the itching that can sometimes come with a case of heat rash.<ref name="rf6">http://www.drugs.com/cdi/calamine-lotion.html</ref> This and related lotions are sometimes marketed as "prickly rash lotions."

#* Calamine is generally safe, but it can negatively interact with some common medications and medical conditions. Talk to your doctor before using calamine if you are pregnant, have any known medical allergies, or are taking prescription medication.<ref name="rf6" />

#Apply anhydrous lanolin. This is a similarly soothing ingredient that is sometimes prescribed for heat rash. Anhydrous lanolin reduces irritation and helps reduce blockage of the sweat glands, fighting the root cause of the heat rash.<ref name="rf7">http://www.osteopathic.org/osteopathic-health/about-your-health/health-conditions-library/general-health/Pages/heat-rash.aspx</ref>

#* Some people whose skin is sensitive to wool may experience irritation after using this ingredient.<ref name="rf7" /> Avoid it if this is true for you.

#Apply topical steroids. Steroids are a class of drugs that work by reducing inflammation, irritation, and swelling in the area they are applied to.<ref name="rf8">http://www.patient.info/health/prickly-heatheat-rash-miliaria</ref> A thin layer of steroid ointment applied over the heat rash can seriously reduce the redness and "rawness" of the rash, speeding healing. Use steroid creams sparingly.

#Know when a case of heat rash requires a doctor's visit. If allowed to worsen, mild heat rashes can gradually develop to the point that they become more than a mild problem. Be on the lookout for signs of danger and infection. If you notice any of the symptoms below, contact a doctor as soon as possible to start a more aggressive treatment plan. This is '''especially''' urgent if the person with the rash is a baby, an elderly person, or someone with a weakened immune system.<ref name="rf9">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-rash/basics/symptoms/con-20033908</ref>

* If you are obese, losing weight can reduce your vulnerability to heat rash in the long term. Heat rash is especially likely to occur in folds in the skin, which there can be more of if you have large fat deposits on the body.<ref name="rf9" />

* Some sources recommend lotions that contain colloidal oatmeal for heat rashes.<ref name="rf7" />