How to Treat Heat Rash

Heat rash is notorious for making people uncomfortable, and appears most often in - you guessed it! - the summer. People who are active outdoors and who wear restrictive clothing are the most likely to develop heat rash, but treating it is usually not difficult. Heat rash will usually go away by itself, and if it doesn't, follow the tips given below.

Heat rash is caused by the blockage of sweat ducts in the skin and most frequently occurs in hot, humid climates. Wearing restrictive or heavy clothing in hot weather can make the condition worse because the clothing prevents the skin from being able to "breathe". The incidence rate is most common in infants and toddlers whose parents dress them too warmly for the weather.

You can recognize heat rash as tiny bumps on the skin, usually in clusters in certain areas of the body. It can occur under the arms, on or between the legs, on the buttocks and on the back, and usually is hot to the touch. If the heat rash is irritated - such as by continuous wear of the same clothing - it might develop a secondary skin condition and actually begin to rub the skin raw.

In adults, heat rash rarely requires medical attention, though young children should see a doctor if the condition persists. It can also become a problem if the child develops a high fever or if the rash continues to spread. Sometimes, heat rash is mistakenly identified, so if parents are concerned, they should see their family physician. Watch for abnormal signs of infection, including:

-a high level of swelling or redness in the area
-a fever (more than 99 degrees) accompanied by chills
-swollen lymph nodes
-red lines or streaks extending from the heat rash area

Heat rash can be treated by following these simple procedures:

1. Cool the area. Apply a cold, wet washcloth to the heat rash and surrounding area or soak in a cool bath or pool for at least twenty minutes.

2. Remove all restricted clothing. Tigh pants and shirts; heavy materials; lyrcra and spandex should all be exchanged for light, loose-fitting cotton clothes.

3. After taking a bath or using a washcloth, allow the area to air-dry rather than scrubbing with towels, which can further irritate the skin.

4. If the area itches or is painful, apply a calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to the affected area. If the problem doesn't go away, or if it flares up, discontinue use of any creams or lotions.

5. Avoid using harsh soaps, lotions or any other substance on the area until the heat rash has completely cleared up.

To avoid possibilities of the heat rash returning in the future, wear loose-fitting clothing while working or playing outside and try to keep the skin cool and dry. With infants, be sure to dress them appropriately for the weather, and to gradually acclimate them to warmer climes. Heat rash isn't a serious medical problem, but it can make the sufferer extremely uncomfortable.