Known Causes for Heat Rash

Heat rash known as prickly heat and miliaria is a condition that has been associated with babies who are bundled up too tightly and become overheated. However, adults even in Montreal and the rest of North America can get heat rash as well. Heat rash is a summer time ailment in Montreal and comes with hot and humid weather. Montreal summers are very hot and humid and with the climate change getting worse all the time.

Heat rash happens when perspiration is trapped under the skin and the sweat ducts are blocked. The rash can be blisters or they can be deep red lumps. They can be itchy or prickly; hence the name prickly heat.

Most heat rash goes away in time, though some severe cases will need medical treatment. The best prevention is to keep your body cool so it does not sweat.

Causes for heat rash

The main cause of heat rash is that your sweat ducts have become clogged with debris and instead of sweating out, the perspiration remains trapped inside the skin, causing a rash and inflammation. Though it is not for certain exactly what causes the blocking here are some of the leading causes.

Babies

The sweat ducts are not fully mature and they rupture causing the perspiration to remain inside. This happens when a baby is overheated due to the weather or due to wearing too much clothing, or heavy clothing. It can also happen if the infant is in an incubator or is running a high fever.

Adults

Tropical climates

Whether you live in the tropics or you are experiencing Montreal's hot humid summers you can be a candidate for heat rash, prickly heat, or miliaria.

Exercise

Exercise, hard work or any physical activity that causes you to perspire can result in a bout of miliaira.

Overheating

People can get heat rash even in the winter if they bundle up too much. Sometimes sleeping with an electric blanket will cause heat rash as well.

Fabrics

Certain fabrics that do not leave room for normal perspiration can cause heat rashes. Avoid polyester fabric and stick to cottons that will breathe.

Bedridden

Being confined to a bed with a fever can cause a heat rash.

Heavy creams, lotions and ointments

Although lotions may be soothing, reduce generalized pain, or moisturize dry skin, they can also clog the sweet ducts and cause heat rash.

Sources:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heat-rash/DS01058/DSECTION=causes