🔍 What is Heat Rash?
Heat rash, also known as prickly heat or miliaria, is a skin condition caused by blocked sweat glands. When sweat gets trapped under the skin, it leads to irritation, redness, and small bumps. It is common in hot, humid climates and often affects children and adults who sweat excessively.
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🔥 What Causes Heat Rash?
The primary cause of heat rash is sweat trapped under the skin. Contributing factors include:
- Hot and humid weather
- Excessive sweating
- Wearing tight or non-breathable clothing
- Poor hygiene or not showering after sweating
- Bed rest with fever (especially in infants or elderly)
🩺 Types of Heat Rash
Heat rash is classified based on how deep the blocked sweat ducts are:
1. Miliaria Crystallina
- Most mild form
- Appears as tiny, clear, fluid-filled blisters
- No inflammation or itching
- Common in newborns
2. Miliaria Rubra (Prickly Heat)
- Most common type
- Causes red bumps and itching
- Associated with a prickling or burning sensation
- Often affects the neck, back, chest, and under the breasts
3. Miliaria Pustulosa
- A severe form of miliaria rubra
- The red bumps become pustules (pus-filled lesions)
- Occurs when inflammation leads to bacterial infection
4. Miliaria Profunda
- Rarest type
- Affects deeper layers of skin
- Causes large, firm, flesh-colored bumps
- Often appears after repeated episodes of milder heat rash
🧬 Symptoms of Heat Rash
- Small red or clear bumps
- Prickling or stinging sensation
- Mild swelling or inflammation
- Itching
- Pus in severe cases
- Rash appears on areas with friction or sweat buildup (neck, armpits, chest, groin)
✅ Treatment and Prevention of Heat Rash
🔹 Home Remedies:
- Cool the skin: Stay in air-conditioned rooms or use cold compresses
- Loose cotton clothing: Avoid synthetic or tight fabrics
- Frequent showers: Use cool water and mild soap
- Calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream: To soothe itching
- Keep skin dry: Use talcum powder or cornstarch (unscented)
🔹 Medical Treatment:
- Topical antibiotics for infected rashes
- Antihistamines for itching
- See a dermatologist if rash worsens or doesn’t improve in a few days
🛡️ How to Prevent Heat Rash
- Stay hydrated to cool the body naturally
- Take cool showers regularly
- Wear light and breathable clothes
- Use fans or air-conditioning in hot weather
- Change sweaty clothes frequently
- Keep babies’ skin dry and cool
🧒 Special Tips for Babies
- Dress infants in breathable clothes
- Avoid wrapping too tightly
- Change diapers and clothing often
- Keep room temperature moderate
📌 Conclusion
Heat rash is usually harmless and resolves with proper care. But in some cases, it may lead to infection or discomfort. The best approach is prevention: stay cool, wear loose clothing, and keep your skin dry. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare provider.
