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| Sourced form Google Image |
The sweat glands attempt to produce more sweat to cool down your body. When your sweat glands are blocked and your skin struggles to dissipate the heat trapped in your body, it results in inflammation that causes heat rash. Once your body cools down, then the inflammation will eventually reduce.
The good news is heat rash can be managed easily if there is no complication. Once heat trapped in your body is dissipated through evaporation of your sweats, you will get better.
Signs and symptoms
- red bumps on the skin (especially abdomen or back area).
-itchy or prickly
If you develop fever, chills, prolonger redness and swelling, seek medical advice for further help.
Differential diagnosis
Fungal infection - usually heat rash spreads all over certain part of your body (because that part of sweat glands are blocked and cannot produce sweat efficiently). whereas for fungal infection, the affected area is confined to an area that can be differentiated easily.
Eczema/dermatitis - heat rash appears as tiny red dots or small blisters over the abdomen or back area whereas eczema is red inflamed skin found around the flexures of arms or legs. Having said that, those who have eczema may be more likely to develop heat rash during hot weather.
Treatment
(a) Antihistamine - Tt is effective in soothing the itchiness. There are two types of antihistamine - sedating and non-sedating antihistamine. If the itch is intense, sedating antihistamine such as promethazine could be a good option. (NOTE : always talk to a pharmacist or health care professional for advice if your kid is younger than 2 years old).
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| Sedating antihistamine - Promethazine (Sourced from Google Image) |
For bath purpose, just add 15-30ml to a warm tepid bath (two to three capful) and bathe for 5 to 10 minutes once daily when required.
For shower use, apply solution directly to your wet skin and leave it for few minutes before rinsing them off.
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| Pinetarsol collection (Sourced from Google Image) |
(c) Calamine cream
Calamine cream can also be used to relieve the itchiness too.
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| Calamine cream (Sourced from Google Image) |
NOTE calamine lotion is not a good choice as calamine lotion can be quite drying and make your heat rash worse.
Hydrocortisone cream is not usually recommended as heat rash usually covers big part of your body and it is not recommended to use topical steroid over a large area.
Advice
Wear breathable clothing and avoid tight-fitting clothes.
Shower or bath more frequently than usual to cool down your body
Use air conditioning or fan
References
Wedro B. Heat rash. [Internet] https://www.medicinenet.com/heat_rash/article.htm
Ludlam K. Types of heat rash [Internet]. https://www.healthline.com/health/heat-rash-pictures-remedies
New Zealand Formulary
