As temperatures rise, many people experience heat rash, a condition characterized by itchy, prickly, and red skin. According to Dr. Angela Lamb, a dermatologist at Mount Sinai Health, heat rash occurs when the body’s sweat ducts get blocked, causing sweat to become trapped inside and form pimple-like bumps.
Treating Heat Rash
To find relief from heat rash, Dr. Lamb recommends staying well-hydrated, using cool compresses, and utilizing portable fans to bring down body temperature. These methods can help reduce the amount of sweat struggling to escape from the sweat glands, thereby alleviating heat rash symptoms.
It’s essential to monitor your skin during hot days and opt for breathable clothing, lightweight creams, and be prepared with ice packs, fans, and water to keep your body’s internal temperature regulated. While heavy creams, including sunscreen, can clog pores, Dr. Lamb advises not to skip sun protection. Instead, try out different sunscreens to find ones that agree with your skin.
Most heat rashes will resolve on their own once the body’s temperature cools down. However, applying hydrocortisone cream can help speed up the process by relieving swelling, redness, itching, and rashes. If the rash persists or is accompanied by a fever or signs of infection, it’s crucial to consult a dermatologist, as it may be a different condition, such as polymorphous light eruption or Grover’s disease.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
