As the weather warms up, many people experience an itchy summer rash, also known as heat rash or prickly heat. This skin rash develops when sweat glands on the skin get blocked, often due to debris and bacteria buildup. Heat rash can occur anywhere on the body, but it’s more likely to appear in areas that don’t get exposed to fresh air or rub against clothing, such as the armpits, skinfolds, groin, and under the breasts.

What does heat rash look like?

Heat rash appears as small, raised bumps that may itch. The bumps are often grouped in bunches and may be red or clear on lighter skin tones, and white to gray on darker skin tones. The itchiness usually gets worse when you sweat.

While there’s no quick fix for heat rash, there are treatments that can help soothe the skin and prevent further irritation. Staying cool, wearing breathable clothing, and avoiding irritants can help alleviate heat rash symptoms.

Treatments and Prevention

To treat heat rash, move to a cooler environment, wear loose-fitting clothing, and take a cool bath or shower. You can also apply a cool compress to the affected area and gently exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells and other blockages. Avoid scratching the affected area, as this can lead to skin infections.

Preventing heat rash involves staying cool, wearing breathable clothing, and avoiding irritants. You can also use gentle soap and moisturizer to soothe your skin and reduce the risk of heat rash.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.