Heat rash or prickly heat consists of clusters of tiny blisters filled with perspiration. It forms when pores become blocked and prevent the sweat glands from releasing perspiration, or when heat and humidity exceed the ability of the sweet glands to cool the body. The rash itches but doesn't become inflamed. It usually develops in the armpits and groin, and sometimes also on the chest, waist and back.
Babies are especially vulnerable because their ability to sweat is not fully developed, and because they often wear or lie on water proof materials, which intensify the effects of heat.
A similar rash, caused by sensitivity to ultraviolet light, may accompany prickly heat or occur independently. Referred to as a polymorphic light eruption, it produces itchy red spots within 24 to 48 hours of exposure to the sun. The rash appears mostly on the body, rarely on the face. Although children sometimes develop the rash, it is more common in young adults.
Medical Treatment:
A doctor may advise applying an over-the-counter cortisone lotion or cream 2-3 times daily. He may prescribe anti-histamines for severe itching or an anti-fungal medication containing cortisone, such as clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate (Lotrisone), if a secondary fungal infection has developed. A severe polymorphic light rash may require treatment with an oral steroid drug, such as prednisone.
Alternative Therapies:
Remedies that alleviate itching and cool the skin usually work well.
Herbal Medicines:
Herbalists often recommend adding thyme tea to bath water. Thyme contains thymol, an antiseptic substance that eases itching.
Hydrotherapy:
Soaking in a cool bath is a soothing remedy. Don't apply soap to the rash. Instead, add 1 cup of oatmeal (Jo ka aata), cup of baking soda, 2 cups of apple cider vinegar, or 2 cups of laundry starch to the bath water. (A word of caution: Bathe a baby only in plain water). Soaking in a whirlpool bath of cool water is also helpful. alternatively, take one or two cool showers a day.
After bathing, gently pat the skin dry rather than rubbing it, then dust the affected areas lightly with cornstarch or baby powder. Don't apply moisturizing creams and lotions or use bath oil.
These products may further clog pores.
Self Treatment:
You can usually prevent heat rash by staying out of the sun and heat as much as possible, using air conditioning whenever available, and wearing light weight, loose-fitting, cotton garments. If a rash does develop, calamine lotion may ease the itching. Don't scratch.
Expose the effected areas to the air when you can. Avoid strenuous exercise or any activity that causing sweating.
When a baby has heat rash, change dipers as soon as they are wet; then pat the skin dry and apply a dusting of cornstarch. Avoid laying an infant on a plastic-covered mattress or pad; instead, use a cotton sheet or towel.
A similar rash, caused by sensitivity to ultraviolet light, may accompany prickly heat or occur independently. Referred to as a polymorphic light eruption, it produces itchy red spots within 24 to 48 hours of exposure to the sun. The rash appears mostly on the body, rarely on the face. Although children sometimes develop the rash, it is more common in young adults.
Medical Treatment:
A doctor may advise applying an over-the-counter cortisone lotion or cream 2-3 times daily. He may prescribe anti-histamines for severe itching or an anti-fungal medication containing cortisone, such as clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate (Lotrisone), if a secondary fungal infection has developed. A severe polymorphic light rash may require treatment with an oral steroid drug, such as prednisone.
Alternative Therapies:
Remedies that alleviate itching and cool the skin usually work well.
Herbal Medicines:
Herbalists often recommend adding thyme tea to bath water. Thyme contains thymol, an antiseptic substance that eases itching.
Hydrotherapy:
Soaking in a cool bath is a soothing remedy. Don't apply soap to the rash. Instead, add 1 cup of oatmeal (Jo ka aata), cup of baking soda, 2 cups of apple cider vinegar, or 2 cups of laundry starch to the bath water. (A word of caution: Bathe a baby only in plain water). Soaking in a whirlpool bath of cool water is also helpful. alternatively, take one or two cool showers a day.
After bathing, gently pat the skin dry rather than rubbing it, then dust the affected areas lightly with cornstarch or baby powder. Don't apply moisturizing creams and lotions or use bath oil.
These products may further clog pores.
Self Treatment:
You can usually prevent heat rash by staying out of the sun and heat as much as possible, using air conditioning whenever available, and wearing light weight, loose-fitting, cotton garments. If a rash does develop, calamine lotion may ease the itching. Don't scratch.
Expose the effected areas to the air when you can. Avoid strenuous exercise or any activity that causing sweating.
When a baby has heat rash, change dipers as soon as they are wet; then pat the skin dry and apply a dusting of cornstarch. Avoid laying an infant on a plastic-covered mattress or pad; instead, use a cotton sheet or towel.
