Heat Rashes
Heat rash, other wise known as prickly heat, is a rash that is caused by the trapping of sweat under the skin due to heavy perspiration and the inability for that perspiration to evaporate. Heat rashes are often seen in individuals who are tightly dressed while in humid or hot environments. The condition is characterized by the appearance of painful or itchy bumps surrounded by red and inflamed skin. The most common people to get the Heat rash are infants and the elderly who are confined to the bed, but just about anyone can get the condition.
Causes & Symptoms of Heat Rash
Heat rash is caused by the inability for the skin to release the sweat from the glands due to sweat being held on the skin by clothing or other materials. The sweat on the top of the skin will irritate the skin and produce a red rash. The sweat under the skin will cause painful bumps and rashes that will sting further as they heal and pop, releasing the old sweat.
Heat rash or Prickly Heat skin rashes is most commonly seen in those individuals who live in hot and humid climates since they are the most likely to sweat for longer periods. Heat rash is also very common on infants and the infirmed since they are unable to remove the restricting clothing, dry themselves off, or otherwise prevent the heat rash. The condition is also seen in individuals who wear a bathing suit for long periods or who play for long periods in heavier clothing.
Prevention Tips From Heat Rashes
Preventing the heat rash is easier than one would think. The primary prevention of the condition is to limit the amount of restricting clothing that one wears during the hotter months of summer. By limiting the clothing, the chances of that clothing restricting the proper perspiration is dramatically reduced. Also by keeping the body cool and in the shade, the amount of sweat that the body produces is also limited. This helps to limit the chances of one developing heat rash.
Heat Rash Treatment Advice
If heat rash does develop, the treatment of the condition tends to be at home and the condition does not typically require medical attention. Once heat rash is noticed, the removal or loosening of clothing in that area can help to ease the irritation of the area. Further reducing the irritation would be the application of a cool, damp towel on the affected areas. This rag or towel should be placed on the area, but not rubbed on the area. The area should then be allowed to air dry rather than be wiped dry with a towel.
Other treatments for the heat rash include the application of lotions and creams. Lotions that lack fragrance are often the best for dealing with the heat rash. This is because these lotions often lack the alcohol that can cause stinging in the rash. The creams are often creams with a high concentration of aloe which is known for its ability to treat burns and damaged skin. These lotions and creams can easily be purchased over the counter at any local store.
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