What is heat rash?
When a person is sweating a lot, a rash can develop on the skin that is called a heat rash. The medical name for heat rash is miliaria crystallina or miliaria rubra. Heat rash is also called prickly heat. The rash may look like a small cluster of pimples or tiny bubbles under the skin. It often develops in areas where the skin rubs together, the head, the neck, or chest. Heat rash can occur at any age, but young children are more likely to get heat rashes. Usually, you do not need to go to the doctor for a heat rash. However, if anything unusual develops, such as pain, redness, swelling, or oozing, you should see a healthcare provider.
What can you do to get rid of heat rash?
The best thing to do for a heat rash is get rid of the cause. Since heat rashes are caused by being hot and sweating a lot, try to reduce the amount of sweat and moisture. Try to get cooled down in a cool, dry place. You can even take cool baths or use a washcloth soaked in cool water to help the rash affected areas. Don’t wear tight fitting clothes. Clothes with breathability, like loose, cotton clothes, will help your skin breathe. If you have bandages over the area with the rash, remove them. If a bandage is needed, try a bandage that is more porous and allows for some breathability.
Are there medication treatments for heat rash?
Medications are not usually used to treat heat rash. Doing things to get rid of the moisture and heat causing the rash is the best way to get rid of it (see above). If sweating is caused by fever, you can treat the fever with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. If the rash is not resolved by the methods mentioned, there are a couple topical creams or lotions that may help. These creams are prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Topical corticosteroids can help reduce the inflammation and/or itch. Examples include hydrocortisone 2.5% or triamcinolone 0.1% twice a day for one to two weeks. Topical antibiotics can help by reducing the number of bacteria and reducing the inflammation. Examples include clindamycin or erythromycin.
Read about other topical treatments to treat toenail fungus.
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