Heat rash, also known as milaria, is a skin condition caused by excessive heat that clogs sweat glands, resulting in a reddish, pimple-like rash. It can be prevented by staying clean and cool, and treated with astringents and cooling compresses. Infants, young children, runners, and people in hot, humid climates are particularly susceptible. Recurring or infected cases require medical attention to prevent heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
Heat rash is a skin condition characterized by a reddish, pimple-like rash that is especially common in folds of skin or around tight belts and clothing. It is caused by excessive heat, which clogs the sweat glands in the body. While this type of rash is not inherently dangerous, it does suggest that the patient may become dangerously hot. In addition to treating heat rash, it’s important to take steps to ensure the condition doesn’t recur.
You may hear a doctor refer to a heat rash as milaria. Other people call the condition a sweat rash, in reference to blocked sweat glands, or they call it “prickly heat,” in reference to the slightly itchy, stinging sensation that accompanies the rash. Astringents like witch hazel can help relieve itching, while cooling compressed ice can ease the heat that’s causing the rash to appear. Milaria can be prevented by staying clean and fresh, with the assistance of regular showers, air conditioning and fans.
Infants and young children are especially susceptible to heat rash, either because they have underdeveloped sweat glands or because they can’t dress themselves or vocalize from feeling too hot. Since most parents want to keep their babies warm, they may err on the side of caution and let their babies get too hot. Runners can also get heat rash, as can people in hot, humid climates.
Eventually, the rash will go away once the body has had a chance to grow fresh cells around the sweat glands. Should it break out, regular cool showers with mild soap are a great idea, as it will keep the affected skin clean and reduce the risk of infection. Oil-free lotions can help control the itching associated with a heat rash, and doctors can prescribe antibiotics or antiseptics to prevent bacterial colonization of the delicate skin.
A basic heat rash is called milaria rubra. If the skin becomes infected, it is called pustular milaria and requires more aggressive medical treatment. It can also be more painful for the patient. A recurring case is known as milaria profunda and should be addressed by a doctor, as it indicates that the patient’s body is overheating on a regular basis. This can be extremely dangerous or even fatal if it turns into heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
