How to Treat Heat Rash

You know you have heat rash when you find a spattering of smallish red bumps on your skin.� Heat rash occurs most frequently where the skin has been overheated, and can be irritated further by added heat from clothing.� Backs of the knees, chest, back, and the groin area are major areas prone to heat rash.� The condition is most common in hot and humid temperatures, but can also occur in colder weather if excessively dressed to the point of perspiration.

What is happening when heat rash occurs, is that the skin becomes aggravated through excessive heat.� The skin then traps a buildup of sweat, and the bumps come about.� As WebMD states, "As the bumps burst and sweat is released, you may feel the prickly, or stinging, sensation that gives this condition its common name." (www.webmd.com/content
/article/8/1680_54300)

Heat rash is easy to prevent.� The key is to keep cool.� This can be achieved through wearing light clothing that does not induce excessive sweating (eg., wear light cotton clothing rather than wool, spandex, or extremely tight clothing).� Having a fan or air conditioning also assists in maintaining a reasonable body temperature.� Staying out of the sun for long periods of time, or atleast wearing a wide-brimmed hat can additionally add to keeping cooler.� Drinking a lot of water helps keep the body from overheating too.� If you are past this point, taking a cool shower or bath, or relaxing by cool air should help.

Some other causes of heat rash are less commonly listed.� Oily skincare products, such as moisturizer or sunblock can also promote heat rash.� The oil in the product seals off the skin's pores, which can also trap sweat and lead to heat rash.� The preventative measure here would be to find products that are oil-free, or not use an excessive amount of moisturizer (of course, never skimp on the sunblock!).