Even though having a heat rash is considered common, it is likely not as common as what many parents believe who simply call any red-colored rash during warm weather as a heat rash. If you know how to distinguish heat rash from other common forms of skin rashes such as folliculitis, impetigo, poison ivy rash and eczema, it can be useful so that you can correctly treat and prevent them.
Heat rash is instigated in certain children once they become overheated, either due to overdressing or it is simply too hot outside. Once they become too hot and start to sweat, the sweat ducts become blocked and rupture.
Prickly heat
Prickly heat is the most prevalent form of heat rash. When it comes to this form of heat rash, the sweat duct turn red and inflamed along with a prickling or stinging sensation. In addition, this type of heat rash can also cause mild itchiness.
Take note that the inflamed sweat ducts appear as small-sized bumps with a red halo surrounding them and typically found clumped together under the child’s clothing and inside the folds of the skin such as the armpits, groin and neck. Infants who wear a hat might end up with a heat rash on the scalp or forehead.
Miliaria crystallina
Similar to prickly heat, this form of heat rash occurs once the sweat ducts are clogged up and rupture. These sweat ducts are closer to the surface of the skin but do not swell up, resulting to the distinctive appearance of small clear vesicles on the skin. There is no redness or other symptoms and typically occur on the head, neck or upper chest.
How to prevent heat rash
There are a number of methods that can help prevent heat rashes with the main objective of not allowing the child to become overheated.
- The child should be dressed appropriately to the weather such as loose fit clothing in order to avoid overheating.
- As much as possible, avoid excessive heat and humidity.
- Avoid using occlusive ointments as well as moisturizers or even oil-based products on the skin which can block the sweat ducts.
Treatment for heat rash
Even though heat rash typically vanishes on its own in a matter of a few days, some children might require treatment which includes the following:
- Transferring the child away from the warm environment. The child should stay in a shaded area or an air-conditioned environment.
- Apply calamine lotion
- Cold compress
- Mild strength topical steroids
- Antibiotics in case of secondary infections
Important considerations to bear in mind
Heat rash is quite common in infants once they become overheated, either due to the warm environment or simply overdressed or have a fever.
Take note that folliculitis is often confused with prickly heat. Just remember though that unlike with folliculitis, prickly heat does not involve the hair follicles.