Heat rash tips and remedies

Healthylife Pharmacy20 June 2016|3 min read

While summer can be a wonderful time of year, it can be a nightmare for those who suffer from heat rash. Often referred to as prickly heat or miliaria rubra, heat rash is an itchy area of the skin that develops after excessive sweating and sweat glands are blocked. This trapped sweat causes a rash of small bumps or blisters that cause inflammation and irritation (prickling).

Heat rash is common in warm, humid climates but may also occur due to overheating from exercise or overdressing. It often develops where there is friction – such as under the breasts, on the inner thighs, armpits and parts of the body covered by clothing. Heat rash may occur in people of any age but is common in babies and children during hot, humid weather as their sweat glands are not fully developed.

Variations of miliaria 

  • Miliaria pustulosa appears as bumps with a white/yellow head due to damaged sweat glands being infected with bacteria.
  • Miliaria crystallina appears as clear little blisters on the skin that are generally not irritating.
  • Miliaria profunda is a complete blockage of the sweat glands which leads to dry skin and sometimes a goosebump appearance.

Heat rash usually clears up on its own within a few days to a week. However, in extreme cases, it may lead to heat exhaustion due to the interference with the body’s self-regulation of heat.

How does miliaria develop?

Dead skin cells and hot, humid environments. 

Hot and humid environments may cause excessive perspiration and may result in heat rash. Dead skin cells (keratinocytes) may block sweat glands, trapping sweat beneath the skin and resulting in the characteristic bumps of heat rash.

When these bumps burst, the trapped sweat is released, and a stinging or burning sensation may be experienced.

Other causes of heat rash include underdeveloped sweat glands, or bacterial infections, such as Staphylococcus epidermidis. 

What are the symptoms of miliaria?

Small, itchy red bumps or blisters on the skin that may feel prickly, sting or burn.

  • See a healthcare professional if the rash does not go away within a few days or if an infection has developed.

Avoiding heat rash/miliaria

Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made of natural fibres such as cotton and bamboo that allow the skin to breathe.

Stay cool with air-conditioning, fans, cold showers and baths – be sure to dry the skin thoroughly by patting gently with a towel after bathing.

Skin exfoliation to remove dead skin cells may help to prevent heat rash.

Avoid excessive sunlight exposure

Care when exercising. Exercise and physical activity are important for health and healthy weight management. Avoid overheating when exercising by exercising in an air-conditioned environment or when the temperature outside is not too hot or humid. Remove sweat with a towel immediately and stop exercising if symptoms of heat rash develop. 

How to treat miliaria

See a healthcare professional before taking or using supplemental medicine. Special care needs to be considered for babies and infants. 

Topical considerations

Herbs to reduce inflammation and irritation used topically include chamomile (Matricaria recutita), calendula (Calendula officinalis), nettle leaf (Urtica dioica), and chickweed (Stellaria media).

Aloe vera gel may be applied topically to help cool and soothe the skin. It acts as an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and pain reliever. Choose a gel that is 99% pure.

Oatmeal may help to reduce irritation on the skin and promote skin healing. It can be found in some cream formulations and, on its own, can also be used in a cool bath. Add one cup of finely ground oatmeal to the bath and soak for half an hour. 

Ice packs or cool washers may be applied to the affected area to reduce itch and inflammation. 

Powders containing cornstarch may be used to absorb sweat in areas that rub.

Use lotions over heavy creams for skin moisturising.

Related reads:

References

  1. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heat-rash
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  7. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/summer-skin-rashes#self-care 
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  12. Keen, M. A., & Hassan, I. (2016). Vitamin E in dermatology. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 7(4), 311 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4976416/ 
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