What Is Heat Rash?
Heat rash is known for being a major pain for newborn babies. But adults can get heat rash too—and it’s not too fun for them, either. If you’ve ever experienced heat rash, no one knows this better than you.
What is heat rash?
Heat rash, which is also known as “prickly heat” and “miliaria,” develops when blocked pores trap perspiration under your skin. There’s two main forms of heat rash you need to know: miliaria crystallina and miliaria rubra. Miliaria crystallina produces tiny blisters that don’t redden of the skin. Miliaria rubra, on the other hand, causes itchy, red bumps. And both can be a huge downer.
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Simply spending a lot of time outside in hot and humid weather can be enough to cause heat rash. But you don’t even have to venture outdoors to develop this pesky condition. Overheating in general, by dressing too warmly or by sleeping underneath an electric blanket, can be enough to cause heat rash. Sweating heavily from physical activity or being confined to a bed for a long period of time can also cause heat rash. You can even get it by taking too many hot showers.
The good news? While heat rash is irritating, and sometimes unsightly, it usually heals without too many problems.
More good news: Many topical ointments are widely available for you to apply to the heat rash to relieve any discomfort you may be experiencing. Calamine lotion can help if your heat rash is itchy, and anhydrous lanolin can help stop any new rashes from forming. In the most serious cases, a doctor may prescribe topical steroids.
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Understandably, you probably want to prevent heat rash from forming in the first place. Luckily, that’s relatively easy to do. Avoiding wearing too many clothes or tight-fitting clothes is a great way to start. Staying in the shade or in an air-conditioned space during the warmer months is another great way.
Stay cool out there in the warm months ahead!
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