Heat rash is a condition that happens when sweat gets trapped underneath the skin. The rash usually manifests as many small blisters on the surface of the skin. Some other names for heat rash are miliaria and prickly heat rash.
The latter name comes from the fact the rash often feels prickly. While heat rash tends to be associated with young babies, individuals of any age can get heat rash.
A variety of things can cause heat rash in adults. Often, heat rash happens when someone sweats a lot and does not get a chance to wash the sweat off soon enough.
5 Most Common Causes of Heat Rash
Uncover the major causes of heat rash now.
1. Prolonged Bed Rest
Prolonged bed rest can lead to heat rash in some cases. One of the reasons for this is individuals who are on bed rest often have fevers. The heat of the fever causes the patient to sweat excessively.
Sweating a lot can cause heat rash because the sweat gets stuck in the pores. Furthermore, an individual who is on bed rest may not be able to shower or bathe very frequently, which allows sweat to build up on the skin, where it can get stuck in the pores.
To try to prevent heat rash, it is a good idea to help the patient stay clean. Sponge baths are one option. It also helps to keep the patient’s fever down whenever possible. Finally, ensuring the room is cool and comfortable is crucial.
2. Immature Sweat Ducts
Babies are prone to heat rash because they have immature sweat ducts. Heat rash is most common in babies who are less than a week old, are sick, or are too hot.
Dressing the baby in clothes that are not too warm can help prevent heat rash. It is also a good idea to make sure the baby’s clothes are not too tight.
However, not all cases of heat rash in infants are avoidable. There is no need to panic if babies get heat rash; it is very common, and the rash usually goes away on its own with time. If it gets worse, it is important to bring it up to a doctor.
This is because heat rash that does not heal on its own can become infected. Caregivers can make a baby with heat rash more comfortable by giving them a bath with lukewarm water.
They should, however, be careful not to scrub the baby dry with a towel, as this can irritate the skin. They should also make sure the baby is in a cool room, and consider using a fan to help the baby cool off.
3. Overheating
Overheating is one of the major causes of heat rash because it drives individuals to sweat profusely. There are many potential causes of getting overheated. Some examples are wearing clothes that are too warm for the weather, using heated blankets, and spending too much time in a hot area.
Other causes include having a fever or being in a hot tub or a sauna. It is important to dress in cool clothes when going outside on a hot day.
Wearing loose clothes is also a good idea because tight clothes can create friction on the skin and increase the risk of getting heat rash. If there is a heat wave or if individuals are in a very hot climate, it is important to spend as much time as possible indoors and stay hydrated.
When individuals are using heated blankets, they should not leave them on for too long, as this can cause the skin to overheat and even burn.
Individuals should also avoid staying in a hot tub or a sauna for a long time. The best thing anyone can do to avoid heat rash is simply to stay cool and avoid getting overheated.
4. Intense Physical Exercise
Intense physical exercise is a common cause of heat rash. Individuals tend to sweat a lot when they exercise intensely, especially if they are exercising outdoors when it is hot.
Heat rash from exercise can be prevented by wearing loose, comfortable clothing, taking a shower as soon as possible after working out, and taking measures to stay cool while working out.
For example, if it is hot outside, individuals may want to consider working out indoors with air conditioning. If they prefer to work out outside, they should try to go in the morning when it is not as hot.
Some individuals play sports and do not have the option of working out indoors or choosing the time they exercise. Using a portable fan, pouring cold water over the face, and drinking ice-cold beverages are also ways to stay cool while working out outdoors.
5. Hot and Humid Weather
Spending time outside in hot and humid weather is one common way individuals can get heat rash. For one thing, hot weather can cause individuals to overheat. Individuals tend to sweat a lot in hot weather, which increases the chance sweat will get stuck in the pores and cause heat rash.
The humidity in the air does not help. To avoid getting heat rash when spending time in hot and humid weather, it is best to take measures to stay cool. Wearing appropriate clothing for the weather is the first step.
Individuals should thus wear loose-fitting clothes that do not cover too much of the skin and avoid wearing dark colors because these will absorb heat from the sun. They should also drink a lot of cold water or other cold beverages to stay hydrated.
Pouring cold water on the skin is a quick way to cool off when outside in the sun for a long time. This will also help prevent excessive sweating.
Via: MayoClinic | HealthGrades
