Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Easy home remedies
• Method 2 of 2: Local treatment method for more severe cases
• Tips

Heat rash (also known as Miliaria) is a condition caused by blocked sweat glands, which prevents the sweat from escaping. The irritation and the red rash that looks like "pinpricks" can range from a nuisance to a serious problem, depending on how far it has spread. Fortunately, you can easily treat the condition if you get it early. Use the following simple tricks to get rid of a mild case of heat rash quickly!

To step

Method 1 of 2: Easy home remedies

1. Stay out of the heat. As the name implies, hot weather that makes you sweat a lot is one of the main causes of a heat rash. The less you sweat, the less sweat will accumulate under the blocked pores and the less rash you will experience. So the more you can stay out of the heat the better.
   • If possible, it is good to stay in an air-conditioned room whenever possible. That not only makes the air cooler; it also ensures that the air much less moist is. This is a great help against heat rash, because high humidity prevents sweat from evaporating, making the rash worse.
2. Wear loose, "breathable" clothing. If you have a heat rash, it is wise to wear clothing that exposes your skin to fresh air. This allows sweat and moisture on the skin to evaporate, so that it can build up less under the skin, as is the case with tighter clothing.
   • It's not just about the kind of clothes you wear; it is also important what it is made of. Fabrics like cotton are breathable, jersey-like fabrics seem to be the best, while plastics like nylon and polyester are the best least are breathable.
   • When it is hot outside, do not wear clothes that have a lot of skin exposed to the sun (such as shorts, vests, etc.). This means you run the risk of burning, leaving your skin still more become irritated and more prone to a rash. Apply plenty of sunscreen and stick to loose but skin-covering clothing.
3. Avoid intense physical activities. Exercise increases your body temperature, causing you to sweat; and that's exactly what you not want if you have a heat rash. While exercise is great for your long-term health, it prevents heat rash from healing, and can actually make it worse. So don't move too vigorously until the rash has cleared, especially if it's hot or humid outside. This means you shouldn't do the following things:
   • sports
   • Take long hikes
   • Run
   • Weight training
   • …and so on
4. Use an emollient powder to dry your skin. Sometimes, especially when it's hot and humid outside, it can be difficult to keep your skin completely dry, even if you don't exercise too much. In those cases, you can sprinkle a little talcum powder, baby powder or cornmeal (in case of emergency) on the affected areas. The powder absorbs moisture, making your skin dry. This can be very useful if for some reason you cannot follow the directions above.
   • Do not use a scented powder as it can irritate your skin. Also, do not put powder in open wounds as it can lead to infections.
5. Bathe or shower regularly and let your skin air dry. Clean skin is very important if you have a rash. Dirt, grease, and bacteria can worsen the heat rash if it gets infected, but keeping it clean (at least once a day if you have a rash) will keep your skin free of these pathogens. When you take a bath do not use a towel on the spots with a rash. Just let your skin air dry. A towel can irritate the skin even more and spread infection-causing bacteria.
6. Give your skin some fresh air every day. If you have a heat rash, remember that you don't have to wear the same clothes all day. If your job or other responsibilities where you cannot wear breathable clothing are over, remove any clothing that does not breathe properly as soon as you have the chance. This is not an ideal situation, but it is better to give your skin a chance to breathe every now and then than not at all.
   • For example, suppose you have to wear thick, steel-toed shoes for work, and it's a hot, sweltering summer day. Then as soon as your work is done you can take a nice cool shower and then put on your sandals or flip flops. Giving your skin with a heat rash as much air as possible will only make it better.

Method 2 of 2: Local treatment method for more severe cases

1. Don't use standard creams and lotions. Sometimes heat rash does not go away on its own. In those cases there are particular creams and lotions that can speed healing, but these are exceptions. The most creams and lotions do not help, even though they are said to be "emollient" or "moisturizing". They can actually make the rash worse, especially if they contain any of the following ingredients:
   • Petroleum or mineral oil. These greasy ingredients can clog pores, causing the rash in the first place.
   • Perfumes and fragrances. These can irritate the skin, making the rash worse.
2. Apply a gentle calamine lotion. Calamine is an ingredient that softens and protects the skin, reducing irritation. It is also known to reduce itching, which can sometimes be a problem with a heat rash. Calamine lotion or shake is available from pharmacies as the unbranded Calamine Shake FNA.
   • Calamine is safe to use, but it can interact negatively with certain medications and conditions. Talk to your doctor before taking calamine if you are pregnant, have allergies, or are taking prescription medications.
   • Calamine shake is available without a prescription.
3. Apply anhydrous lanolin. This is also an emollient that is sometimes prescribed for a heat rash. Anhydrous lanolin (wool grease) reduces irritation and helps block the sweat glands, thus addressing the problem at the root.
   • People sensitive to wool may develop irritated skin when using this product. Prefer not to use it if this is the case.
   • Anhydrous lanolin is available without a prescription.
4. Apply a steroid cream. Steroids are drugs that reduce inflammation, irritation, and swelling where they are applied. A thin layer of steroid cream on the heat rash reduces redness and "roughness" of the rash, accelerating healing. Use steroid cream sparingly.
   • Steroid creams are only available by prescription.
5. Know when to see a doctor with a heat rash. If you let it get worse, a mild heat rash can develop into a more serious problem. Watch out for signs of danger and infection. If you notice any of the following symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible to initiate an appropriate treatment plan. This is mostly important in babies with a heat rash, in the elderly, or people with weakened immune systems.
   • Increasing pain
   • Increasing swelling and irritation that won't go away
   • Fever
   • Pus or discharge coming from the rash
   • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, groin or under the armpits

Tips

• Babies have sensitive skin and are more prone to heat rashes. Be careful not to wrap your baby too tightly in blankets (this will hinder the fresh air supply) and make sure to change dirty diapers as soon as possible so that the skin does not become irritated.
• Being overweight can help you lose weight so you are less prone to heat rashes. Heat rashes often appear in folds of the skin, which are more common if you have a lot of body fat.
• There are sources that say that colloidal oatmeal lotion is a good help with heat rash.