Amidst soaring temperatures and excess humidity, our skin has been heavily impacted. From experiencing breakouts to rashes, it has seen it all and continues to combat heat-related skin problems. But why does it occur? What can be done? In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Smriti Naswa Singh, Consultant Dermatologist & Cosmetic Dermatologist, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, provides beneficial answers.
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Types Of Heat Rash
People suffer from different types of rashes, said Dr Singh. These include:
Prickly heat
Also called miliaria rubra, prickly heat occurs deeper in the skin. It can lead to signs and symptoms, such as tiny and swollen blister-like bumps that can itch. Sometimes, the inflamed bumps of miliaria rubra can fill up with pus, leading to a skin condition called miliaria pustulosa.
Intertrigo or body fold rash
Intertrigo is an inflammatory skin condition, caused due to skin-to-skin rubbing and intensified by heat and moisture. It looks like a red rash It usually looks like a reddish rash. Also called body fold rash, it occurs when sweating leads to trapped moisture, which causes the surfaces of the skin to stick together in the skin folds. Over time, if left untreated, excessive sweating and heat can contribute to the development of boils.
According to the Mayo Clinic, there is a less common form of heat rash called miliaria profunda, which affects the deepest layer of the skin known as dermis. It can be firm, painful or itchy and can break out.
Causes
Dr Singh said, “Sweating is one of the reasons behind rash development - the most common one being prickly heat. The second type of heat rash that happens especially in adults is seen on the body folds. The areas like armpits or the thigh folds or below the breasts are affected. This happens because of the sweat accumulation, but also because of the friction of the clothes worn. One may even experience summer boils, also called furuncles. When these occur in the hair follicles, the infection is called folliculitis.”
“In kids, it can happen on the face and in adults and kids, in the armpits, pubic area, thigh hair, scalp hair boils,” she added. Lastly, the doctor highlights the risk of sunburn or sun rash during summer. Scientifically known as ‘photodermatitis’, it occurs on the exposed areas of the face, neck and the forearms.
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Measures To Take
Here are some of the measures you can take to prevent and treat summertime heat rash:
- Wear breathable cotton or linen fabric
- Wear loose and well-fitting clothing
- Choose undergarments that are not made of polyester and are breathable
- Change your clothes and undergarments frequently, at least three times a day
- Avoid wearing undergarments while sleeping as the skin needs to breathe
- Take a shower a couple of times a day, especially if you are prone to sweating
- Post-bathing, apply calamine lotion, but if you are a senior citizen or have a dry skin tendency, then opt for calamine with aloe vera combinations
- Keep yourselves hydrated and drink at least 2-3 litres of water
- If you are active or like being outdoors most of the days, then include lots of electrolytes in the form of coconut water, aam panna, nimbu shikanji with black salt and Kokum sherbet
Conclusion
While heat rash is nothing to worry about, it can be itchy and unappealing to the eyes. Since summer heat is inescapable, it is best to take necessary measures to protect your skin. Stay hydrated throughout the day and in light of rashes, find ways to cool your skin, such as taking a shower or resorting to air conditioning.