Remedies For Heat Rash   by Deepak Ghimire

Its summer and most of you or your child may be suffering from heat rash. Heat rash,also called prickly heat or miliaria is common during summer months. Though heat rash may be annoying you, it is not a serious problem and goes away on its own after you avoid hot and humid environment.Heat rash develops as a result of obstruction to the sweat ducts.

Who is at risk?
Every people who may be exposed to hot and humid environment may be at risk. Though, it is more common in children, it can occur in adults people. If you exercise in humid and hot condition or if you are over weight, you may easily get heat rash.

What are the other possible risk factors?
There are several possible factors that can cause heat rash which are listed as below:

Fever
Sunburn
High humidity
High temperature
Exercise and sweating
Tight clothes
Saunas and steam rooms

What are the remedies for heat rash?
Heat rash is not a serious condition and goes away on its own within 2-3 days after avoiding the hot and humid condition. If the rash still annoys you, apply some over the counter soothing lotions like calamine lotion. There are many soothing powders available in the market for prevention and treatment; you can apply them daily or at-least when you go in hot and humid environment during summer months. Oral anti-itch medications like Benadryl and Claritin may also relief the itching. If the lesion are severe, mild over the counter topical steroids may be applied. Oral antibiotics may also be needed if the lesion gets infected.

How can i prevent heat rash?
Heat rash can be prevented or avoided easily by following the below mention recommendations:

Avoid hot and humid environment and try not to sweat much.
Use loose cotton clothing, avoid polyester garments.
Maintain better ventilation and temperature in your room with air conditioning or fan.
Water is an essential when it come to temperature maintenance, so take plenty of water.
Apply cool or frozen packs to the affected area. Remember; don't just keep the frozen pack in the area for more then 10-15 minutes.
Take a cool bath or shower as needed.

When to seek medical advice?
Although heat rash is not a serious condition and resolves without any complications, always seek medical advice if you or your child has any of the following symptoms:

Pus formation or infection in the area.
Fever or headache
Dizziness, Nausea or vomiting
Swollen lymph nodes
Increase swelling, pain or redness in the area.