Prevention, the Best Defense Against Heat Rash

It's mid summer, it's hot and humid and your child has just broken out into a red, bumpy rash that seems to be causing a bit of discomfort. So what is it and what should you do?

A parent's first inclination is to believe it is a Heat Rash and they are likely to be correct. But it is important to be able to distinguish between heat rash and other common skin aliments such as impetigo, eczema, folliculitis, poison ivy and chicken pox.

What is heat rash?

According to Medterms.com, "Heat Rash is an irritation of the skin that results from excessive sweating during hot and humid weather. Heat rash appears as clusters of red pimples or blisters on the skin. It is more likely to occur on the neck and upper chest, in the groin, under the breasts, and in elbow creases. Children are more likely than adults to develop heat rash. Heat rash is not a serious condition and can be easily treated by keeping the affected area cool and dry."

There are several types of heat rash which can make it all a bit confusing. General Heat Rash is also called miliaria or miliara rubra and is often referred to as Prickly Heat or Summer Rash. Miliaria profunda occurs in people who have repeated episodes of prickly heat. Miliaria pustulosa refers to a case of prickly heat that gets infected.

What causes heat rash and how can you prevent it?

"As the name implies, heat rash is triggered in certain children when they become overheated, either because they are overdressed or because it is simply too hot outside. As they become hot and sweat, their sweat ducts become blocked and rupture." Keep in mind a heat rash can occur in overdressed infants even during the winter."

The best defense against heat rash is prevention. Most suggestions regarding prevention are focused on not allowing your child to get overheated:

• Dress your child in weather appropriate, loose fitting clothing, so that he doesn't get overheated.
• Avoid excessive heat and humidity when possible.
• Avoid using ointments, including moisturizers, or oil based products on a child's skin, which can block the sweat ducts.

The most common symptoms of heat rash are:

• Small, red or pink bumps or even water blisters on the skin
• Symptoms can include: stinging, or a burning sensation and older children sometimes describe a 'prickly' sensation.
• itching

• Increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the affected area.
• Red streaks extending from the affected area.
• Drainage of pus from the area.
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin.
• Fever of 100 F or higher, or chills with no other known cause.

What is the treatment for heat rash?

You can follow either the conventional or alternative treatment methods. Although a heat rash generally goes away on its own some children require treatment. Below is a list of steps recommended for conventional treatment:

• "Remove the child from the triggering environment, such as dressing in less clothing, moving inside to a cooler, air conditioned environment, etc.
• use compresses with cool water to lower your babies or child's body temperature
• use calamine lotion to help with itching
• if needed use mild strength topical steroids, although these usually aren't necessary
• Contact your child's pediatrician if the rash gets worse or does not clear up in 3 or 4 days.
• use antibiotics for secondary infections as per your pediatrician

• "Remove the child from the triggering environment, such as dressing in less clothing, moving inside to a cooler, air conditioned environment, etc.
• Cool your child down. Give your child a cool bath with baking soda this should provide immediate relief. Make sure to dry your child well after the bath and if possible let them air dry.
• Do not use creams and ointments as the moisture is blocked and will make the condition worse.
• Trim your child's fingernails, to prevent them from hurting themselves while scratching.
• For continued relief you can give your child oatmeal bathes this will help with the itching.
• Contact your child's pediatrician if the rash gets worse or does not clear up in 3 or 4 days.
• use antibiotics for secondary infections as per your pediatrician

http://www.revolutionhealth.com/conditions/skin/rash/types/heat-rash

http://www.drgreene.com/21_541.html

http://pediatrics.about.com/od/dermatologytopics/a/06_heat_rash.htm

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