SunburnThe LinesAnd sweaty skin are all things that humans tend to experience during the summer months. While Protect your skin from the sun Can help prevent the more unpleasant side effects of the warm weather, some things, such as heat rash, may have their own mind.
Whether you have personally experienced heat rash or if you know someone else who has, they can be a common problem during the summer and seem to come out of nowhere. A heat rash is characterized by stinging or tingling skin and worsens by sweat. You will usually notice a heat rash shown on the neck, scalp, chest, legs and elbow creases.
But what is exactly a heat rash, and why itch it? What makes it happen? We talked to dermatologists to help us answer these burning (word games intended) questions and get a better understanding of heat rash so you know what to do when you show up.
Experts displayed in this article
Kseniya KobetsMD, MHS, FAAD, is a board -certified dermatologist.
Marisa GarshickMD, is a board -certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at Cornell New York Presbyterian.
What causes a heat rash?
There are some things that can cause a heat rash; All are related to the increased temperature for ultraviolet radiation during the summer months. “Heat rash in sun exposed areas that can happen on the chest or arms when someone is sensitive to the sun, and this reaction can sometimes be related to autoimmune disorders,” says board certified dermatologist Kseniya Kobets.
This happens because your sweat is caught in the sweat channels and cannot reach the surface of the skin to evaporate. “This blockage can cause inflammation and a rash of red shocks or blisters,” says board certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick. “The condition is often a result of warm and humid weather, excessive sweating or overheating.”
Heat rash can also occur when someone has a sensitivity or an allergy to a chemical SPF ingredient that AvobenzonThe OxybenzonOr a scent. This can probably “cause a reaction to the skin that is warm and sweaty through penetration through pores,” says Dr. Cobets. “Other times, heat rashes on the legs, which are more red like cayenne pepper, can be related to heat and sun, called pigmented Purpurian dermatosis, which is usually a benign and self -limiting rash.” Friton can also play a role.
Heat rash on the neck tends to happen because “the throat is particularly vulnerable because of its exposure to the sun and tight clothing or accessories that can catch heat,” says Dr. Garshick.
These parts of the body also have a stagnant blood supply and could “possibly cause an accumulation of immune cells” to create the reaction from the heat rash, says Dr. Cobets.
Heat rash symptoms
Usually a heat rash is manifested when red clusters of small blisters or pimples. But itch heat? Unfortunately, yes. Heat rash can potentially itching, and the feeling can vary from mild to serious, says our dermatologists. “Discomfort from itching can lead to scratches, which can aggravate the condition,” says Dr. Garshick. However, it is possible that you may not experience any itching.
“It usually occurs in areas where sweat is captured under the skin, such as back, neck, chest, groin and armpits,” says Dr. Cobets. “Other symptoms may include mild swelling, stinging and it can also be associated with pain.”
Do heat rash spread?
When you think about a rash, you can expect it to spread to other areas of your body. Fortunately, heat rashes are not spread from one area in the body to another because they are not contagious. That said, says Dr. Garshick, “They can cover larger areas about the conditions that caused the rash, such as excessive sweating or heat exposure.”
How to get rid of heat rash
To get rid of heat rash, you want to keep the affected area cool and dry and wear loose, light clothes. This allows your skin to breathe. “Apply cold compresses to reduce itching and inflammation. Avoid heavy creams or ointments that can block the pores and aggravate the condition. Using hydrocortisone cream can calm irritation,” says Dr. Cobets. “Make sure you remain hydrated and in a cool environment to prevent excessive sweating. If the heat rash remains or becomes infected, contact a healthcare professional for further treatment.”
How long does heat rash last?
There is really no head and quick timeline when it comes to how long a heat rash will last. “This varies depending on how quickly the skin is cooled and dried,” says Dr. Garshick. “Most heat rashes will dissolve within a few days to a week. It may take longer if the skin continues to be exposed to heat and sweat.”
Sydney Wingfield Has been a freelance writer in the beauty and wellness space for six years. She has written for Women’s Health, Marie Claire, Glamor and other publications and loves to cover all skin care, makeup and hair.