Heat rash is a skin condition caused by exposure to excessive and/or prolonged heat, and results in an outbreak of tiny red bumps and blisters around the skin. Also know as "prickly heat", "miliaria", and "summer rash", this condition most often affects babies who naturally have very sensitive skin. Adults and children, however, are known to also develop heat rash in extreme circumstances.

Heat rash develops when sweat ducts and pores become clogged so that sweat can't get out anymore. Since babies have smaller pores that are easily clogged, this is part of the reason they are more likely to develop the rash. The rash will often erupt under clothed areas, including the chest, armpits, abdomen, back, groin, and even sometimes the neck, since these areas of the body are most smothered by heat. The rash will often cause a stinging, itching, or prickly sensation wherever it has formed, making the afflicted person very uncomfortable.http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/understanding-heat-rash-basics

By itself, heat rash is not a serious condition, but it is a strong indication that you or your child are overheated and need cooling relief quickly. This can be true even in winter months when overzealous parents bundle up their children too much, and cause them to develop heat rash in heavy sweaters and winter coats. If persons with heat rash are not able to cool down, much more serious problems like heat stroke can occur quickly.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heat-rash/DS01058

If you have any questions about treating heat rash, or if the bumps begin to look infected, consult a physician immediately.

When treating heat rash, first and foremost, you need to help a person with heat rash to cool down. Remove as many layers of clothing as is safe and advisable to do, pull off any extra blankets, and set about helping the person to cool down.

Once the cooling has begun, you can provide relief for heat rash by applying a cool, wet cotton washcloth to the site of the bumps and blisters. You may also want to draw a lukewarm bath, and adding some baking soda at a rate of 2 tsp. per gallon of bath water.http://www.babycenter.com/0_heat-rash_10881.bc Gently pat the skin dry with a soft cotton towel, and apply a dry agent, such as corn starch (if necessary) to keep the skin dry and sweat-free.

Calamine lotion may provide some relief if the area is itching uncomfortably. Do not ever use an ointment on the rash, as it can make the problem worse.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heat-rash/DS01058/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

If you're treating a baby or toddler who has heat rash, keep their nails trimmed close so as to minimize scratching of the rash, which can result in infection.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.