Do you have heat rash?

A heat rash, also known as prickly heat or miliaria can affect both infants and adults during hot and humid weather. They usually develop when one's sweat ducts (pores) become blocked and perspiration is trapped under the skin. The rash appears as reddened skin with tiny blisters which is due to inflammation and often occurs in areas of tight clothing where air cannot circulate.

It's unclear as to why sweat glands become blocked, but there are factors that seem to play a role including:

• Tropical climate
• Immature sweat ducts
• Physical activity that causes you to perspire extensively
• Heavy creams and ointments that block the sweat glands
• Medications that enhance sweat gland function such as beta blockers, opiates and clondine
• Tight clothing that don't allow perspiration to evaporate normally

You can protect yourself or your infant from heat rashes by:

• Wearing soft, lightweight cotton clothing and avoiding tight fitting clothes
• Staying in the shade or in an air conditioned room when it's too hot
• Keeping your area well ventilated and cool
• Taking a shower in cool water with a non-drying soap
• Avoiding creams and ointments that block pores

When to see a doctor?

Heat rashes usually heal on their own, but see your doctor if the rash seems to be getting worse and there are signs of infection such as pus draining from the lesions, fever, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, groin or in the armpit and increased pain, redness or warmth around the affected area.