Heat Rash: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Dr. Jayanti Singh, Consultant Dermatologist at Apollo Clinic, Chandigarh talks about a common problem that affects all ages: heat rash. We  commonly call this Ghamori, prickly heat, or Sweat rash. Such rashes usually occur during warm and humid climates, especially during the rainy season. 

What causes a heat rash ?

There is blockage of sweat glands due to excessive perspiration from the body. This blockage results in inflammation beneath the skin, causing a rash.

Other reasons of rash

Apart from the seasonal, wearing fitting clothes or synthetic wear which prevents sweat drying. In addition, any strenuous physical exercise or a high fever that recedes with sweat may lead to rash. Certain medicines can increase the sweat production in the body. 

Types of Heat rash

Depending upon the level of blockage of sweat glands, it presents itself in three ways: If it appears on superficial skin, then we call this miliaria crystallina. The miliaria crystallina rash looks like water droplets and recedes on its own if you shift to colder environments. 

What is Miliaria rubra?

If the blockage of the sweat gland is at mid-level, then we call this condition miliaria Rubra. Miliaria rubra presents itself as a red colour rash. 

What is Miliaria profunda?

We see miliaria profunda rash when the blockage of sweat glands is at deeper layers. In this, there can be the formation of lumps. 

Which type of rash needs treatment?

We need to take treatment for both miliaria rubra and profunda. Consequently these miliarias may acquire an infection. Hence their treatment is necessary. 

 When can you have a heat rash?

One may have a prickling or itching sensation after staying in a very hot and humid climate. Physical exercise also results in sweat. Additionally few types of fever recedes with sweat. So all these can lead to heat rash in the body.

Can viral infection lead to these ?

Viral heat rash appears after high fever. Subsequently it may also occur as an allergy to medicines.  Additionally, few fungal or bacterial infections may also cause this.

How to prevent it?

Shifting to a colder environment is essential to prevent or treat such skin conditions. Opt for breathable cotton clothes. And try to take a bath with soap after excessive perspiration.

How to treat it?

Applying cold compressors or cold water to the rash helps in receding. Application of calamine lotion or talcum powder to absorb excessive sweat is also helpful.

Bottom line

If the rash on skin is not healing or you had a fever before the rash, you must consult your dermatologist. Not every rash is a heat rash. So if it isn’t healing, you must consult Dermatologist. Thank you.