Heat rash can be irritating, but it really isn’t much cause for concern at all. The bad news is that you’re probably going to get very itchy. But if you follow some simple practices over the next few days, that itchiness will go away and you won’t have anything to worry about.

How does heat rash occur?

Heat rash is the result of excessive sweating caused by either being out in very warm weather or working conditions, or having a fever. When sweat ducts get blocked, that blockage triggers the rash, which can take multiple different appearances depending on the conditions. For mild cases that only affect the superficial sweat glands, the rash will most likely appear as clear bumps. In more intense heat, deeper sweat glands can get blocked, causing the rashes to appear red.

How should you treat heat rash?

The best way to prevent heat rash from occurring or getting worse is to take some simple precautionary measures. For example, try not to wear clothing that fits too tightly, as it can cause your body to sweat even more. Try as much as possible to stay in air conditioned or cool, dry areas. Avoid using thick ointments, creams and lotions that can clog pores and worsen the blockage of sweat ducts. If your heat rashes have been caused by a fever, your primary care physician will very likely prescribe an Acetaminophen like Tylenol to reduce your fever. It really isn’t necessary to see a doctor for heat rashes as long as your rashes disappear within a matter of a few days. Again, while heat rash is annoying to deal with, it is not a long term concern.

If your working conditions or lifestyle puts you at increased risk for obtaining heat rash repeatedly, it could be worth having a conversation with a dermatologist or work supervisor. You can schedule same day and next day appointments by calling 651-209-1600 or on our website.