Heat Rash

Description: A cutaneous eruption accompanied by a prickly and itching sensation, resulting from an inflammation of the sweat glands; also known as prickly heat and miliaria

Persons most commonly affected: All age groups and both sexes but most often in infants and in overweight persons who have overlapping folds of fat.

Organ or part of body involved: Skin.

Symptoms and indications: Tiny, pinhead sized red pimples and it can cause itching and a prickling or burning sensation. It is more likely to occur on moist parts of the body where skin surface can touch, such as the neck and upper chest, in the groin, under the breasts, and in elbow creases. An infant can have the rash under a tight-fitting diaper.

Causes and risk factors: The sweat glands in the skin normally work along with blood vessels to regulate the body

Prevention: The best way to prevent this rash is to wear a high sun protection factor sun screen while in the sun. The person needs to stay in a cool environment and refrain from exertion. Cool showers followed by thorough drying can also help, as can wearing light, loose-fitting clothes. Babies should be bathed in clear water and dried thoroughly. Cloth diapers are more likely to allow the natural evaporation process to occur than are disposable diapers.