Heat rash (prickly heat) is a red or pink rash usually found on body areas covered by clothing. It can develop when the sweat ducts become blocked and swell and often leads to discomfort and itching. Heat rash is most common in babies, but may affect adults in hot, humid climates.

Heat rash can occur at any age but is most common in young children. It often appears in folds of the skin and on parts of the body where clothing fits snugly, including the chest, stomach, neck, crotch, and buttocks. If your child wears hats, the rash may even spread across his scalp or forehead. Heat rash occurs most often in hot, humid conditions, but you may develop it in cool weather if you are overdressed. It's most common in infants. Active people, newborns in incubators, and bedridden patients with fever also are more likely to get heat rash.

 Causes of Heat Rash

The main cause of heat rash is excessive perspiration in a hot and humid environment. The sweat damages the skin cells which in turn form a barrier and traps sweat below the skin where it accumulates causing the characteristic bumps.

The sweat glands in the skin normally work with blood vessels to regulate the body's heat. When the blood temperature rises, the brain triggers a reflex in the sweat glands to encourage secretion of sweat. Sweating reduces body temperature by releasing sweat to the surface of the skin, where it evaporates and cools the skin.

Heat rash can result any time the body is unable to perspire adequately. Most often, hot weather or exertion triggers the reaction. Wearing tight clothing or overdressing, even in cold weather, may compound the problem.

Heat rash in infants occurs primarily because their sweat ducts cannot transport large amounts of perspiration to the surface of the skin. The sweat remains trapped within the skin, which causes the characteristic inflammation and irritation.

Treatment of Heat Rash include the following:

 1. Cool the area. Apply a cold, wet washcloth to the heat rash and surrounding area or soak in a cool bath or pool for at least twenty minutes. 

2. Remove all restricted clothing. Tigh pants and shirts; heavy materials; lyrcra and spandex should all be exchanged for light, loose-fitting cotton clothes.
3. After taking a bath or using a washcloth, allow the area to air-dry rather than scrubbing with towels, which can further irritate the skin.
4. If the area itches or is painful, apply a calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to the affected area. If the problem doesn't go away, or if it flares up, discontinue use of any creams or lotions.
5. During the hot season dress your baby in light-weight, soft, cotton clothing. Cotton is very absorbent and keeps moisture away from the baby's skin.
6. Avoid the use of powders, creams, and ointments. Baby powders don't improve or prevent heat rash. Creams and ointments tend to keep the skin warmer and block the pores.

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