Heat Rash: When Should I See a Doctor?
Heat rash is a condition that easily goes away with time without the need for medical care. This usually happens when the skin cools down and the sweating reduces. Sometimes, it can take a few days for the affected part of the skin to heal completely. However, there are times when the rashes tend to worsen despite cooling of the skin, or the rashes may still be there even after a few days. When this happens, it calls for the need to see a doctor in order to get treated.
What are the symptoms of severe heat rash?
Severe heat rash is normally associated with the following signs and symptoms:
- Increased pain in the affected part of the skin
- Formation of pus in the affected skin areas, especially where red bumps were formed.
- Fever
- Chills
- Swelling of the skin
- Increased redness and warmth of the affected part.
- Swelling of the lymph nodes located in the armpits, neck, or groin region.
When these symptoms begin to show, it is very important that you visit a doctor or take the baby to the doctor if he or she is the one who has been affected. The reason is that there may be an infection of the skin and the problem may no longer be a simple heat rash.
How to Deal with Heat Rash: Recommended Home Remedies
When the heat rash does not seem to go away, you can try these home remedies to see if they will help in easing the symptoms:
- Try washing the affected area using a gentle soap, and then rinse it with cool water. When drying your skin, pat the area gently using a towel. Avoid rubbing the affected part with the towel. Ensure that you do this several times a day so as to achieve the best results.
- Avoid heat exposure and stay in cool environments to prevent further sweating of the skin that may clog more of your skin pores. It would be better if you stay in air conditioned rooms.
- If the affected area encounters a lot of friction such as between the thighs or under the armpits, place washcloths made of cotton in between to prevent further irritation.
- You can also use cool packs by applying them to the affected parts, but they should only be removed after twenty minutes.
- Wear light clothing, especially those made of materials than can absorb sweat such as cotton. Such clothes can also help separate the areas that rub against each other causing friction.
- It is also important to wear underwears as they absorb the sweat produced in the groin or buttocks.
- Drinking plenty of water also helps not only in hydrating the body but also cooling the body to avoid excessive sweating.
Other Available Treatments
If the above methods do not work, contact your health care experts for further help. They can recommend the following treatments:
- Prescription of hydrocortisone creams, especially for persistent rashes.
- Use of oral antihistamines. These can help in reducing skin itchiness. However, they should only be recommended by a qualified doctor, who has examined your condition.
Bottom Line
Heat rash is a mild condition, which can easily be treated at home. However, if symptoms persist, you should visit a health professional immediately.
