Summer is one of the most loved seasons but if you are one of the unfortunates who suffers from prickly heat, this season can be a nightmare for you.
Sweat is the body’s natural temperature control system, helping us reduce our temperature to acceptable levels. When sweat ducts get blocked, preventing sweat from being released onto the skin’s surface, the skin condition known as prickly heat or heat rash or miliaria is triggered, an inflammation of small red bumps or blisters that is accompanied by itching.
Unfortunately, this type of rash is more common in hot, humid environments such as the one we are so “blessed” with in Malta!
What is Prickly Heat and how can you recognise it?
Usually heat rashes develop in folds of your skin and areas where your clothes may create friction. So you would usually experience these symptoms on your neck, folds of skin such as armpits, groin and thigh as well as on your chest and back.
The typical symptoms are the following:
o Small red bumps or blisters on the skin’s surface that may be fluid-filled.
o Itching: This can cause considerable discomfort and a prickly or stinging sensation.
o Redness and inflammation.
o Mild to moderate pain: Sometimes you may also experience some tenderness or pain in the affected area.
Repeated exposure to heat and humidity are likely to worsen the symptoms.
Managing Heat Rash
The good news is that there are a number of different actions you can take to manage this condition that can be really distressing, so that you can still enjoy the summer months.
One of the ways to reduce this uncomfortable and annoying condition is by making sure you stay cool, and sticking to environments that are well-ventilated and cooler to reduce your sweating and keep your skin cool. Obviously this is not always possible to do, especially during our long hot summer months!
Do wear natural fabrics such as linen and cotton, and avoid synthetic fibres as these trap heat and moisture.
Water is your friend, so shower or bathe often to remove sweat. Use cool water and a gentle soap, and pat dry after your shower, rather than rubbing dry, as this can further aggravate your skin.
Drinking water is also important, as keeping hydrated is vital to help regulate your body temperature.
Sometimes you may feel as if you want to scratch your skin to bits, but this only makes your rash worse. Ice or a cold compress can help to cool the inflammation and provide some much-needed relief from the aggravated itching. Put a wet face cloth in the freezer for a short while and then place on the inflamed area to provide a soothing relief.
Heavy creams may further clog your sweat ducts, so use light, water-based moisturisers or lotions instead.
Over-the-counter remedies: calamine lotion or an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream and antihistamines may also help to reduce the itching and inflammation. Make sure that you follow the instructions and apply as directed on the product packaging.
Natural remedies such as aloe vera and apple cider vinegar can also be very effective and provide relief when applied to the affected area.
Oatmeal bath: Add finely ground oatmeal to a cool or lukewarm bath and soak in it for 15-20 minutes to help soothe your irritated skin.
We hope these tips have helped, but if your symptoms persist or get worse, do consult your doctor.
If you are interested in a comprehensive physical screening, do speak to us and we will help guide you to a healthier you.
Contact us today on +356 21221355, 9985 2404 or send an email on info@clinipath.com.mt.
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