Doctor's Orders

Prickly Summer Problem

Don’t scratch an itchy heat rash

It might seem harder than ever to get kids to play outside these days, but there are some moments in the summer when your child is better off inside. One of the first signs that your body needs some time in a cool, dry place is a heat rash.

“Typically, heat rashes are caused from the sweat glands being blocked,” explains Jerrod Anderson, MD, of St. Joseph’s/Candler Primary Care in Richmond Hill at Heartwood.

Heat rash, also known as prickly heat or miliaria rubra, is common in children but can affect adults too, especially in a hot and humid climate. When sweat is trapped in folds of skin or by clothing and is unable to evaporate, it causes small, reddish bumps to form. These bumps can often be intensely itchy.

But you must resist the urge to scratch.

“Scratching can cause further irritation, and even infection or scarring,” warns Dr. Anderson. Luckily, moving to a cool spot indoors, removing or replacing items of clothing and allowing the sweat to escape and evaporate can clear most heat rashes fairly quickly. If it doesn’t, it might be time to make an appointment.

“If the rash is extremely itchy and does not resolve when cooling down or shows signs of infection—including redness that is spreading, warm to the touch or with drainage—come into your doctor’s office for evaluation,” Dr. Anderson says.

Avoiding tight clothes, keeping your sleeping area cool, and avoiding creams that can clog pores are some of the small but crucial preventative steps parents and children can take in the summer. Dr. Anderson also strongly encourages good hydration to prevent other forms of heat illness.

“Dehydration is a big concern in the summer,” he says. “Be careful about being in the heat too long. You can still have all kinds of fun, just make sure you're staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Also, don’t forget to use sunscreen and stay in the shade as much as possible.”