1. Heat Rash Slideshow
2. Summer Skin Hazards Pictures
3. Dehydration Tips Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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Most heat rash resolves without treatment, often within a day after changing to a cooler environment.

The best way to prevent heat rash is to avoid sweating by staying in cooler areas, using fans and limiting physical activity.

The following self-care steps and remedies may help with heat rash.

First step: The first step in treating heat rash is to wash the affected area with a gentle soap (for example, Dove non-soap cleanser or something similar). Next, rinse the area with water and gently pat dry with a towel. Washing several times a day and especially after exercise, prolonged walking, or heat exposure is recommended.

• Remain in a cool environment and allow for adequate ventilation of the skin.
• Take cool showers or baths
• Rest in an air-conditioned room at 70 F to 72 F (21 C to 22 C) is therapeutic. If no air conditioning is available at home, safe retreats include indoor shopping malls, grocery stores, movie theaters, hotel lobbies, ice skating rinks, bowling alleys, etc.
• Avoid skin-to-skin contact by placing a clean cotton washcloth or material between skin folds like under the breasts or abdomen.
• Apply cool packs over the affected areas (do not leave packs on longer than 20 minutes per hour).
• Mild cortisone creams like hydrocortisone (Cortaid) or prescription cortisone creams like triamcinolone may be helpful for resistant rashes or resulting eczema.
• Oral antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or loratadine (Claritin), can help decrease itching.

Getting naked may keep the body cooler but it does not avoid the problem of sweat buildup especially under the breasts, abdomen fold, between buttock folds, and places where skin overhangs. It may be best to wear light, cotton, absorbent fabrics that separate out skin fold areas. Individuals who do not wear underwear usually notice more retained sweat and therefore more irritation in areas between the buttocks and groin. Short sleeves tops and shorts are often helpful.

• Drinking water is always helpful for overall hydration and body temperature regulation.
• Water can help maintain cooler body temperatures.
• Dehydration may lead to weakness and generalized malaise.

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