Heat rash is a skin condition that causes a rash to appear during hot and humid days. This occurs as a result of the blockage of the glands responsible for transporting sweat to the surface of the skin, which leads to sweat being trapped under the skin and irritated, resulting in small bumps. These symptoms usually disappear on their own within 24 hours, but some tips and treatments can be followed to relieve symptoms and speed up recovery. In this context, we will review how to treat heat rash, as summer and high temperatures are a favorable environment for the spread of many diseases, including skin diseases. Let's review together everything related to heat rash.

 Causes of heat rash

- **The presence of folds in the skin**: such as the folds of the neck, armpits and thighs, as these folds prevent the passage of air and lead to sweat retention.
- **Sensitive skin**: People with sensitive skin are more susceptible to infection.
- **Wearing tight clothes**: or clothes made of unhealthy fabrics, such as synthetic fibers, which prevent sweat from evaporating.
- **Using heavy cosmetics**: such as poor quality creams and powders, which leads to clogged pores.
- **Side effects of some medications**: such as isotretinoin (commercially known as "Accutane") and clonidine (known as "Catapres").
- **Children**: The infection is often due to immaturity of the sweat glands, or because children wear a lot of clothes that prevent sweat from coming out.
- **Humid environments**: Residents of humid areas suffer more.
- **Exposure to sun heat and humidity**: and lack of attention to personal hygiene and bathing.

Types of skin allergies

- **Contact dermatitis**: It occurs as a result of the skin coming into contact with irritating or allergenic substances, leading to redness, itching and sores. Common irritants include soaps and detergents, while allergens include rubber metals and poison ivy.
- **Eczema**: Also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that causes redness, itching, and inflammation, often as a result of certain foods, environmental allergens, or stress.
- **Rash or hives**: It is a condition of skin inflammation characterized by the appearance of itchy red bumps, which may appear suddenly and disappear quickly, and is usually the result of an allergic reaction to food or medications.
- **Angioedema**: It is swelling in the deeper layers of the skin, such as the eyelids, mouth, or genitals, and often appears after a rash. As for hereditary angioedema, it is a rare condition that causes swelling in different parts of the body, including the hands, feet, and face.

**Causes of skin allergies in the summer**

 

Skin allergies in the summer are common, as climate changes such as high temperatures and humidity, in addition to sunlight, cause them to appear. The causes of allergies in this season differ from the rest of the year, which requires knowing how to deal with and treat them.

**Heat Rash**

 

Heat rash is one of the most common types during the hot months, and is caused by blocked sweat glands, preventing sweat from evaporating. It can also occur as a result of increased sweating due to high temperatures or physical activity, which leads to red bumps or an itchy feeling. The rash often forms in areas where sweat collects, such as:

- Under the armpits
- Back
- Under the breasts
- Chest
- Neck
- Thighs
- Knees
- Waist

**How ​​to treat heat rash**

 

Heat rash can be uncomfortable, but keeping your skin cool can help relieve symptoms. The rash usually goes away on its own within 3-4 days. However, if you develop a fever or chills, or the rash becomes painful, it is best to consult a doctor or pharmacist.

**Photosensitivity**

 

Some people experience severe reactions when their skin is exposed to sunlight due to photosensitivity. There are many skin conditions that can cause these reactions, such as autoimmune diseases like lupus. Some skin care products can also make your skin more sensitive to the sun, such as some anti-aging creams or acne treatments that contain benzoyl peroxide.

The duration of symptoms after sun exposure can help your dermatologist determine the cause. If you feel pain or itching within seconds or minutes of exposure, it may be due to the medication. If the rash appears hours or days later, it may be due to rare conditions like lupus or photosensitive eczema.

If you have a skin condition that gets worse when exposed to the sun, it is advisable to take extra precautions such as wearing loose cotton clothing, seeking shade, avoiding direct sun exposure, and consulting a doctor or pharmacist about appropriate skin care products.

**Insect bite reactions**

 

Most insect bites cause inflammation in the area around the bite, resulting in itching and redness. With the increase in insect populations in the summer, insect bites are a common cause of rashes. This type of reaction can usually be easily managed at home, although it can be uncomfortable.

**How ​​to treat an insect bite**

 

Keep the affected area clean, and apply a cold cloth or ice pack to reduce swelling. You can also ask your pharmacist about creams that can help relieve symptoms and promote healing. If a blister forms on your skin, avoid picking it to avoid infection.

Bites are usually uncomfortable but harmless. If you are concerned, it is best to talk to your pharmacist, and you should seek medical attention if you are bitten in a sensitive area, such as near your eye, or if you develop inflammation or swelling at the site of the bite.

**Allergic reactions to insect bites**

 

Some people experience allergic reactions to insect bites 

T, and the most serious type of this allergy is anaphylaxis, which is often caused by a bee or wasp sting, and can be life-threatening. If you or your child feels noticeable swelling in the face or throat, feels dizzy, has difficulty breathing, or loses consciousness, you should go to the emergency department immediately. If you know that you are allergic to a certain insect sting, it is important to avoid it, and it is also advisable to carry an auto-injector of adrenaline to treat yourself in case you are stung. Also, make sure that the people around you know what to do in an emergency. Although it is difficult to avoid insects during the summer, using insect repellent can help reduce the chances of being stung.

**Allergies and plant reactions**

 

If you are allergic to pollen, you may experience symptoms such as hay fever, but this allergy can also affect the skin, causing a rash in the summer. If you have allergies, be sure to take your prescribed medications, and if you experience skin irritation or hay fever symptoms for the first time, it is best to consult a pharmacist. In addition, some plants such as poison ivy and poison oak can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, leading to redness, swelling and blisters. Therefore, it is advisable to wear gardening gloves and avoid contact with any known allergens to reduce the chances of an allergic reaction.

**Skin allergy tests and diagnostic methods**

 

- **Allergy testing:** involves placing patches containing potential allergens on the skin and leaving them on for 48-72 hours. The patches are then removed and the skin is examined for any signs of an allergic reaction.

- **Skin prick test:** involves placing a small amount of potential allergens on the skin and then pricking the skin with a small needle, allowing the allergens to penetrate the skin and monitor for an allergic reaction. This is the most common skin allergy test, and results are usually available within 15-20 minutes.

- **Skin Prick Test:** involves injecting a small amount of suspected allergens under the skin using a needle. This test is more sensitive than the skin prick test and gives accurate results.

- **Blood Test:** A blood test can measure the amount of antibodies in the blood, indicating an allergic reaction to certain substances, if other skin tests cannot be performed, such as in people with severe skin conditions or who are taking medications that affect the test results.

**Symptoms of Heat Sensitivity**

 

1) Heat rash.

2) Small red blisters.

3) A tingling sensation accompanied by severe itching.

**Types of Heat Sensitivity**

 

Heat sensitivity is divided into three types, which differ according to the affected layer of skin, which are:

1) **Crystalline Heat Sensitivity**: This type is considered one of the simplest types of allergies. It occurs as a result of blockage of the superficial pores in the skin. Its symptoms include the appearance of blisters containing clear fluid, with bumps (bubbles) that easily burst. This type of allergy does not cause itching or pain, and the affected person can recover from it, but it may return if the hot and humid weather continues.

2) **Red heat allergy**: It occurs in a deeper layer of the skin. It is more common among adults than children, and often appears after exposure to hot and humid weather, or as a result of spending a long time in bed due to an illness. Infants may get it in the first weeks of their lives. Symptoms include red bumps, a tingling and itching sensation in the affected area, with a decrease in sweating, and sometimes there may be no sweating at all in that area despite the heat.

3) **Deep heat allergy**: It is considered the least common type of heat allergy, and mainly affects adults, especially those who have been exposed to red heat allergy repeatedly. It occurs in the deepest layer of the skin, and its symptoms often appear shortly after exercising or any activity that leads to sweating. Symptoms include the appearance of solid, skin-colored lesions, and the cessation of sweating, which leads to symptoms of heat exhaustion such as dizziness, nausea, and a rapid heartbeat.

**Treatment of skin sensitivity to heat at home**

 

There are several effective home methods for treating skin sensitivity resulting from heat, including:

- **Oatmeal**: It is used to relieve itching resulting from allergies. This can be done by adding a cup of oatmeal to a lukewarm water bath and soaking the body in it for 20 minutes, or by making a paste of oatmeal and water and applying it to the skin.

- **Sandalwood**: It contains anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain and inflammation. It can be used by mixing two amounts of sandalwood powder with a little water and applying it to the affected areas.

**Methods for treating skin sensitivity to heat**

 

**Baking soda**
Baking soda is effective in relieving itchy skin and rashes. It can be used by adding 3 to 5 tablespoons of it to a lukewarm water bath and sitting in it for 20 minutes.

**Aloe vera**
Aloe vera is one of the natural ingredients that helps reduce inflammation, swelling and pain, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It can be used by applying it directly to the affected areas.

**Neem**
Neem is an effective home remedy for heat rash, as it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be prepared by mixing equal amounts of neem and water to make a paste, then applying it to the affected areas.

**Tips for treating heat rash**

After learning about the treatment methods, here are some important tips:

- Use cold compresses for 5 to 10 minutes to relieve redness, itching, and swelling.
- It is preferable to shower with cold water and a mild soap on the skin, and let it dry in the air.
- Avoid using creams or ointments that contain petroleum or mineral oils, as they may clog the pores.
- It is preferable 

To avoid exercising or strenuous activities in hot, humid weather, as this increases the risk of skin allergies.
- Be careful not to scratch the rash to avoid further irritation or risk of infection.
- Use fans and air conditioners to keep temperatures low and avoid the negative effects of heat.
- Wear loose, light clothing in hot weather to absorb moisture and prevent skin allergies.

**Medical treatment for skin allergies to heat**

 

At first, staying away from high temperatures is enough to treat mild rashes, but some cases may require additional treatments. Here are some medical options:

- **Ointments**: Your doctor may prescribe topical medicated ointments to relieve skin allergies and prevent complications, such as:
- **Calamine lotion**: Helps relieve itching.
- **Water-based lanolin**: Prevents clogged pores.
- **Topical steroid ointments**: Used in more severe cases.

- **Antihistamines**: Topical or oral antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine or diphenhydramine, can be taken to relieve itching, but you should consult your doctor before using them.

- **Steroid creams**: Hydrocortisone creams can help relieve symptoms, but they should be used for a short period of time to avoid further irritation.