Many people also get rashes. These rashes can be caused by:

• Heat rash (or prickly heat).
• Sunburn and sunlight.
• Bites and stings.
• Sweating a lot.

Allergies and pre-existing skin conditions can also get worse during summer. Swimmer’s itch is caused by parasites in the water called chiggers. Even though its name implies they live in water, they can be found in sand and grassy areas, too.

People with overweight or obesity and people who sweat easily are more likely to get summer skin rashes or prickly heat. Also, babies and children are more prone to it because their sweat glands are still developing. Babies are especially prone to skin rashes because their skin is often more sensitive.

Types of Summer Skin Rashes

Miliaria crystalline: This is the most common form. It causes small, clear or white bumps filled with sweat to form on the skin’s surface. The bumps measure 1–2 millimeters across.

Miliaria is a dermatologic manifestation of occluded eccrine sweat glands.  Two features are needed for development of the rash: an anatomical blockage of the duct and a stimulus for sweat production.

Most commonly seen in children, it is often referred to as “heat rash” or “sweat rash”.  Underdeveloped ducts in neonates combined with environmental exposure that induces sweating is the most frequent etiology.  Certain allopathic drugs and sequelae of skin infections have also been implicated in producing the necessary anatomic abnormality, the lack of surrounding erythema, clear fluid, and eventual lack of crusted lesions. These can help distinguish miliaria from infectious etiologies.  The initial, well-formed vesicles can be seen while the later stage flaccid.

Miliaria rubra: Also known as “prickly heat”, and it causes larger bumps, inflammation, and a lack of sweat in the affected area. It occurs in deeper layers of skin and is more uncomfortable, Rubra is localized deeper in the epidermis leading to leakage of sweat and resulting in inflammation, giving this subtype its characteristic erythematous papules. If the bumps fill with pus, the medical name becomes miliaria pustulosa. The face, neck, shoulders, and chest are the most common places for prickly heat to occur, although it may show up anywhere. It can affect anyone, but children are more likely to have it than adults.

Prickly heat is usually easy to identify due to its straightforward symptoms. Tiny red bumps and itching on an area of skin that has been exposed to heat and sweat for a long time are common signs of prickly heat.

Sometimes the red bumps can develop into a series of tiny blisters. The bumps or blisters may swell, become irritated or itchy, and redden as the rash progresses.

Prickly heat may spread on the body, but it is not infectious. Under normal conditions, there is no way to pass the rash on to other people.

Prickly heat is caused by trapped sweat. When the body is hot, it activates the sweat glands to create sweat on the skin. The sweat then cools the skin as it evaporates.

When the body is kept in this warm state, the constant sweat production can overload the sweat glands. This can cause the sweat ducts to become clogged, trapping sweat in the deep layers of the skin. This trapped sweat irritates the skin, which responds by producing a rash.

The most common trigger for prickly heat is exposure to heat for a long time. This may be especially true in very humid areas where the sweat has a harder time evaporating off the skin.

Certain allopathic medications can also trigger prickly heat. Any drugs that raise the body temperature or alter the function of the sweat glands can increase the risk of prickly heat.

Some allopathic medications for Parkinson’s disease block the sweat, and tranquilizers and diuretics can change the fluid balance in the body, which can trigger symptoms of prickly heat as well.

Prickly heat developed where the bacteria Staphylococcus found. These bacteria produce the biofilm, can block sweat ducts and contribute to skin conditions. This would suggest that people with Staphylococcus on their skin may be more prone to prickly heat than others.

Miliaria profunda: This is the least common type of heat rash, and is deeper yet, often at the junction between the dermis and epidermis, and is most often seen after recurrent episodes of rubra (it forms in the deepest layer of skin), and it can recur and become chronic. It causes relatively large, tough, flesh-colored bumps.

Heat rash or prickly heat

Heat rash or prickly heat is caused by a blockage and inflammation of our sweat ducts. This can be made worse by heat and high humidity. Heat rash can cause:

• Tiny bumps, blisters, or red spots.
• An irritating itch and prickling sensation.
• Redness and mild swelling of the affected area.

Heat rash usually forms in places where sweat collects, such as:

• Armpits.
• Back/Spine.
• Under breasts.
• On the chest.
• Neck.
• Groin.
• Crooks of elbows and knees.
• Waist.

Sun rash or photodermatitis

Some people have skin that develops a rash when exposed to direct sunlight. This is also called photosensitivity. There are many different types of sun rash.

Some people may experience sun rash while taking certain allopathic medicines such as antibiotics. Or the rash may happen when exposed to some:

• Chemicals.
• Fragrances.
• Dyes.
• Disinfectants.
• Sunscreens.

Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE)

In some people, exposure to the sun in spring or early summer can trigger an itchy, red rash on the:

• front of their neck
• chest
• arms
• face

It usually clears without treatment in a few days. Although it can come back. Sunlight can also trigger a rare condition called lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE) in susceptible people.

Skin allergies

Spring and summer are times when there are many substances that can cause allergic skin reactions in the environment — molds, pollens, plant and animal substances. Some skin allergies can be caused by heat or sweat, such as:

• Hives (urticaria).
• Eczema (atopic dermatitis).

Rashes from bites and stings

Bites and stings usually cause pain, itching and slight swelling. In some people they can cause a severe skin reaction.

If they are allergic to stings, they may have a severe allergic reaction. This is called anaphylaxis. This is a medical emergency, causing symptoms such as:

• Difficulty breathing.
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, face and throat.
• Coughing and wheezing.
• Dizziness.

Chronic skin conditions

Many people with chronic skin conditions may find their symptoms worsen during summer. You should see your doctor if you have an ongoing skin problem that gets worse in heat and sunlight. Examples of chronic skin conditions are:

• Chronic fungal infections such as tinea.
• Atopic dermatitis (eczema).
• Seborrheic dermatitis.
• Rosacea.
• Psoriasis.

Heat rashes are not often dangerous, but if symptoms last longer than a few days or signs of an infection appear, see a healthcare provider.

Examine the rash using dermoscop for a closer inspection. If necessary, take a skin punch biopsy or use imaging technology to identify the cause of the rash.

Skin changes are a common symptom of many conditions. Heat rash can resemble other health issues, including:

• Viral infections, such as chickenpox or measles.
• Bacterial infections, such as impetigo.
• Hives, due to an allergic reaction.
• Fungal skin infections, such as candidiasis.
• Insect bites.
• Folliculitis, due to a blockage in hair follicles.
• Acute HIV.
• A response to HIV allopathic treatment.

If any of the following symptoms occur, they may indicate that the cause of the rash is more serious:

• Fever.
• Cough.
• Rhinitis or runny nose.
• Fatigue.
• Enlarged lymph nodes.
• Muscle aches.

Self-care and treatments

Most summer skin rashes aren’t harmful and will disappear by themselves after a few days. Most rashes can be safely and effectively treated at home. Try one or more of these measures:

• Wear light, loose-fitting, soft clothes that don’t trap heat and moisture, and cause less friction. Natural fabrics such as cotton are best.
• Spend time in cool, air-conditioned or well-ventilated environments.
• Take cool baths or showers often.
• Don’t scratch the affected area, as it may make it worse.
• Drink plenty of water in hot weather and ensure to limit your exposure to the sun.

When should I see my doctor?

Patient should see his doctor if his/her rash doesn’t improve by itself or seems to be getting worse or if rash is associated with:

• Severe headache, neck stiffness, and fever.
• Vomiting and nausea.

Complications

Anaphylaxis

It is normal for bee and wasp stings to cause a minor rash. However, in some people with allergies, stings can cause a severe reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency.

If someone knows that they have a severe allergy, they may have a ‘personal action plan’. If they are having an anaphylactic reaction, they may need help following their plan. This may include administering adrenaline to the person.

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion

Heat rash or summer skin rashes may also be an early warning of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

• Sudden rise in body temperature.
• Red, hot dry skin (because sweating has stopped).
• Dry swollen tongue.
• Rapid pulse.
• Rapid shallow breathing.
• Being very thirsty.
• Headache.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Dizziness.
• Confusion.
• Poor coordination or slurred speech.
• Aggressive or bizarre behavior.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Seizures.
• Coma.