The medical name for summer skin rashes or heat rash is miliaria. It happens when sweat becomes trapped due to a blockage in sweat glands in the deeper layers of skin; inflammation, redness, and blister-like lesions can result; sometimes, an infection can develop.
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:
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.
Diagnosis
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:
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:
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.
Allopathic Treatment for Summer Skin Rashes
Some over-the-counter preparations can help soothe and resolve persistent Sumer skin rashes. They include:
Topical preparations — such as calamine, menthol, and camphor-based creams or ointments — can help ease the itching. Use an emollient with calamine, however, as it can dry the skin.
Steroid creams can reduce itching and inflammation in people aged over 10 years. In some cases, antihistamine medications can help reduce itching.
Antibacterial drugs can help manage or prevent an infection.
Homeopathic Treatment for Summer Skin Rashes
Apis melifica
Swellings after bites; sore, sensitive. Stinging. Erysipelas, with sensitiveness and swelling, rosy hue. Carbuncles, with burning, stinging pain. Sudden puffing up of whole body. Sumer skin rashes.
Aconit Nepalus
Crawling sensation in the skin, with itching and desquamation. Skin dry and burning. Swelling and burning heat. Yellow face, yellowish color of the skin. Summer skin rashes. Red, hot, swollen and shining skin with violent pain. Fleabites on the hands, on the body etc. Small pimples, red and broad, itching. Morbilli. Rash of children. Purpura miliaris.
Arsenicum Album
Itching, burning, swellings; oedema, eruption, papular, dry, rough, scaly; worse scratching. Malignant pustules. Ulcers with offensive discharge. Anthrax. Summer skin rashes. Urticaria, with burning and restlessness. Psoriasis. Scirrhous. Icy coldness of body. Epithelioma of the skin. Gangrenous inflammations.
Anthracinum
Septic inflammation, carbuncles, malignant ulcers. In boils and boil-like eruptions, acne. Terrible burning. Induration of cellular tissue, abscess, bubo, and all inflammation of connective tissue in which there exists a purulent focus. Summer skin rashes.
Hemorrhages, black, thick, tar-like, rapidly decomposing, from any orifice. Glands swollen, cellular tissues edematous and indurated. Septicemia. Ulceration, sloughing and intolerable burning. Erysipelas. Black and blue blisters. Dissecting wounds. Insect stings. Gangrenous parotitis. Succession of boils. Gangrene. Foul secretions.
Antimunium Crudum
Eczema with gastric derangements. Pimples, vesicles, and pustules. Summer skin rashes. Sensitive to cold bathing. Thick, hard, honey-colored scabs. Urticaria; measle-like eruption. Itching when warm in bed. Dry skin. Warts. Dry gangrene. Scaly, pustular eruption with burning and itching.
Belladona
Skin dry and hot; swollen, sensitive; burns scarlet, smooth. Eruption like scarlatina, suddenly spreading. Erythema; pustules on face. Glands swollen, tender, red. Boils. Summer skin rashes. Acne rosacea. Suppurative wounds. Alternate redness and paleness of the skin. Indurations after inflammations. Erysipelas.
Bovista Lycoperdon
Blunt instrument leave deep impression on the skin. Urticaria on excitement, with rheumatic lameness, palpitation and diarrhea. Itching on getting warm. Eczema, moist; formation of thick crusts. Pimples cover the entire body; scurvy; herpetic eruptions. Pruritus ani. Urticaria on waking in the morning, worse from bathing. Pellagra. Summer skin rashes.
Caladium Seguinum
Sweet sweat-attracts flies. Insect bites burn and itch intensely. Itching rash alternates with asthma. Burning sensation and erysipelatous inflammation.
Chamomilla
Miliary eruption, with itching and tickling. Unhealthy skin: every injury tends to ulceration. In the ulcers, tingling, itching, burning, and jerking shootings, with excessive sensibility to the touch. Itching pimples form around the ulcer, covered with scurf, and suppurating. Yellow color of the skin (over the whole body). Summer skin rashes. Rash of infants and during nursing. Red rash. Inflammatory swelling of the glands.
Dulcamara
Adenitis. Pruritus, always worse in cold, wet weather. Herpes zoster, pemphigus. Swelling and indurated glands from cold. Vesicular eruptions. Sensitive bleeding ulcers. Little boils. Red spots, urticaria, brought on by exposure, or sour stomach. Summer skin rashes. Humid eruptions on face, genitals, hands, etc. Warts, large, smooth, on face and palmar surface of hands. Anasarca. Thick, brown-yellow crusts, bleeding when scratched.
Hepar Sulph
Abscesses: suppurating glands are very sensitive. Papules prone to suppurate and extend. Acne, suppurate with prickly pain. Easily bleed. Angio-neurotic oedema. Unhealthy skin: every little injury suppurates. Summer skin rashes. Chapped skin, with deep cracks on hands and feet. Ulcers, with bloody suppuration. Sensitive to contact, burning, stinging, easily bleeding. Sweats day and night without relief. “Cold sores” very sensitive. Sticking or pricking. Putrid ulcers, surrounded by little pimples. Chronic and recurring urticaria. Smallpox. Herpes circinate. Constant offensive exhalation from the body.
Graphites
Skin rough, hard, persistent dryness of portions of skin unaffected by eczema. Early stage of keloid and fibroma. Pimples and acne. Summer skin rashes. Eruptions, oozing out a sticky exudation. Rawness in bends of limbs, groins, neck, behind ears. Unhealthy skin: every little injury suppurates. Ulcers discharging a glutinous fluid, thin and sticky. Swelling and induration of glands. Phlegmonous erysipelas of face; burning and stinging pain. Swelling of feet. Wens.
Medorrhinum
Skin yellow. Intense and incessant itching; worse night and when thinking of it. Fiery red rash about anus in babies. Copper-colored spots. Favus. Tumors and abnormal growth.
Mezereum
Eczema; intolerable itching; chilliness with pruritus; worse in bed. Ulcers itch and burn, surrounded by vesicles and shining, fiery-red areola. Zona, with burning pain. Bones, especially long bones, inflamed and swollen; caries, exostosis; pain worse night, touch, damp weather. Summer skin rashes. Eruptions ulcerate and form thick scabs under purulent matter exudes.
Sulpher
Dry, scaly, unhealthy; every little injury suppurates. Freckles. Itching, burning; worse scratching and washing. Pimply eruption, pustules, rhagades, hangnails. Excoriation, especially in folds. Feeling of a band around bones. Skin affections after local medication. Pruritus, especially from warmth, is evening, often recurs in springtime, in damp weather. Summer skin rashes.
Lycopodium Clavatum
Ulcerates. Abscesses beneath skin; worse warm applications. Hives; worse, warmth. Violent itching; fissured eruptions. Acne. Chronic eczema associated with urinary, gastric and hepatic disorders, bleeds easily. Summer skin rashes. Skin becomes thick and indurated. Brown spots, freckles. Skin dry, shrunken. Offensive secretions; viscid and offensive perspiration, especially of feet and axilla. Psoriasis.
Natrum Muriaticum
Dry eruptions, especially on margin of hairy scalp and bends of joints. Fever blisters. Urticaria; itch and burn. Summer skin rashes. Crusty eruptions in bends of limbs, margin of scalp, behind ears. Eczema; raw, red, and inflamed; worse, eating salt, at seashore. Affected hair follicles. Hives, itching after exertion. Greasy skin.
Natrum Carbonium
Inclination to perspire easily, or dry, rough, cracked skin. Eruption on finger-tips, knuckles and toes. Vesicular eruption in patches and circles. Veins full. Soles of feet raw and sore. Summer skin rashes.
Psorainum
Dirty, dingy look. Dry, lusterless, rough hair. Intolerable itching. Herpetic eruptions, especially on scalp and bends of joints with itching; worse, from warmth of bed. Enlarged glands. Sebaceous glands secrete excessively, oily skin. Indolent ulcers, slow to heal. Summer skin rashes. Eczema behind ears. Crusty eruptions all over. Urticaria after every exertion. Pustules near fingernails.
Uritca Urens
Itching blotches. Urticaria, burning heat, with formication; violent itching. Consequences of suppressed nettle rash. Summer skin rashes. Burn confined to skin. Urticaria nodosa. Erythema, with burning and stinging. Burns and scalds. Chickenpox. Angioneurotic oedema. Herpes labialis with sensation of heat and itching. Itching and stinging of scrotum.
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