Heat Rash...Please Help!

[KStarfish82]

My sister came down with a terrible case of heat rash. She gets it when she first gets exposed to very hot sun, but it is really bad right now.

Does anyone know anything we could pick up or do to help relieve this?

We are in Orlando right now and leaving tomorrow night.

Please help!

 

[monorailsilver]

Make sure she drinks plenty of fluids.

I am not sure where it is but if the skin touches one another (aka a skin fold) place a washcloth between so there is no rubbing of skin.

 

[jmurphy625]

Not really sure where it is but my 7 yo son came down with a horrible heat rash last time we were in Disney- I bought Balmex and put it in all the creases that were irritated(even a little under his armpits) When he woke up the next day all the redness was gone. It flared up in areas again but we just kept using the balmex.

I wonder if an "after sun" soothing gel product would help? Or goldbond medicated powder?

good luck

 

[Stephres]

I get it all the time (I am allergic to the sun). I take Benadryll if it's really itchy and use baby powder and that helps with the sweating and rubbing on the skin. I also use Balmex like the above poster on irritated parts. Good luck!

 

[NotUrsula]

If it is itchy and *isn't* located somewhere where skin rubs together or folds, it is probably not true heat rash, but an allergic reaction to too much sudden exposure to the UV radiation in sunlight, a condition called PMLE. This is most common on the lower legs when shorts are worn for the first time in a season(note that this is NOT the so-called "sock line" rash -- that one is marked by a clear line where socks/shoes stop, and does not have bumps.)

If PMLE is what it is, barrier creams like Balmex will make it worse, not better. The best OTC treatment for PMLE is hydrocortisone 1% cream, plus an oral antihistamine like Claritin or Benedryl.

"Sock line rash" is a form of edema that happens to folks who suddenly do a lot of walking when they are not used to it; it happens because blood leaks from the tiny capillaries under the skin. It does not itch, but is very red. The best treatment for that is to take an anti-inflammatory, soak the ankles in cool water, and elevate them as much as possible.

 

[Mickey'sMainMami]

There is a product I use when I go jogging. Sometimes my shorts mixed with sweat causes a rash between my lower thighs down around my knees from rubbing together, thats what I get for being knock-kneed. Anyway, I forget what company makes it, but there is a chaffing cream that works really well. I would look in the feminine hygeine isle or around womens creams and such. It works great!

 

[bopper]

Another thing is you may be photo-sensitive when taking some over the counter drugs like Advil...a couple of times I have broken out into a rash when spending time outside at Disney...but I finally realized that it was after I took Advil, so next time I will take Tylenol and will see if it helps.

 

[KStarfish82]

Thank you all for your help. My sister did a little research and found that her condition is the PMLE - reaction to the UV. She gets it on her chest, hands, shoulders, back, and feet.

Now that we are back in NY the rash seems to have disappeared.

But thanks for the advice!