It can last for up to two weeks.ĭr Sturnham, who represents skincare brand Sebamed, says: “PLE is thought to be caused by UV light-altering a substance in the skin. The condition causes areas of small, red, bumpy spots – often confused with heat rash – or blisters, which turn into larger, dry, red patches, which can look like eczema. It is important not to scratch as it can lead to a serious infection if bacteria breaks through the skin.įollow these top tips on how to keep cool in a heatwave Polymorphic light eruptionĪround one in 10 adults in the UK have a reaction similar to an allergy when they are exposed to the sun or UV light, called polymorphic light eruption (PLE). If a rash occurs, the advice is to wash the area gently and pat dry, rather than rubbing to prevent spread of the infection. Doctors also recommend using a skin barrier cream to protect the area and avoiding wearing clothes which rub against the skin or non-breathable fabrics like Lycra and nylon. Official NHS advice to avoid the condition developing includes keeping skin cool, dry and exposed to air and showering daily with a non-perfumed body wash. More common in people who are overweight, it appears as an angry, red rash on the skin’s surface. It affects areas where the skin folds, meaning sweat can become trapped in a warm environment with little circulating air, such as armpits, the backs of knees, between toes, in the groin and beneath the breasts. One common type, intertrigo, is a yeast infection of the skin caused by the bacteria Candida albicans. ‘Sweat rash’ is a term used to describe a number of skin conditions triggered by sweat, including heat rash. To keep yourself safe during the hot weather, these are the signs of heatstroke to look out for. She suggests trying a sensitive skin deodorant with 0 per cent alcohol to minimise sweating, and using gentle allergy-prevention sun creams designed for use by people with skin conditions. “You may also find that you need to apply cream more often during the day to provide a barrier against the elements.” “Be sure to shower and dry off as soon as possible after a dip, paying particular attention to folds of skin such as the inner elbows, and apply your usual eczema cream to help avoid irritation and lock-in essential moisture. She says: “For example, swimming pools with high levels of chlorine can irritate sensitive skin. Pharmacist Kate Taylor, of Lloyds Pharmacy, recommends trying to work out what irritants might be triggering the eczema and taking measures to counteract them. Similarly, applying calamine lotion or taking an over-the-counter antihistamine may also help.Įven people who usually only suffer very mild eczema can experience flare-ups in the summer months when hot-weather hazards such as pollen, sweat, swimming pool chemicals and sun creams can trigger an angry rash that feels tight, burning and itchy. Wearing loose cotton or linen clothing will also keep the skin cool, as can having cold-water showers with non-perfumed soap or shower gel.įor short-term relief, an ice pack wrapped in a tea towel placed on the skin for up to 20 minutes will cool the area and calm any swelling. The condition normally clears up within a few days, but avoiding sweat-inducing situations, keeping cool and drinking plenty of water will help. The condition is caused when sweat droplets get blocked in the skin’s sweat ducts, which is more likely to happen if skin is covered in make-up or thick products such as suncream.ĭermatologist Dr Anita Sturnham explains: “Sweat stops draining through glands and instead leaks into the surrounding skin, where it causes an inflammatory reaction, resulting in a prickly rash, with red, very itchy little bumps.” ![]() Heat rash – or, to give it its medical name, miliaria rubra – typically appears as a patch of small, bumpy red spots, which can be sore or itchy.
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