The summer itch

CEBU, Philippines — It’s summer and everyone is itching to go out. With frolic and fun waiting outside, it is so hard to keep indoors. Summer, after all, is the time to spend days in the sun.

But exposure to the summer sun can also bring an itch, literally. Heat rash – also known as prickly heat – is common during the hot days. Good thing that while heat rash is uncomfortable, it is usually harmless. And it usually clears up by itself after a few days.

The symptoms of heat rash are small red spots; an itchy, prickly feeling; and mild swelling. The symptoms are often the same in adults and children. The rash can appear anywhere on the body and spread, but it's not infectious to other people.

There are over-the-counter medications as well as home remedies for heat rash. But it is best to prevent heat rash from appearing in the first place. What one can do is to keep the skin cool so in order not to sweat too much, which is the main cause of heat rash. Sweating can also irritate further the rash that’s already there.

Yes, it is hard to keep cool in the hot summer, but certain things can be done to lessen the heat. To keep the skin cool, one may try:

• wearing loose cotton clothing,

• using lightweight bedding,

• taking cool baths or showers,

• drinking plenty of fluids.

When heat rash has appears and the itching has started, one shall be very careful not to irritate it further. He or she shall remember to do and not do certain things:

• apply something cold, such as a damp cloth or ice pack (wrapped in a tea towel) for no more than 20 minutes,

• tap or pat the rash instead of scratching it,

• do not use perfumed shower gels or creams,

• do not use thick lotions or creams that can clog the pores.

One may also ask the pharmacist at the drugstore for a safe medication for heat rash. The pharmacist can give advice and suggest the best treatment to use. Usually, the pharmacist will recommend:

• calamine lotion,

• hydrocortisone cream (but not to be applied on the face),

• antihistamine tablets (but these aren't always appropriate).

Heat rash medication for pregnant women or infants shall only be used upon a doctor’s advice. If the rash doesn’t improve after a few days or an infant has a rash and the parent is worried, it shall be referred to a doctor.

The itch from heat rash can really get in the way of the summer fun. And while it usually goes away on its own after a while, it can also get worse if not attended to properly.