Heat rash and burning sensation on face and neck

[Kizimizia]

Dear Sirs,

I've just come back from holidays in Jamaica and 3 days ago I got a heat rash. I'm taking the Prednisone 40mg a day. My arms and legs look better and there is no itchy, but I still have some burning sensation on my face, neck and chest. It appears suddenly and keep for a while, it cools down a bit with help of cold water.I wonder whether this fine redness and burning on my face and neck is part of the heat rash or maybe something else? Any advice what to do more? I will appreciate your help. Thank you.

[jagesh50]

Sure is a part of a phototoxic reaction.Calamine lotion would help to reduce the symptoms.

[Kizimizia]

Dear Sir,

Thank you for the message. I just would like to mention that this burning is strange. Sometimes it can occur more on my neck, sometimes on my face only, specially my cheeks, both or burning goes from one to another.It is normal in such cases? This phototoxic reaction is caused by Prednisone or Heat Rash? Can Prednisone give me some heart palpitations and stomach problems? How long is the treatment?Thank you for the answer in advance.

[jagesh50]

In fact I wanted to ask you for what you are on prenisolone for?For the present episode or for some other problem,how long?sure prednisolone can cause stomach problems.Did not the prescribing doc told you to withdraw in phases?

[Kizimizia]

Prednisolone was for heat rash and my itchy dots. Today I reduce to 10mg a day and tomorrow 10mg and next 5mg and that's it. I've been taking Prednisolone for 3 and half days so far. The main problem at the moment is just the burning face and neck, specially cheeks just under my eyes and under the chin. The burning once goes from one cheek to another or to the neck or everywhere at the same time. Is it normal in such cases? Thank you.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The symptoms you have can be due to solar dermatitis or irritant contact dermatitis.The systemic symptoms are due to prednisolone. Avoid using any lotions and creams for the meantime.Use a mild cleanser with moisturizing properties like Cetaphil. Also use cotton clothes and change the clothes twice if there is any increased sweating.Try keeping the skin free of sweat as far as possible. If the symptoms still persist then you can applycalamine lotion. If the symptoms persist then pls get it evaluated from a dermatologist.Topical steroids may be needed.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.