Very odd heat rash

I have a heat rash that flared up shortly after my daughters birth 5 years ago.  She was delivered by c-section, and there were many complications with her birth.  (not her, her birth) After she was born, I noticed on my first hike that my arms and torso were covered with itchy bumps.  Looks like miliaria (prickly heat rash) It goes away within an hour after exercising.  Anytime I heat up, it comes out.  And then goes away.  I use natural detergents and soaps, have a relatively healthy diet.  All the online info I can find seems to suggest prevention of heat as a solution.  That is not possible, or realistic.  I tried accupuncture, chiropractic care, my doctor, no one has any clues.  I've tried diet changes, cleanses, sweating daily (to stimulate sweat glands), and nothing seems to help longterm.  Any ideas?  The accupuncture said "trapped heat in my mid torso".  Makes sense, but at $85 a visit, I can't afford to fix it with his methods. What can I do about this from my home?


This discussion is related to Miliaria Profunda Help.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Your symptoms are suggestive of cholinergic or exercise induced urticaria. Most symptoms can be controlled by taking antihistaminics like Benadryl or Claritin or zyrtec. Slow down or stop your exercise as soon as symptoms start.

In some people, eating certain foods before exercise may make allergic symptoms more likely to occur. Keep track of what you eat before exercising for a few weeks. If you notice a pattern to your symptoms that seems related to a certain food, stop eating it for a while and see if the hives stop. Also, do not exercise for 4 to 6 hours after you eat. Also 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 apply mild steroid like dermacort.

Hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing. Warm regards.