Heat Rash

[rhoney1313]

I have had a heat rash on my neck, beside the jawline now for 14 years.  I have been to a few Dr's who have said "Its just a heat rash, nothing you can do about it".  My question, can a heat rash last for this long?  Its been in the same place and has never spread. Its definately gets worse in the heat, it itches like crazy.

[rhoney1313]

I have been to few doctors including a dermatologist, who have said there is no treatment.  I have never applied any creams to it, except at the very beginning when i thought it was acne.  In the summer it looks horrible and I am getting really tired of the constant "what is that rash" comments from everyone.  On more thing, the skin is unusally greasy feeling and when I scratch it very small hard grain like pieces come out.  Its almost like having extra small pieces of salt under my finger nails.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi.

Miliaria or sweat rash is due to "plugged  sweat gland ducts with dead skin cells or bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis. Miliaria is a skin disease marked by small and itchy rashes. Miliaria is a common ailment in hot and humid conditions, such as in the tropics and during the summer season."( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miliaria). The sweat rash may persist for quite sometime and may need topical medications like corticosteroids to help resolve it.

If it does not appear in other areas of the body and seems to be present and localized in one definite area, then a diagnosis of a sweat rash is likely. Some photosensitivity reaction may also present with a rash but they usually subside without any direct sun exposure.

Discuss this with your physician. Have you been applying any cream and medications on the area?