Heat Rash that comes and goes

[Njsweetnlight]

A few years ago I was overexposed to the sun and got sunburned on my arms. However, every summer I get a heat rash on both arms that itches and irritates me. Why do I get a heat rash even when I am not in the sun? It can be a rash one minute and then it will clear up another and soon as my body gets hot the rash comes back. Is there something I can put on it besides lotion that will help my arms stay cool or to make it go away by itself? I would go to see a doctor but don't have insurance and it is not that serious for me to go pay to get it checked out, any advice would be helpful. Thanks!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
For such kind of heat rash, 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 apply mild steroid like dermacort.Application of calamine lotion helps in soothing the skin.In case of any  itching antihistaminics like Benadryl or Claritin can be taken.

If still the symptoms do not improve then pls get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist. Fungal infections have to be ruled out then.

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

[jagesh50]

O yes, photoallergy is different from phototoxicity.The earier one is a delayed reaction.Hydrocortisone creme short term, and calamine as an when you need should be the course.Sunburn is phototoxic.