How to Treat and Avoid Heat Rash and Severe Sunburn

Key Points:

• Heat rash, or miliaria, is caused by blocked sweat ducts leading to red bumps or blisters, often itchy, and differs from sunburn which is skin damage from UV radiation; heat rash is triggered by heat and sweat rather than sun exposure.
• To prevent heat rash, experts recommend staying cool and dry, wearing breathable and sweat-wicking clothing, avoiding heavy creams, and using gentle antibacterial cleansers or topical hydrocortisone for itch relief.
• Sun poisoning is a severe sunburn with additional symptoms like fever, chills, blistering, nausea, and dehydration, requiring immediate medical attention, unlike typical sunburn which involves redness and tenderness.
• Prevent sunburn and sun poisoning by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every two hours, avoiding peak sun hours (10 AM to 2 PM), staying hydrated with electrolyte solutions, and using protective clothing and hats.
• For infants and children prone to heat rash, breathable clothing and gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers or topical cortisone are advised; for sunburn, cool compresses, aloe vera, pain relief, and avoiding blister disruption are recommended.