Heat rash or skin rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during the summer season. In its worst forms, heat rash interrupts the body's heat-regulating mechanism and cause fever, heat exhaustion, and in rare cases, could be fatal. Other heat illnesses such as heat stroke, exhaustion or cramps also occur to most people and are not only caused by hot and humid environment, but by overdressing, vigorous activities and bedridden conditions. Arming yourself with home remedies will let you stay cool and enjoy the summer.


Steps

1. Stay in a cooler environment if you have heat rash and keep the affected area dry. Apply dusting powder to help keep the skin cool. Take a shower regularly and let skin air dry. Treat heat rash with an application of 1% hydrocortisone cream or calamine non-oil based lotion to relieve itching. Call the doctor if the skin rash does not disappear after a week to check for an infection.
2. Cool the person with heat stroke by getting him in a shady area. Call 911. Find a cool tub of water and immerse the victim. Or shower with cool water, anything to cool him off. Don't give any fluid intake. Turn on his side if vomiting.
3. Treat heat exhaustion with cool fluids, rest, cool shower or sponge bath, loose clothing and air-conditioned area. If left untreated, this may lead to heat stroke.
4. Stop all activity if you experience heat cramps. People with low salt diet, do strenous activity and sweat a lot are susceptible to heat cramps. Rest for a few hours. Drink lots of juice or sports beverage. Seek a doctor if pain persists.
5. Call a doctor if sunburn is associated with fever, pain and abnormally warm. Apply cold compress or moisturizing lotion. Don't use ointment or butter. Don't break the blisters.

Tips

• Always bring water and possibly ice packs when hiking or doing activities under the sun. Stay in shaded areas a smuch as possible. Keep your cellphone ready in case of emergencies.

Warnings

• Don't apply oil-based antiperspirant, lotion or insect repellent to affected areas because these might trap more sweat and aggravate the condition.