Rash caused by sweat that turns red and itchy in the heat... When it's so itchy you can't stand it, do this.

Many people sweat under the scorching sun during the day. As a result, heat rashes often develop all over the body in summer, and areas where the skin folds tend to become irritated. With the upcoming heatwave, concerns about heat rashes will only increase. How can we improve this situation?

Heat rash refers to a red rash that occurs on the skin due to excessive sweating or irritation. It is caused by blocked sweat glands resulting from hot and humid environments, poor air circulation, UV radiation, or excessive use of soap. Nappy rash is a condition where the skin's keratin layer becomes hydrated due to excessive moisture. These two conditions often appear simultaneously in summer, and since both can promote skin damage, it is important to respond to them properly.

First, do not scratch heat rash even if it itches. Scratching the affected area can allow bacteria to penetrate, and bacteria or fungi like Candida can invade, leading to abscess formation. Professor Kim Beom-jun of the Department of Dermatology at Chung-Ang University Hospital said, "Most heat rashes heal on their own if you keep them cool, so creating a cool environment is beneficial." Wearing loose clothing to prevent sweating and ensure good ventilation, and applying cold compresses if it itches, can help.

Frequent showers after sweating are effective in washing away sweat and waste products from the affected area. However, using soap frequently can cause inflammation in the wound, so if you wash multiple times a day, it is better to use only water. If symptoms worsen, you should see a dermatologist. Professor Kim said, "Existing heat rash is mainly treated with anti-inflammatory creams, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antihistamines to relieve itching."

There are medications that help alleviate severe heat rash and oozing. To prevent skin eczema or treat wounds, the main treatments are ▲topical sprays ▲zinc oxide ointments ▲calamine and zinc oxide lotions. Topical sprays should be applied after bathing or before sleep, once the skin is clean, and should not be used around the eyes, on wounds, or on eczema-affected areas. Zinc oxide ointments and calamine and zinc oxide lotions can be applied directly to the affected area or on gauze, and when using lotions, they should be shaken well before use. However, zinc oxide may delay tissue healing at wound sites, so it should not be used on severe or extensive burns, infected areas, wounds, moist lesions, or on or around the eyes and mucous membranes.

In addition, calamine and zinc oxide lotion should be used with caution if there are allergy symptoms, if the individual or their family has an allergic constitution, if there are severe erosions (ulcers), or if the person is receiving medical treatment. Especially in children, it can cause convulsions, so it should be used carefully under the guidance and supervision of a guardian.

If you follow the proper usage instructions for each medication, most cases of heat rash and irritation will disappear within a few days without major issues. However, if symptoms do not improve after 5 to 6 days of use, or if rash, redness, itching, or a stinging sensation occurs during use, you should stop using the medication and consult a doctor or pharmacist. If the medication gets into your eyes, rinse immediately with running water and seek treatment from an ophthalmologist.

Meanwhile, there are cases where powder is applied to prevent heat rash or skin chafing, but this is not advisable. The chemicals in the powder can irritate the skin and clog sweat pores, potentially worsening the symptoms. Professor Kim Beom-jun said, "Powder is not used much these days due to inhalation issues," and added, "Cooling is important to alleviate heat rash, and it is better not to apply powder." Some people also place towels or handkerchiefs over areas with heat rash or chafing to absorb sweat, but this can increase moisture in skin folds and worsen heat rash or chafing, so it should be avoided.