Staying active is vital to maintaining your overall health and wellness. During the summer months, it can be difficult to stay motivated due to the heat. For some, the heat brings additional challenges to their workout routine such as heat rash. Heat rash occurs when the heat traps sweat in our pores which can result in a nasty rash. If you’re someone who struggles with heat rash after exercising in the summer, keep reading to learn more about what causes heat rash and how to get rid of it.
At AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch, our board-certified medical providers are available 7 days a week to provide same-day diagnosis and treatment for common conditions such as heat rash. If you have an unexplained rash, there could be a variety of different causes. Walk into AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch for diagnosis and treatment today!
What Causes Heat Rash
Heat rash is a very common condition during the summer. Heat rash is not caused by an infection or an illness. It occurs when your pores become clogged with sweat. A very common cause of heat rash is working out. Heat rash is most commonly associated with working out in the summer, however, it can happen during other times of year too if the air circulation is not ideal.
Heat rash is common after exercise. When you work out in hot temperatures, your body begins excessive sweating to try to cool itself off. Sometimes, your ores can get clogged with sweat which causes the sweat to build up under the skin and cause a rash.
Does Heat Rash Require Treatment
In short, heat rash is nothing to worry about. It is a harmless condition that usually goes away on its own over time with the appropriate steps. If you’re someone who spends a lot of time outdoors in the summer heat working out, you may be more prone to developing heat rash compared to someone who stays inside of an air-conditioned building.
There are a few steps that you can take to help resolve heat rash once it appears. Firstly, wear loose clothing to let the skin breathe. This will decrease irritation in your pores which will allow sweat to pass through your pores more easily. Staying out of the sun when possible or in the air conditioning is the best way to alleviate heat rash. If that is not possible, applying aloe and hydrocortisone cream that is kept in the fridge may help soothe the skin and allow your pores to breathe again.
How to Avoid Heat Rash During the Summer
If you’re outdoors in the summer, you are bound to sweat which can lead to heat rash. Working out produces excessive sweat in warm temperatures which often leads to heat rash. This is why heat rash is more common for people who workout outdoors in the summer. Heat rash is harmless and nothing to be concerned about if you do develop it.
You should avoid scratching at the rash because opening the skin can lead to an infection and make the healing process much longer. Staying hydrated and cool as much as possible is the best way to decrease the chances of developing a heat rash. Taking cold showers after working out can reduce inflammation in the skin which can help decrease the risk of getting heat rash. If you continuously get heat rash, you may need to make some lifestyle adjustments to prioritize staying cooler during the hottest months of the summer.
Visit AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch for Same-Day Care in West Long Branch, NJ
Skin rashes can be caused by a variety of different conditions. If you suddenly develop an itchy rash, you should seek medical care. A medical professional will be able to diagnose the cause of your rash and determine if treatment is needed. Poison ivy and allergies are conditions that can cause an itchy rash that resembles heat rash, however, those conditions require treatment to resolve.
At AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch, our clinic provides same-day care for many common summer ailments, including skin rashes. Walk into the clinic today, or schedule your visit online using the button below. We are conveniently located in West Long Branch, N, and accept walk-in patients from Long Branch, Eatontown, Oceanport, Tinton Falls, Rumson, and Monmouth Beach, NJ. We accept most medical insurance plans and keep our care affordable for patients without insurance.
