Heat urticaria on the skin: what it is, symptoms and treatment

If on the hottest days you observe red, itchy patches on the back or other areas of the body it is most likely a heat rash or hives. What is heat urticaria on the skin? Heat urticaria on the skin is an allergic reaction caused by the high temperatures that occur on the surface of the skin when the body’s natural cooling system – perspiration through sweating – is saturated.

Find out why nettle infusion combats hives in the following video.

The rash that causes heat urticaria is not harmful and should go away on its own, but its appearance is a sign that steps should be taken to prevent further problems. In this article We tell you how to recognize the problem and how to prevent heat urticaria.

Heat urticaria: what it is and what are its causes

We all have our own “air conditioning” system built into our bodies and it works primarily through sweating. Moisture rises to the surface of the skin and then evaporates to prevent us from overheating.

However, when the dead cells of skin, salt and bacteria clog sweat ducts, perspiration accumulates below the surface of the skin and this triggers inflammation that causes redness and itching.

This hives, which can be very annoying:

It is more frequent in hot and humid climates.It is more common if you use tight clothes.It’s more common if there is skin contact with plastic surfaces or synthetic fabrics.

How to prevent heat rash

To prevent heat urticaria on the skin, it is only necessary to take a few precautions during the hottest days. Follow these tips:

uses baggy clothes for the skin to breathe. Avoid synthetic fibers like polyester. Cotton and linen allow your skin to breathe.if you exercise outdoors, do it early in the morning or at night, when temperatures drop, or choose a shady area at noon.be kind to your skin and avoid thick creams loaded with mineral fats that can clog the skin even more. Choose certified natural cosmetic products. Choose Mineral sunscreens from certified natural cosmetics with a light texture and SPF 30 filter. Oil-free protectors are recommended.Avoid drinking alcohol On a hot day: This dilates the blood vessels, which can lead to redness that heat and humidity can intensify, increasing the risk of heat rash.

What to do if you suffer from heat urticaria

If you develop a heat rash, follow these steps:

Get out of the heat.Take off extra clothing.Drink ice water to cool down your body.Apply a washcloth soaked in cold water for about 10 minutes to relieve itching.Take a refreshing cold shower.A recent heat rash it can appear again if you make a physical effort, so avoid outdoor activities for a few days to allow your skin to recover.

When to go to the doctor for heat rash

If the symptoms of heat urticaria last more than a week. If the spots and itching spread throughout the body and especially if you have a fever or tiredness, you should go to the emergency doctor to make a diagnosis, as it could be an infection by viruses or bacteria.

Heat urticaria: treatment

Your doctor may prescribe a cream to soothe a rash by intense heat that reaches the deepest layers of the skin.One or two weeks of treatment manage to calm the inflammation, reduce redness and itching, and speed healing. In some cases, your doctor may also recommend a gentle exfoliating cleanser to help “unclog” the sweat ducts, as well as a moisturizing cream. It is very important not to scratch, as it can cause infections that can become serious and require antibiotics. Some plants in the form of infusion, such as calendula, They can also help reduce the itching caused by hives.