Heat Rash

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• What happens to the body as a result of exposure to extreme heat?
• Who is at greatest risk for heat-related illness?
• What is heat rash?
• What does heat rash look like?
• How is heat rash treated?
• Can medications increase the risk of heat-related illness?
• How effective are electric fans in preventing heat-related illness?
• How can people protect their health when temperatures are extremely high?
• How much should I drink during hot weather?
• Should I take salt tablets during hot weather?
• What is the best clothing for hot weather or a heat wave?
• Patient Discussions: Heat Rash - Describe Your Experience
• Find a local Doctor in your town

What happens to the body as a result of exposure to extreme heat?

People suffer heat-related illness when the body's temperature control system is overloaded. The body normally cools itself by sweating. But under some conditions, sweating just isn't enough. In such cases, a person's body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs. Several factors affect the body's ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather. When the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly. Other conditions that can limit the ability to regulate temperature include:

• old age,
  
  
• youth (age 0-4),
  
  
• obesity,
  
  
• fever,
  
  
• dehydration,
  
  
• heart disease,
  
  
• mental illness,
  
  
• poor circulation,
  
  
• sunburn and prescription drug use and
  
  
• alcohol use.

Who is at greatest risk for heat-related illness?

Those at greatest risk for heat-related illness include infants and children up to four years of age, people 65 years of age and older, people who are overweight, and people who are ill or on certain medications.

What is heat rash?

Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. It can occur at any age but is most common in young children.

Heat Rash - Describe Your Experience

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

Please describe your experience with heat rash.

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