Health Watch — Summer's Last Gasp: Treating Heat Rash Health
Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications
and is intended to provide general information only and should
not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should
contact your physician if you have questions about any of these
topics. This week on Health Watch, we’re talking about getting
through the last weeks of summer heat more comfortably.
Previously, we discussed prickly heat, that red, bumpy rash that
develops in skin folds. Dr. Amit Pandya, a dermatologist at UT
Southwestern Medical Center, says you probably don’t need to see
a doctor for prickly heat. The rash usually goes away on its own
once you get into a cooler environment and expose the affected
area to air. Loosen clothing in the area or wash the area with
cool water and let it air dry. Calamine lotion or hydrocortisone
cream may help soothe the itching. You can prevent prickly heat
by drying your skin thoroughly after a bath or shower and using
talcum powder.