How to Prevent a Beach Rash
A common reason for skin irritation after spending time at the beach is miliaria rubra, also known as heat rash or prickly heat. Heat rash looks like a cluster of red, itchy pimples or small blisters, and is often found on the neck, upper chest and around body creases. Heat rash occurs when excessive perspiration blocks sweat glands. This type of rash usually clears without treatment when you move to a cooler environment. Preventing heat rash involves taking measures to limit the amount you sweat in hot, humid conditions.
Instructions
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Limit the amount of time you spend in direct sunlight on the beach. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends avoid sunbathing between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Use a beach umbrella to provide shade.
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Wear loose-fitting clothing to allow skin to breathe.
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Avoid strenuous activity -- such as beach sports -- which may cause the body to perspire more in an effort to keep cool.
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Drink lots of clear, cool fluids to replace the water lost through perspiration and to avoid dehydration.
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Move indoors if you feel yourself getting uncomfortably hot.
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Apply a cool compress or take a cool shower to lower the temperature of hot skin.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a non-greasy sunscreen formulation with a sun protection factor of at least SPF 15 (higher for fair skinned persons) to protect against sun exposure without clogging your pores or sweat glands.
Avoid scratching your heat rash to prevent secondary infection. If your rash develops pus, redness, crusting, swelling or tenderness, you may require antibiotic treatment as prescribed by a physician.
If fever develops or you suspect heat stroke, seek medical attention immediately.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
