What are the Causes of Heat Bumps and Its Simple Home Treatments

Heat Bumps

Heat bumps are known as heat rashes, prickly heat, or miliaria. As mentioned, these appear when sweat is trapped in the skin. This is brought about by clogging and malfunctioning of the sweat glands that are found in the middle part of the epidermis.

The trapped sweat promotes the formation of raised and clear or reddened bumps on the area of the skin where the clogged sweat glands are located.

Generally, if these are the effects of clogged sweat glands, the bumps are not itchy. On the other hand, if the deeper layers of the epidermis get infected due to prolonged outbreaks, itchiness develops.

Most often, heat bumps are not severe. Nevertheless, heat bumps can be one of the symptoms of heat stroke which is considered a fatal condition when left untreated. Aside from heat bumps, some of the symptoms indicative of heat stroke include dehydration and extreme thirst, fatigue, shallow and rapid breathing, confusion, and a flushed appearance.

What are the Causes of Heat Bumps

Appearance of heat bumps is mainly caused by clogging and malfunctioning of the sweat glands. As mentioned, these trap sweat in the skin.

There are many factors that promote this process and these are:

• Immature sweat ducts. This is true for infants who develop heat bumps all the time.

• Hot and humid weather which is typical in places with tropical climates.

• Strenuous activities like intense exercise or any hard work and activity that cause extensive perspiration.

• Certain fabrics like wool which will not allow perspiration to evaporate.

• Certain prescription drugs used to treat problems of the bladder, high blood pressure, acne, ADHD or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and various types of cancers.

• Overheating like wearing too many layers of clothes or using an electric blanket while sleeping.

• Cosmetics like creams and ointments can cause sweat ducts to clog.

• Long periods of inactivity which allow sweat to accumulate and become trapped.

• Tight clothing which does not allow the skin to breathe.

Heat Bumps Treatment

• Cool off by taking cold showers or placing an ice pack on the affected area for five to ten minutes in a four hour interval until the redness is gone.

• Apply cornstarch, baking powder or oatmeal on the affected area. Cornstarch and baking powder can be applied after a cold shower. Oatmeal together with baking soda can be sprinkled in a tub filled with warm water and patients can just soak in it.

• Apply aloe vera on the affected area.

• Avoid wearing tight clothes while doing physical activities that promote sweating.