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. In some cases, a yeast infection can occur in the body folds, which causes a more intense rash. This can be treated with over-the-counter anti-fungal creams. See a doctor if a rash persists or if you aren’t sure what caused it.
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August 2007
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