During the summer when temperatures are high and the sun is at its strongest, exposure to the elements can cause stress on our bodies. Sensitivities to heat and humidity aren’t unusual. One potential health complication caused by heat is a skin rash that can result from sweat sticking to the skin or getting trapped in the pores. If you’re experiencing a skin rash, you should always get it checked out by a medical professional.
At AFC Urgent Care Franklin, our walk-in clinic offers same-day care for minor conditions like heat rash. We’re open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm, including on weekends. Simply walk into the clinic, or save your spot online in advance using the button below.
What is Heat Rash
If you’re someone who is sensitive to heat, or you’ve been unusually active in hot weather, it’s possible to develop a condition called heat rash. Heat rash occurs when you sweat excessively and sweat clogs your pores. This leads to a red and irritated skin rash.
Heat rash can occur anywhere on the body, but it is most commonly found on the neck, inside of the elbows and stomach. Heat rash can sometimes look like other conditions, including poison ivy. If you think you have heat rash, but aren’t sure, you should visit urgent care to get the rash properly diagnosed.
Does Heat Rash Require Medical Treatment
If you notice that you’re developing a rash and suspect it could be caused by heat, there are a few steps you can take to try to clear up the rash at home. In most cases, heat rash does not require medical care. Instead, once the skin cools and dries out, the rash should resolve. Depending on your environment, this could take anywhere from a few hours to several days. Taking a cool shower and washing the affected area gently with mild soap can help calm down the skin. Similarly, OTC anti-inflammatory creams can help reduce itching and swelling.
Is it Possible to Prevent Heat Rash?
Heat rash can happen to anyone. However, certain individuals may be more likely to develop a heat rash depending on their skin and how their body handles heat. The best way to prevent heat rash is to avoid sweating excessively. If you are sweating, try to cool your skin off and remove excess sweat with a cool rag. Sometimes, heat rash is unavoidable. However, it is easily treated at home in most cases.
Visit AFC Franklin for Same-Day Medical Care All Summer Long
Heat rash is a common condition, however, it can easily be confused with other common skin rashes such as a poison ivy rash. If you’re experiencing a skin rash and aren’t sure how to treat it or what is causing it, you should seek medical care. At AFC Franklin, our board-certified medical providers are available 7 days a week to provide rapid diagnosis and effective treatment for common skin rashes.
Our clinic offers convenient care for patients of all ages, and we never require patients to schedule an appointment in advance. Simply walk in when it’s convenient. We work with most medical insurance plans, and have competitive rates for self-paying patients. To learn more, walk into the clinic today or give our team a call at (508) 446-9400.
