Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Heat rashandeczemaare two skin conditions that cause a rash with bumps.
This article will discuss heat rash and eczema symptoms, causes, and treatment. It will also cover ways to prevent these two conditions.
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Heat rash and eczema have a few overlapping symptoms that make it tough to tell the two conditions apart. They both cause small fluid-filled skin bumps that can break open and release the fluid. They also cause discoloration (a change in skin tone) and itching.
However, several symptoms separate the two conditions, as outlined below.
Heat RashFine discolored or red rash with small fluid-filled bumpsMild swellingItchy, prickling sensationEczemaDry, scaly skin patchesDiscolorationItchingChronic eczema can cause skin thickening
Heat RashFine discolored or red rash with small fluid-filled bumpsMild swellingItchy, prickling sensation
Fine discolored or red rash with small fluid-filled bumps
Mild swelling
Itchy, prickling sensation
EczemaDry, scaly skin patchesDiscolorationItchingChronic eczema can cause skin thickening
Dry, scaly skin patches
Discoloration
Itching
Chronic eczema can cause skin thickening
Heat rash and eczema have two distinct causes. Identifying the cause can determine the type of rash, making treatment more successful.
Heat Rash
Heat rashis caused when sweat gets trapped under the skin. Sweat glands can get clogged or blocked, forcing the sweat down into the skin. Several different things can cause this:
Children and infants are more at risk for heat rash because their sweat glands and pores can easily become blocked.
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Eczema
Heat rashand eczema are diagnosed in similar ways. A healthcare provider will carefully examine the rash and ask health-history questions. A person’s recent activities will help determine the type of rash.
Heat rash and eczema have different treatments, making a proper diagnosis crucial to getting the right treatment.
A hot, humid environment often causes heat rash. Eliminating hot, humid conditions can help reduce sweating and heat rash. Othertreatmentsinclude wearing breathable clothes, removing skin patches or bandages, and skin exfoliation.
Mild heat rash does not need treatment and typically resolves in 24 hours. If the rash is uncomfortable over-the-counter calamine lotion and cold washcloths can relieve symptoms.
Moderate heat rash is treated withsteroid cream. Talk to a healthcare provider to determine if a prescription strength cream is necessary.
If the rash has become infected then an antibiotic may be necessary.
Eczemais a chronic condition with no known cure. Treatments are focused on managing the symptoms and keeping the skin intact and moist.
Treatments for the symptoms ofeczemacan include:
One of the best ways to manage heat rash and eczema is to prevent it from even happening. Here are ways to prevent these rashes.
Not every incidence ofheat rashcan be prevented but there are several ways to reduce the likelihood of developing this itchy, painfulrash.
Eczema cannot be prevented but avoidingtriggerscan reduce flare-ups. Some triggers can’t be completely avoided like dry weather and pollen. Other triggers such as food, cosmetics, and fragrances can be avoided.
Summary
A Word From Verywell
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Eczema.MedlinePlus.Heat rash.American Academy of Dermatology Association.12 summer skin problems you can prevent.
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Eczema.MedlinePlus.Heat rash.American Academy of Dermatology Association.12 summer skin problems you can prevent.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Eczema.MedlinePlus.Heat rash.American Academy of Dermatology Association.12 summer skin problems you can prevent.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Eczema.
MedlinePlus.Heat rash.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.12 summer skin problems you can prevent.
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