I put on my sunscreen!
)You might have a heat rash vs sun poisoning situation on your hands.
What is heat rash?
In some cases, it can also cause mild swelling or burning.
(Even a hot shower or session ofhot yoga causes heat rashfor some people!)
Heat rash symptoms usually hit in areas where you skin folds together, according to theCleveland Clinic.
board-certified dermatologist withWestlake Dermatologyin Austin, Texas
What is sun poisoning?
Sun poisoning is a body-wide reaction to a severe sunburn.
This can become very dangerous, and in severe cases require hospitalization, Dr. Gordon says.
But sun poisoning doesntactuallymean a person is poisoned.
Like milder sunburns, its brought on by overexposure to the suns UV rays.
Its also hard to say whether a very bad sunburn will develop into sun poisoning, Dr. Gordon adds.
Youll feel different, too.
A heat rash might be a little itchy or swollen, but it wont typically cause any other symptoms.
On the other hand, sunburn that causes sun poisoning is extremely painful and tender to the touch.
board-certified dermatologist withWestlake Dermatologyin Austin, Texas
With sun poisoning, youll have systemic symptoms that actually feel like youre sick, notes Dr. Gordon.
Thatsnotthe case with heat rash.
How long heat rash lasts is different, too.
Essentially, each condition has its own timeline.
Heat rash usually clears up within a couple of hours, says Dr. Gordon.
And sun poisoning might be manageable at home, but more intense symptoms usually require medical care.
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
Cooling down and compresses are usually all you need, Dr. Gordon says.
And steering clear of summer skin hazardslike sun poisoningcomes down to avoiding sunburns in the first place.
As for heat rash?
Its possible the rash is from something else, or has gotten infected and needs antibiotics.
FAQ
Will sun poisoning go away on its own?
Sunburns, even relatively bad ones, will usually go away with at-home care within a week or so.
But a burn thats turned into sun poisoning typically needs medical treatment.
You might need IV fluids for dehydration, along with steroids or antibiotics to help your burned skin heal.
What rash can be mistaken for heat rash?
Heat rash looks similar to polymorphic light eruption (aka, sun rash).
This rash is due to sun exposure that happens in people who are particularly sensitive to sunlight.
…
Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.
