PHOTOGRAPH: PLAIN PICTURE. FOR STOCKISTS, SEE PAGE 127
Occurring in hot and humid weather, heat rash or prickly heat is the name given to tiny itchy eruptions on the skin’s surface. These small, red bumps appear when sweat ducts get blocked and the sweat cannot escape, which causes inflammation. Untreated, it can be very uncomfortable but, with a few precautionary steps, you can prevent it.
Chemical sun creams can actually exacerbate heat rash, as they absorb the sun’s rays, which makes the skin warmer and more prone to overheating. Mineral sunscreen, on the other hand, reflects rays, and will reduce the likelihood of heat rash. It is important to choose sun creams that contain soothing ingredients, such as shea butter and aloe vera, and avoid any products that have artificial fragrances or petrochemicals. Similarly, avoid highly fragranced or irritating moisturisers, after-sun creams and make-up when you are suffering from heat rash.