Heat rash is caused by the obstruction of sweat glands. Sweat glands can be obstructed simply by clothing that is too tight or does not let air circulate around the body. Heat rash is simple to prevent and simple to cure. When the skin is not properly ventilated, sweat that would normally come to the surface of the skin evaporates collects under the skin. A heat rash is the result. Prickly heat is also medically known as miliaria and it is a very simple condition and not a disease or disorder. Also, as a relief it is not at all contagious. So, don't worry, if any of your near or dear one's is suffering from miliaria, you don't have an increased risk of being infected. Some heat stress symptoms for looking out for including fainting or hot syncope, heat cramp, heat strokes and heat rashes. These stress symptoms occur if the person gets affected can't cope using the presence of excessive heat.

This is a common condition during the hot summer days and the rainy season when there is profuse sweating and the body is not exposed to air. Breasts are usually affected by this condition and red pustules, the size of mustard grains appear in the breast-folds causing intense itching and rashes. If scratched, there are chances these may become septic. Women subjected to prickly heat should avoid heavy garments and bras. Application of neem soap, the paste of fullar's earth (multani mitti) or green heena is very useful.

Prickly heat can appear almost anywhere on the body, especially confined areas such as the armpits, but tends not to affect the face. It often affects areas of the body covered by clothing as there tends to be more sweat produced where the clothing rubs against the skin. Take a close look at the fabrics on your body or your child's body to see if this might trap moisture. It is best to wear cotton clothing. Males should wear boxers rather than briefs. Get rid of the tight jeans and wear looser pants to not lock the moisture from sweating into your body. The tender aerila roots of the banyan tree (bargad) ground with a little water may be applied as a paste on the breasts for a week or ten days. To prevent heat rash, do not wear clothing that binds during hot weather, and don't put clothing that binds on small children. As often as possible and for as long as possible, allow infants to not wear diapers during very hot weather. It might be heresy, but old-fashioned cloth diapers are better for a baby during hot weather months.

Be sure to drink lots of fluids as well as increase the vegetable and fruit content of the diet. Don't let yourself get dehydrated. When you are at the beach, you can lose track of the time or it's effect on one's body. Sodas and ice tea are not a substitute for drinking eight glasses of water a day. The best treatment for heat rash is to provide a cooler, less humid environment. Keep the affected area dry. Dusting powder may be used to increase comfort, but avoid using ointments or creams-they keep the skin warm and moist and may make the condition worse.