Hives, an allergic reaction of the skin lasting from a few minutes to a few days, present as raised, red bumps, with red margins and pale centers, and come in different shapes and sizes. They are always itchy. Hives are often a reaction to medications or food, plants or animals (such as insects), a stress reaction, from cosmetics, or from exposure to heat, cold, or sunlight.
Hives, varying in size from 6mm to 100mm, can come and go and appear on different parts of the skin. Patches of them can combine and form raised, reddened skin spreading to large areas of your body.
Heat rashes have a distinctive look
Heat rash, often called prickly heat, is a red or pink rash found on the body areas covered by clothes. It often forms when your sweat ducts become blocked and swell and this leads to the discomfort and itching associated with heat rashes. Babies are the most common sufferers, especially when parents over-dress the infant for the weather conditions. But many people in hot, humid climates experience heat rash as well.
The symptoms of heat rash are patches of dots or tiny pimples, appearing on the head, neck, and shoulders. The rash areas commonly get irritated by clothing and, of course, the involuntary scratching that the sufferer does. Sometimes a secondary skin infection can develop. Look out for pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the affected area; red streaks from the affected area; pussy discharge, and swollen glands and/or fever.
treatment for heat rash
While most prickly heat rashes heal on their own, you can help relieve symptoms by: cooling your baby down, removing clothing, and moving to a cool spot; letting the skin air-dry; .cooling the affected areas in a cool bath. Calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream may be used if necessary.
