So THAT’s Why Your Skin Is So Itchy Recently

We’ve written before at HuffPost UK about dyshidrotic eczema – the tiny, itchy bumps that can cover your fingers and feet. 

But Dr Lauren Hamilton and Dr Miriam Adebibe of Shoreditch-based skin clinic, Victor & Garth, said that some of us might notice itchy bumps for other reasons in the summer.

“Those tiny, itchy bumps that can form on the skin after being in the heat are tell-tale signs of heat rash,” Dr Hamilton said. 

Also known as prickly heat or miliaria, the condition often comes about in hot weather (such as our recent series of heatwaves). 

How can you spot heat rash from other rashes?

Heat rashes are only one cause of itchy bumps (no matter what you think the cause may be, itching that affects your daily life should always be addressed by a GP).

The NHS says that heat rashes typically include raised bumps about 2-4mm across. 

They look red on white skin and may appear grey or white on brown or black skin.

It can appear anywhere on the body and, as Dr Lauren says, is caused by blocked sweat glands. 

The main symptoms of the “harmless”, if annoying, condition, are: 

• small, raised spots
• an itchy, prickly feeling
• mild swelling. 

It can appear anywhere on the body and may spread, but it’s not contagious.

How can I treat heat rash?

“Unlike some summer skin conditions, they’re nothing to worry about and can be relieved with a hydrocortisone cream or aloe vera, plus a cool shower,” Dr Adebibe wrote.

“Where extra care is needed, however, is if you’re someone who suffers from skin conditions such as rosacea or eczema, as these can flare up in the heat.” 

To prevent making the rash worse, the NHS recommends placing a cool, damp cloth or tea towel-wrapped ice pack on the affected area and patting it. 

That way, you can break the itch-scratch cycle. 

Don’t apply scented products to the area as this can irritate the skin further, and stay cool to prevent more sweating.

When should I see a doctor about itching?

If your heat rash lasts more than a few days and/or you’re worried about a baby’s heat rash, see your GP. 

In general, if itching is affecting your daily life, is severe, is all over your body, does not get better, keeps returning, is accompanied by a new lump, rash, or swelling, or happens during pregnancy, you should see your GP. 

NHS Inform has a self-help guide to help you identify when a rash might require more urgent help, and when it’s less severe.