Recognize the Symptoms of Heat Allergy and How to Prevent it

It is normal when sweating when in hot temperatures. However, it is different from heat allergy sufferers. Besides sweating, they will likely experience other symptoms that cause discomfort, and can even interfere with activities. Although rarely heard, hot allergies can be experienced by anyone. Someone who suffers from a hot allergy will feel itchy and skin rashes arise when in the hot sun, after a hot shower, or when sweating after exercise.

Symptoms of a Heat Allergy That Usually Appears

Allergy symptoms will usually appear within a few minutes after being exposed to heat. When this is experienced, exposed areas of the body, such as the chest, face, back or arms, will feel itchy and look red or have a rash. Exposure to heat that triggers allergies can be obtained when:

• Being in the climate or hot weather
• Sweating while exercising or strenuous activities
• Hot shower
• Use tight or thick clothes

The rash that appears can be small bumps like mosquito bites or larger. Rashes can be round, oval, or other shapes. Usually the bump will gradually disappear within 2 to 4 hours, but it can also last for a day. In addition to rashes on the skin, other more severe symptoms may appear, such as headaches, changes in blood pressure, palpitations, even shortness of breath.

How to Prevent Heat Allergies

As with allergies in general, the best way to prevent allergic reactions is to avoid the cause. However, for those who live in hot areas, especially with tropical climates such as in Indonesia, it might be quite difficult to do so. There are several steps you can take to prevent complaints from appearing:

• Use clothing made from comfortable and loose-sized, and able to absorb sweat well
• Cool the skin, with a shower or compress using cold water
• Keep the room temperature cool
• Choose the type of exercise that is more appropriate, and avoid sports that are felt to quickly trigger an allergic reaction. Can try yoga or swimming as an alternative.

Symptoms of a hot allergy usually disappear by itself, when the temperature on the skin has dropped or cold. However, to relieve discomfort such as itching, pain and inflammation of the skin that is felt due to allergic symptoms, you can consult your doctor for treatment, such as calamine creams or lotions, antihistamines, and corticosteroids. Also beware of symptoms of heat allergy that triggers sweat gland infections. This is characterized by increased pain, and swelling and redness of the skin that does not disappear immediately. This happens because there are bacteria that clog sweat glands. To treat this, antibiotics may be needed. It is advisable to consult a dermatologist to get the right treatment.