Previously published in Examiner
Heat rash known as prickly heat and miliaria is a condition that has been associated with babies who are bundled up too tightly and become overheated. However, adults even in Montreal and the rest of North America can get heat rash as well. Heat rash is a summer time ailment in Montreal and comes with hot and humid weather. Montreal summers are very hot and humid and with the climate change getting worse all the time.
Heat rash happens when perspiration is trapped under the skin and the sweat ducts are blocked. The rash can be blisters or they can be deep red lumps. They can be itchy or prickly; hence the name prickly heat.
Miliaria profunda
People with milaria profunda can be suffering from heat exhaustion. If that be the case, people suffering from heat exhaustion may be experiencing nausea, dizziness, headache, low blood pressure, and rapid pulse. These symptoms occur because the sweat ducts are blocked and the moisture has nowhere to go to cool down the body. It is important to keep heat exhaustion in check; start by getting out of the heat. If left untreated it can lead to heatstroke which can be fatal. If you are exercising and these symptoms come on, stop exercising immediately If your are out in the sun try to get to a cool building or look for some shaded area to see if the symptoms subside.
Normally, the heat rash does go away on its own. If it lasts more than a few days you need to see your doctor or dermatologist who will check for other skin conditions. The typical questions you will ask your doctor is what caused the heat rash, what are the tests and treatment and how can I prevent it in the future.
The good thing is you will not need to undergo any tests, the doctor can see from the physical exam if you have a heat rash.
Source:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heat-rash/DS01058/DSECTION=complications