Heat Rash vs. Sun Rash: How to Tell the Difference
Have you ever come home with a worrisome patch of red skin bumps after spending the day at the beach or on a boat? You’ve heard the terms “heat rash,” “sun rash,” and “sun poisoning”—did any of those apply to you? And what’s the difference, anyway?
While some people use these terms interchangeably, they actually describe different conditions. Here are some distinguishing characteristics:
Heat Rash
Also known as prickly heat, this type of skin rash is literally a reaction to heat and may occur whether or not you’re spending time in the sun. It’s caused when blocked pores trap sweat under the skin, usually during hot, humid conditions. Frequently, the rash develops in skin folds where friction occurs, such as the armpits and groin.
With heat rash, you’re likely to have small blisters that feel “prickly” or itchy. Heat rash can usually be treated at home by cooling the skin and applying corticosteroid cream to reduce the itchy sensation. If the rash becomes swollen and painful, and you have a fever, you may have developed an infection. In that case, it’s a good idea to seek treatment at an urgent care clinic.
Sun Rash
Unlike heat rash, sun rash is a skin reaction to sun exposure. There are several types of sun rash, and the symptoms can vary from one person to another. Indeed, this condition may display as:
- Itchy, red patches
- Clusters of small bumps or blisters
- Reddish skin that feels like it’s burning
- Raised or rough areas of skin
To confuse matters more, some people refer to sun rash as sun poisoning, but the latter actually refers to a severe burn from prolonged or unprotected UV-ray exposure. Sun poisoning symptoms may include:
- Blistering, peeling skin that’s crimson and painful
- Fever and chills
- Nausea and headache
Additionally, you can spend time in the sun and develop a skin rash that’s not heat- or sun-related.
If you’re in Cape May County, New Jersey, you can get the skin rash diagnosis and treatment you need quickly at one of the three Cape Regional Urgent Care walk-in centers in the area. We’re open every day during extended hours. Contact us today if you need more information.
