Sweating is generally experienced by a person when he is in a hot environment. However, heat allergy sufferers will feel differently. In addition to sweating, they may experience other symptoms that cause discomfort and even interfere with activities.
Although rarely heard, heat allergies can be experienced by anyone. This allergy occurs when the body temperature increases and the sufferer will feel itchy until a skin rash appears. Examples of conditions that can trigger heat allergies are sweating after exercise or when feeling nervous.
Heat Allergy Symptoms that Usually Appear
Allergy symptoms usually appear a few minutes after exposure to heat. When allergy symptoms occur, exposed areas of the body such as the chest, face, back, or arms, will feel itchy and red or a skin rash will appear.
There are several conditions that can trigger a heat allergy, including:
- Hot climate or weather
- Sports or doing strenuous activities
- Shower with hot water
- Clothes that are too tight or thick
The rash that appears can be small bumps like mosquito bites or larger. Usually, these bumps will gradually disappear within 2-4 hours, but there are also those that last up to a day.
In addition to rashes on the skin, other, more severe symptoms may appear, such as headaches, changes in blood pressure, palpitations, and shortness of breath.
How to Prevent Heat Allergies
Just like allergies in general, the best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid the cause of the allergy. However, for people living in a tropical climate like Indonesia, it may be quite difficult to escape the heat.
Therefore, there are several steps you can take to prevent allergic reactions, including:
- Use clothes made of comfortable, loose, and able to absorb sweat well.
- Cool the skin with a bath or compress using cold water.
- Set the room or room temperature to keep it cool.
- Choose a type of exercise that does not trigger an allergic reaction to heat, such as swimming.
Symptoms of heat allergy can go away on their own when the body temperature has dropped or is cold. However, to relieve discomfort such as itching, burning, and skin inflammation, you can consult a doctor. The doctor will give medicine, such as cream or lotion calamine, antihistamines, and corticosteroids.
Also be aware of the symptoms of heat allergies that trigger sweat gland infections. It is characterized by increased pain, swelling, and redness of the skin that does not go away. This condition is caused by bacteria that clog the sweat glands.
If you experience heat allergy symptoms as above, you are advised to consult a doctor to get the right treatment.
