I Have What I Think Is A Heat Rash On

Posted on Wed, 10 Jul 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 10 Jul 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I have what i think is a heat rash on my lower chest area. Red itchy and burning sensation, red spots. What is best way to deal with this?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
can add oral antihistamines and anti inflammatory meds

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

It is definitely possible that it is a heat rash. Another possibility would be shingles since this also causes a painful or uncomfortable rash.

Treatment would consist of: (1)continue the cortizone
(2)oral antihistamine such as benadryl or zyrtec or allegra or loratidine
(3)anti inflammatory medication (would reduce the burning) eg ibuprofen or naproxen or cataflam

If the spots start to look like water bumps that then open , it may be shingles (if you have a previous history of chicken pox)- then using an oral anti viral agent would be helpful

I hope this helps, feel free to ask other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (15 minutes later)

if it is shingles then what should i do?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
antivirals would shorten the course

Detailed Answer:
HI

Sorry for the delayed reply

If it is shingles then you can use an anti viral medication prescribed by your doctor to help the rash resolve faster and decrease the severity
eg acyclovir, valacyclovir

You can also consider speaking to your doctor about the shingles vaccine

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar