Heat Rashes:
Summer time heat and sweating will, in some patients, cause intensely itchy, red bumps. Covered skin is especially likely to be affected. While not dangerous, these rashes are very uncomfortable. Heat rash can be avoided by wearing loose, light clothing and refraining from heavy exercise on very hot and humid days. The best treatment for heat rash is to remain indoors for several days in the air conditioning until the rash subsides.
Poison Plant Rashes:
Exposure to poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac may cause an allergic reaction that usually appears several days after contact with the plant. In the Eastern United States, the most common of the poison plants is Poison Ivy. Poison Ivy is a weed that grows in areas of partial sun and partial shade. It is not found in a well-kept lawn or bright sun. The plant itself has three leaflets per stem ("leaflets three, let them be"). Remember that the vine itself can cause the reaction too. Poison ivy loses its leaves in the fall, but contact with its vine can still cause the rash.
Learn more about Poison Ivy.
The rash from all three plants is identical. The reaction is an allergy, and is not contagious to others. The idea that the rash can be spread to others is a common misconception. As soon as the oil from the plant has been washed off skin and clothing, there is no further risk of spread to others. In fact, if you suspect that you have come in contact with poison plants, you should immediately wash the exposed skin. In doing so, you may avoid the allergic reaction entirely.
While not dangerous, these rashes are extremely uncomfortable. Once a patient has been exposed, and develops a rash, a dermatologist has several medications available for effective treatment.
