Heat Rashes from vest

[Badge11]

I've been getting a bad case of heat rashes on my lower back and chest from wearing my vest. I usually, end my shift with a super hot shower of scalding water to ease the itch and irritation. I usually get out of the shower looking like a bright red lobster (anyone know if this could have any future skin medical implications?) It's starting to get really annoying and doesn't seem like it'll go away anytime soon. On the recommendation from one of my buddies at work, I've been using tons of baby powder to ease the sweating and rashes. It helps a little but not too much.
Going through a few catalogs, I've seen a lot of ads for CoolMax shirts or other shirts with 50/50 cotton/polyester mesh. This supposedly allows you to stay dry.
Anyone have any good/bad experiences with these shirts?
Any other reccomendations?
Thanks in advance.

[CustomsCop]

Try taking cold showers instead of the hot ones. it probably deals with some sort of chemical which is put on the vest cover (have you washed it lately) which is reacting with the sweat causing the rash. I had this problem a few years back with a vest I got (it was used) and the problem was solved by washing the cover and taking a cold shower.

[Birky]

I wear underarmor shirts they take the sweat and transfer it to the front of the shirt so the vest soaks it up. On really hot days it doesn't work very well but I work at night so the sun doesn't beat down on me all day either. The underarmor shirts are made for football players and they have a website.

[kels]

Try putting some rubbing alcohol on the areas.
It will burn like a SOB, but it helps me.
After washing your carrier, run it thru the
washing machine again. WITH NO SOAP.
After you wash your vest by hand. Make sure
to wipe it off well. NO SOAP RESIDUE.
Cold weather is coming.

[Tank]

I was using baby powder as well, but switched when that didn't work. I now use the Wal-Mart version (Equate) of Gold Bond Medicated Powder. Works wonders for me.

Tank

[Badge11]

thanks for the suggestions. I'll give em' a try.

[SO548]

I was having the same problem this summer when it was 90-100 degrees out. After about four hours of sweating, my lower back area just started itching like crazy. It was like small knives just sticking me all over the place. I bought a mesh commander shirt from Galls. It helped a little bit, but not much. Thank god it has cooled off. I can make it through a whole shift now without going nuts!!

[SO548]

I tried using the Gold Bond powder. Man that works wonders. Wish I had tried it sooner!!