Summer Facts: Prickly Heat

Miliaria also called "sweat rash" or "prickly heat" or "heat rash" is a skin disease marked by small and itchy rashes (Wikipedia). This skin problem is prevalent in the summer months especially in those with humid climate. Although it affects people of all ages, people who are overweight or sweat easily are more likely to get prickly heat. Babies and children are also more prone to prickly heat as their sweat glands are not fully developed. The condition usually is self-limited and resolves in hours to a few days without treatment.

Medical News Today defines prickly heat as a condition in which obstruction causes leakage of sweat into the deeper layers of the epidermis, provoking a local inflammatory reaction giving rise to the typical appearance of redness and large blister-like lesions.

There are four types of miliaria:

1. clear (miliaria crystalline)
2. white/yellow (miliaria pustulosa)
3. red (miliaria rubra)
4. deep (miliaria profunda)

Signs and Symptoms: 

Signs and symptoms of miliaria includes small red  rashes, which may itch or more often cause an intense 'pins-and-needles' prickling sensation. These may simultaneously occur at a number of area on a sufferer's body, the most common including the face, neck, under the breasts and under the scrotum. Other areas include skin folds, areas of the body taht may rub against clothing, such as the back, chest, abdomen, etc.

How can you prevent Prickly Heat?

Prickly heat can be prevented by avoiding activities that induce sweating, wearing light clothing, using air conditioning to cool the environment and in general, avoiding hot and humid weather. Frequent cool showers or cool baths with mild soap can help to prevent heat rash.

Treatment:


General measures should be recommended for all sufferers of prickly heat, including moving to an air-conditioned environment if possible, avoiding sweat-provoking activities and occlusive clothing, and taking frequent cool showers.

One can also use Prickly Heat Powders that are sold in most drug stores, pharmacy and department stores.

You can also apply frozen packs of peas or cool packs over affected areas. Don't leave pack over 20 minutes per hour.

Drinking Water is overall important in hydrating the body and keeping the body cool.