What Is Prickly Heat?
According to the Mayo Clinic, prickly heat, also known as miliaria, is a heat rash. Heat rashes are more common in children. However, heat rashes can also occur in adults. When you're exposed to heat, your sweat glands get clogged with sweat. As a result, you'll develop a rash that is similar to small blisters. The rash will itch, and you will develop a sensation that your skin is stinging. Prickly heat will usually go away on its own. You can relieve symptoms with simple treatments.
-
Causes
-
Within your body are two types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine. Your eccrine glands are connected directly to the top layers of your skin. When you become hot, your nervous system makes your eccrine glands produce sweat. In normal circumstances, your sweat would cool your body down and evaporate. However, when you develop prickly heat, your eccrine glands become clogged. The sweat becomes trapped without a way of escaping, resulting in an inflamed rash.
Factors
-
There are various reasons why your sweat glands can become clogged. According to the Mayo Clinic, newborns develop heat rashes because their sweat ducts are immature. A newborn's sweat ducts can rupture without cause, which can cause sweat to become trapped. Being dressed in warm outfits can result in prickly heat rashes. Living in climates that are hot and humid can also create prickly heat. Other contributing factors include exercise, fabrics such as synthetics, medications and bacteria.
-
Symptoms
-
When you develop prickly heat, the rash will appear as a cluster of red pimple-like blisters. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the rash can appear on your neck, your upper chest, around your groin region, under your breasts, and in the creases of your elbows. Your skin will feel prickly (sting), hence the name prickly heat. When you develop the rash, your skin will not sweat in the affected areas.
Treatments
-
When you develop a rash, try to get into a cooler environment, such as an air-conditioned room. For infants and children, never use baby powder or diaper rash cream on the affected areas, as this can exacerbate their condition. For both adults and children, wear breathable fabrics, such as cotton. If you have severe itching, calamine lotion can help soothe your discomfort. Taking a cool bath or shower may also help alleviate your symptoms.
Prevention
-
According to the Mayo Clinic, when you dress your children in the winter, they should wear the same amount of clothing that you would wear. Overdressing your child can cause overheating. When it's hot outside, try to stay indoors in air-conditioned rooms. When bathing, never use scented soaps, as this can clog your sweat glands. When bathing, use cooler water than you normally would. Cooler showers and baths won't dry your skin out. Soaps such as Cetaphil can be used on both adults and children and can help add moisture to your skin, which may help alleviate symptoms of itching and dryness.
-
