How to Stop Prickly Heat During Winter
Prickly heat, also known as heat rash, is a common skin condition that develops when sweat ducts become clogged and the trapped sweat causes irritation. Prickly heat can appear as a rash of small blisters or a large area of red skin, according to Merck. The skin may feel itchy and uncomfortable. Prickly heat commonly occurs in hot weather, but it can also be a problem in winter. Simple measures are usually sufficient to prevent or treat the rash.
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Instructions
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Avoid overdressing in winter. When possible, adjust the temperature in your home instead of wearing a lot of extra clothes. When you go out, dress in layers so you can easily remove clothing when you feel hot.
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Wear loose clothing to allow air to reach your skin.
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Avoid using thick lotions and ointments. They can plug the sweat glands and cause or worsen prickly heat, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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Try to avoid situations that cause you to sweat. Exercise in a cool environment to help prevent sweating.
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Let your skin air dry instead of toweling off, as recommended by the Mayo Clinic.
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Keep your bedroom cool enough to prevent you from becoming overheated at night.
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Use calamine lotion or cool compresses to treat a prickly heat rash if it does develop.
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See your doctor if your prickly heat rash does not respond to home treatment. Topical steroid creams may be prescribed in severe cases. (Reference 2)
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Tips & Warnings
Some evidence suggests that vitamin C taken orally may help treat prickly heat, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Dress a child as you would dress yourself in winter. Over-bundled babies and children commonly develop prickly heat.
Seek medical attention if signs of a skin infection, such as swelling, increased redness or warmth, pain, pus drainage, swollen lymph nodes or fever develop.
