Fact Checked
Prickly heat, heat rash or miliaria is a condition that happens during hot and humid weather due to an obstruction in the sweat duct under the skin. This causes the perspiration to stay trapped under the skin.
Prickly heat can be mild or severe and cause the manifestation of superficial bumps on the skin or deeper red lumps. The rash causes a mild prickly sensation or severe itching. Heat rash is a mild condition and heals on its own, but in some cases prickly heat can be severe and needs medical help immediately.
Types of prickly heat and its symptoms
- Miliaria crystalline is a type of prickly heat that occurs when the sweat ducts found in the uppermost layer of the skin is clogged. There are small, superficial bumps found in the skin than ruptures easily. This rash does not cause severe itching and pain and eventually heal on its own. This rash is common among newborn babies, but can also develop in adults.
- Miliaria rubra happens in the outer layer of the skin, but affects the deeper areas. It develops among adults after exposure to hot and humid climates. An individual affected by this type of rash has to spend time on bed rest due to other health conditions caused by this rash. Symptoms of this type of rash include red bumps, itching, prickly sensation and sweating can sometimes occur in the affected areas.
- Miliaria profunda is a type of heat rash that is more likely to occur among adults who have recurring miliaria rubra. This skin condition affects the deeper layer of the skin and usually develops after engaging in any activity that causes sweating. This rash is characterized by lesions on the skin that are flesh colored, lack of perspiration and can cause nausea, dizziness and increased pulse rate.
Causes
- Not fully developed sweat ducts among babies
- Babies that are placed in incubators can develop heat rash
- Performing intensive exercise or strenuous activity
- Hot and humid weather
- Wearing clothes made of synthetic fabrics.
- Taking medications for blood pressure, acne and ADHD
- Overheating the body due to using several layers clothing and using an electric blanket
- Using cosmetics that are oily
Treatment and home remedies
- In a bathtub with water, mix in oatmeal and soak the body in for a few minutes. Oatmeal helps to lessen the itching and inflammation.
- Apply talcum powder on the skin after taking a bath or shower. This helps in absorbing excess moisture coming from the body. Avoid using perfumed talcum powders though.
- Apply a cold compress on the affected area in order to help lower the temperature and make the skin cool as well as minimizing redness and swelling
- Apply aloe vera gel to the affected area to help relieve the redness and inflammation.
FACT CHECK
https://www.healthline.com/health/prickly-heat