Prickly heat is a very itchy red skin rash, causing a prickling or burning feeling. It is medically known as miliaria. Miliaria is a common ailment in hot and humid conditions, such as in the tropics and during the summer season. Although it affects people of all ages, it is especially common in children and infants due to their underdeveloped sweat glands. Prickly heat is most common in warm, humid climates. It tends to occur on areas of the body where skin touches skin, such as under the breasts, on the inner thighs, and under the arms. Miliaria (Prickly Heat) occurs when the sweat gland ducts get plugged due to dead skin cells or bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermis, a common bacterium that occurs on the skin which is also associated with acne. Heat rash is a red or pink rash usually found on body areas covered by clothing. It can develop when the sweat ducts become blocked and swell and often leads to discomfort and itching. Heat rash is most common in babies, but may affect adults in hot, humid climates.
Heat rash can usually be identified by its appearance and does not usually require medical attention. However, if doesn't go away after 3 or 4 days, or if it appears to be getting worse, or if your child develops a fever, contact your health professional right away. The power of vitamin C against the pain of prickly heat was demonstrated in a more controlled study carried out in Singapore by dermatologist T. C. Hindson, of the British Military Hospital there. It began with one of those happy accidents that the history of science is so full of. An Australian Air Force officer, troubled by a rash in his groin that had resisted all medication for a year, told the doctor that it suddenly cleared up in the course of a week when he caught a cold and started taking 1 g of vitamin C a day.
First of all, get away from the area that is subjected to heat and sit in shade/ fan/ air conditioner. Subject the area that has been affected by the rash to air, so that it dries properly. Now, with the help of a mild, non-deodorant soap or cleanser, clean the affected area. Rinse the area properly and using a cotton towel, pat dry. Make sure not to rub the towel. If you have been experiencing itching in the area, gently apply calamine lotion all over it, Another option to relieve the itch is to take a baking soda bath. Fill your bath tub with water and dissolve 3 tbsp of baking soda in it. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes, rinse and par dry, You can also take an oatmeal bath to relieve itching. Grind 1 cup of dry oatmeal in a blender and add to bath water. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes, rinse and pat dry, If your itching has not gone away with the above-mentioned treatments also, you can take an over-the-counter antihistamine also. Make sure to wear loose clothes, made of natural fibers like cotton. Always use mild detergents to wash clothes. This is because the chemicals in harsh ones can further irritate the rash.
Prickly Heat Treatment Tips:
1. Wear loose cotton clothing.
2. Calamine lotion may cool and soothe the skin.
3. Use of powders and antiperspirants often helps.
4. Conditions that increase sweating should be avoided.
5. A mild steroid cream may soothe the irritation.
6. Calamine lotion BP and natural oatmeal-based creams can be soothing.
7. Anti-histamine creams or medications will relieve the itch.
8. Antibiotics and topical antiseptics are used to prevent bacterial blooms.
Heat rash is a red or pink rash usually found on body areas covered by clothing. It can develop when the sweat ducts become blocked and swell and often leads to discomfort and itching. Heat rash is most common in babies, but may affect adults in hot, humid climates.
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