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What is prickly heat?
Prickly heat, also called miliaria, is better known as heat rash and is a common condition in which areas of the skin feel prickly or sting due to overheating. Heat rash looks like tiny bumps surrounded by a zone of red skin. It usually occurs on clothed parts of the body, such as the back, abdomen, neck, upper chest, groin, or armpits and usually gets better once the skin is cooled. Heat rash occurs most often in hot, humid conditions. It's most common in infants. Active people, newborns in incubators, and bedridden patients with fever also are more likely to get heat rash.
What causes heat rash?
Heat rash begins with excessive perspiration, usually in a hot, humid environment. The ducts from the sweat glands in the skin become blocked. This causes the sweat to leak into the surrounding tissue, causing irritation and redness. You may feel the prickly, or stinging, sensation that gives this condition its name.
What are the symptoms of heat rash?
Heat rash looks like dots or tiny pimples. In young children, heat rash can appear on the head, neck, and shoulders. The rash areas can get irritated by clothing or scratching, and, in rare cases, a secondary skin infection may develop.
How is heat rash diagnosed?
Heat rash can usually be identified by its appearance and does not usually require medical attention. But if it 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 doctor right away.
When you or your child has a rash, be sure to watch for signs of infection, including:
• Increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the affected area.
• Red streaks extending from the affected area.
• Drainage of pus from the area.
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin.
• Fever of 100.4°F or higher, or chills with no other known cause.
If any of these symptoms develop, contact your doctor immediately.
What is the treatment for heat rash?
Most prickly heat rashes heal on their own. The following steps can help relieve symptoms.
• Start by removing or loosening your baby's clothing and move him or her to a cool, shady spot.
• Let the skin air-dry instead of using towels.
• Avoid ointments or other lotions, because they can irritate the skin.
The following tips can help prevent future episodes of the rash:
• Dress your child in as few clothes as possible during hot weather.
• Keep the skin cool and dry.
• Keep the sleeping area cool.
