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5 days ago · In adults, this type of heat rash affects the upper trunk, scalp, neck, and body fold areas that rub against clothing. In children, it affects the trunk and skin of the neck, groin, and armpits. It sometimes causes pustules (raised, pus-filled growths) on the trunk and extremities.
- Overview
- Symptoms
- Causes and triggers
- Treatment
- In children and babies
- Prevention
- When to see a doctor
Miliaria rubra, also known as prickly heat or heat rash, is a rash that causes the skin to turn red, along with a warm, stinging, or prickly sensation. The feeling is usually accompanied by small red dots in the affected area.
The rash may also have small, raised bumps and blisters.
Prickly heat is often caused by exposure to warm temperatures and will normally clear up on its own after a few days. There are a few simple treatments to help reduce symptoms, but a visit to the doctor may be necessary in some situations.
The face, neck, shoulders, and chest are the most common places for prickly heat to occur, although it may show up anywhere. It can affect anyone, but children are more likely to have it than adults.
Prickly heat is usually easy to identify due to its straightforward symptoms. Tiny red bumps and itching on an area of skin that has been exposed to heat and sweat for a long time are common signs of prickly heat.
Sometimes the red bumps can develop into a series of tiny blisters. The bumps or blisters may swell, become irritated or itchy, and redden as the rash progresses.
Prickly heat is caused by trapped sweat. When the body is hot, it activates the sweat glands to create sweat on the skin. The sweat then cools the skin as it evaporates.
When the body is kept in this warm state, the constant sweat production can overload the sweat glands. This can cause the sweat ducts to become clogged, trapping sweat in the deep layers of the skin. This trapped sweat irritates the skin, which responds by producing a rash.
The most common trigger for prickly heat is exposure to heat for a long time. This may be especially true in very humid areas where the sweat has a harder time evaporating off the skin.
Prickly heat is common in people from cooler climates who travel to warmer climates. But it may also happen to a person in their usual climate when they experience more heat and sweat than normal.
Certain medications can also trigger prickly heat. Any drugs that raise the body temperature or alter the function of the sweat glands can increase the risk of prickly heat.
Some medications for Parkinson’s disease block the sweat, and tranquilizers and diuretics can change the fluid balance in the body, which can trigger symptoms of prickly heat as well.
Prickly heat will usually go away on its own, but it may have bothersome symptoms. Many people can benefit from using home remedies. Products available over the counter or online, such as calamine lotion or topical steroid creams, can help treat the symptoms of redness, irritation, and swelling.
Treating prickly heat also involves cooling off quickly to avoid additional sweat. Sitting in front of a fan or in an air-conditioned room can help. Cold showers or baths can reduce body temperature and help prickly heat clear up faster.
Camphor and menthol may also have a cooling effect on the skin and help reduce the itchiness. In some cases, antihistamine medications can help reduce itching.
People who are prone to prickly heat may find relief from regularly washing the body with mild soap after sweating. This can reduce the amount of sweat and the number of bacteria on the skin.
Prickly heat can occur in people of all ages, is more common in children and infants. The developing sweat glands in a small child are less resilient and may be more likely to become clogged. Also, a child’s body is not used to adjusting to rapidly changing temperatures.
Children and infants are likely to experience prickly heat on their groin, neck, and face. The rash may be irritating and uncomfortable, but it will usually go away on its own. A cool bath can provide a child or baby with some relief from symptoms.
Preventing sweat from becoming trapped in the skin is an important step to avoid a rash. This may be as simple as not using certain skin products. Skin products that contain heavy oils or petroleum jelly may clog the pores and sweat glands, which could contribute to prickly heat.
Loose fitting clothing made of natural fibers, such as linen, cotton, and hemp, may reduce the amount of sweat that gets trapped on the skin.
Removing sweaty clothes after a long day of warm weather can prevent the sweat from getting trapped in the skin. Taking a shower to wash off the sweat and changing into clean clothes can prevent many cases of heat rash.
Avoiding a long time in hot and humid environments may help prevent symptoms, as well as using fans and air conditioners when possible. Regular cool showers or baths can reduce the body’s temperature and prevent excessive sweating.
Prickly heat is a common condition that will usually resolve without medical treatment. Taking steps to prevent heat rash is the best way to avoid this annoyance.
If prickly heat starts to show, it may help to take a few quick steps to lower the body’s temperature and prevent additional sweating. Watching for any additional signs of heat stroke or exhaustion can help prevent a more serious issue.
People also ask
What causes a prickly heat rash?
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What is prickly heat rash & miliaria?
May 6, 2022 · Heat rash — also known as prickly heat and miliaria — isn't just for babies. It affects adults, too, especially in hot, humid conditions. Heat rash occurs when sweat is trapped in the skin. Symptoms can range from small blisters to deep, inflamed lumps. Some forms of heat rash are very itchy.
Dec 21, 2023 · Heat rash looks like tiny raised bumps surrounded by red, irritated skin. On darker skin tones, the redness may be less noticeable, or it may look darker. Heat rash usually happens on your:...
- Evan Starkman
What is miliaria? Miliaria is a common skin disease caused by blockage and/or inflammation of eccrine sweat ducts. Miliaria is frequently seen in hot, humid, or tropical climates, in patients in hospital, and in the neonatal period. Miliaria is also known as heat rash, sweat rash or prickly heat.
A heat rash, prickly heat rash or sweat rash is a group of tiny pimples or blisters on your skin caused by sweat trapped in your glands. The rash can be painful or itchy. Treat the rash at home by keeping your skin cool and dry. Contact your healthcare provider if your rash lasts longer than a week or causes severe pain or discomfort.
Aug 18, 2023 · Heat rash can appear on the neck, scalp, chest, groin, or elbow creases. "Heat rash can occur any time the body sweats, so it is common in hot, humid climates, during hospitalizations, from fever, and during exercise," says Dr. Waldman. Heat rash also can occur in newborns, as their eccrine sweat glands are not fully developed.
