Why do i get prickly heat rash

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 may spread on the body, but it is not infectious. Under normal conditions, there is no way to pass the rash on to other people. 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. These bacteria are normal, but the biofilm they produce can block sweat ducts and contribute to skin conditions.

When should I see my doctor? How is heat rash diagnosed? How is heat rash treated? How to treat heat rash in babies and children Related information on Australian websites What is heat rash? Heat rash causes: tiny red spots or clear blisters. In babies, these are often in the skin folds, on the face or in the nappy area an irritating itch and prickling sensation redness and mild swelling of the affected area Symptoms of heat rash last 2 to 3 days. Heat rash is caused by a blockage and inflammation of sweat ducts in heat and high humidity.

If the area becomes infected, you or your child may need antibiotics. Try to avoid heat and humidity; stay in air conditioning or near a fan, and make sure there is good ventilation. Keep the skin dry. Try to wear loose cotton clothing which can help prevent you overheating and making the itch worse. Avoid fabrics which irritate your skin, like wool or scratchy fabrics. A cool bath or shower may help provide short-term relief from any itching, but excessive showering or bathing should be avoided as this can reduce the natural oils that protect the skin and may make it worse.

How to treat heat rash in babies and children If your child has heat rash, try to keep them cool and dry. Back To Top. General search results. Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline 24 hour health advice you can count on Heat rash usually clears on its own. Severe forms of the condition may need medical care, but the best way to relieve symptoms is to cool your skin and prevent sweating.

Adults usually develop heat rash in skin folds and where clothing causes friction. In infants, the rash is mainly found on the neck, shoulders and chest. It can also show up in the armpits, elbow creases and groin. The types of miliaria are classified according to how deep the blocked sweat ducts are. Signs and symptoms for each type vary. Heat rash usually heals by cooling the skin and avoiding exposure to the heat that caused it. See your doctor if you or your child has symptoms that last longer than a few days, the rash seems to be getting worse, or you notice signs of infection, such as:.

Heat rash develops when some of your sweat ducts clog. In some instances, a healthcare professional will recommend triamcinolone 0. This topical corticosteroid is only available by prescription in the United States. If you have miliaria pustulosa, a healthcare professional will prescribe a topical antibiotic such as clindamycin.

Calamine lotion is a natural remedy for prickly heat. It can be applied to the affected area to cool the skin. If pricky heat is associated with a fever , you may consider fever reducers such as ibuprofen Advil, Motrin or acetaminophen Tylenol. Speak with a healthcare professional before giving one of these medications to a child. The most effective way to avoid prickly heat is to stay away from situations that cause excessive sweating.

Try these tips:. Heat rash usually goes away on its own. Remember that bacteria live in your skin. Some people have hyperhidrosis , a condition in which their bodies produce too much sweat. If you notice prickly heat appearing on your skin, be mindful of what your body is trying to tell you. Make sure to stay hydrated in warm climates and during physical activity.

Watch for other signs of heat exhaustion such as dizziness , headache, or rapid heart rate and move to a cooler area as soon as you can. Heat rash is a painful condition that occurs in hot weather when sweat pores become blocked. Learn more about the condition and its treatments here. Heat rash can occur on the face in babies and adults in hot, humid weather. We'll discuss treatment options. Although heat rash and eczema have some similarities in their appearance, they're not the same.

See photos of heat rash and eczema and learn more….