Miliaria rubra also known as heat/sweat rash or prickly heat rash is a common disorder of the sweat glands that usually occurs in hot and humid condition after repeated episodes of sweating. It is thought to be caused by the obstruction of the sweat ducts.
Prickly heat rash is most common in infants, but can occur at any age when exposed to hot and humid environment resulting in sweating. It can subside with in a day when moved to cool environment. Some of the eruption may last for few weeks. It is often itchy and often associated with stinging or prickling sensation of the skin. It can occur at any parts of body. In infants, lesions usually are seen on neck, groin and axillae, in adults its usually seen on area when frequent friction occurs.
Treatment and prevention of Prickly Heat Rash
In most of the cases rash usually goes away with out any treatment, some children and in some severe cases lasting for few weeks, it does required treatment. The initial and most important is to avoid heat and humidity so that sweating doesn’t occur. Avoid excess clothing and friction from clothing, keep away from irritants. Providing a good ventilation and cool water compression may help.
For itchy condition applying calamine lotion, boric powder may soothe the itching.Topical steroids may add more relief in the management of itchy and inflamed skin. If there is any infection, topical or oral antibiotics may be needed. If you feel the condition is getting worse or any sign of infection seek medical advice.
[…] often affects babies and children in hot and humid weather conditions. These rashes also called as prickly heat rash can feel itchy, uncomfortable, and prickly. Summer night can be difficult for babies as heat rash […]
Where can I buy Prickly Heat Powder, containing Labilin & Triclosan?
PatH.
Thanks – the explanation about irritant friction might explain why Prickly Heat Powder is useful as a therapy – the talc base providing lubrication between the skin and clothing, in addition to acting as an absorbent for the sweat.
I’d heard that most of the branded prickly heat powders also contain Kaolin as a substitute for the boric powder and camphor as a skin coolant mixed into the talc – is that right?
It’s strange though that I’d never heard of infants as being more prone to prickly heat rash, other than nappy rash linked with excessive urination, but I’ve discovered that the St Luke’s Prickly Heat Powder manufacturers have made a version especially for babies and younger children.