Prickly
heat" or miliaria is a common rash caused by sweat retention. Prickly heat
is an itchy rash or a patch of small, red spots, usually on the back or chest.
It caused by sweat retention The rash can cover a large area and is extremely
itchy. It may remain for a few days or weeks. You may get it with or after a fever.
Heat and humidity are factors involved in the cause of miliaria.
Prickly
heat is not contagious, but if you have had it once, you may get it again. Babies
under two years of age are prone to prickly heat, but are hard to diagnose. If
you think your baby may have prickly heat, take him or her to a doctor.
Treatment:
Apply
calamine lotion to ease the itch. Wear light clothing to let air circulate. Help
the skin to dry off by sitting near a fan to increase air movement over the skin.
Cool baths and air conditioning are very helpful. If you must work outdoors, schedule
it for the cooler times of day, make use of shade and take regular breaks. The
key to treating miliaria is to avoid excessive heat and humidity. Wearing loose
cotton clothing will help prevent miliaria. Cool baths and air conditioning are
very helpful.
Some
patients find that using a bath brush with soap to exfoliate the skin will decrease
the occurrences of this condition. If you have a severe case of miliaria the doctor
will give you a prescription lotion to apply to the rash.
Prevention:
If
you are prone to prickly heat, take short, cool showers. Avoid hot showers and
baths, and avoid using soap on areas normally affected by prickly heat, such as
the chest and back. Try not to sit or lie on plastic for any length of time.
