Facts About Prickly Heat and Its Treatment

Prickly heat is nothing but a disorder of the sweat glands. Medically prickly heat is known as miliaria rubra, the Latin word for “red millet seeds,” because of the rash that appear with this condition. The rash that occurs on skin takes the form of bumps or tiny spots surrounded by a red patch of skin.

The main symptoms of prickly heat are itching, skin irritation, large red areas on skin, blister formation and intense burning of skin in severe cases.

The pores of the sweat glands get blocked due to intense sweating which leads to the occurrence of this condition. Sweating can happen when strenuous exercise is undertaken in hot temperature. This can cause prickly heat to appear on one’s body. When the natural way of cooling by the body is impacted, the sweat is sealed within the skin and this leads to the formation of rash. Even excess exposure to the sun’s ultra violet rays can lead to this condition.

Treatment

To avoid sun allergy you can use a sun protection cream. You can also make use of calamine lotion on the affected area to get relief from itching. You can prevent skin irritation by using a mild soap. You must keep the skin’s surface clean and consume lots of water during summer, especially, to avoid prickly heat. You can prevent sweat formation by remaining indoors if possible or staying in a cool environment. You must also allow skin to breathe by avoiding over dressing and usage of heavy moisturizers. You can also get instant relief by applying gram flour paste and taking a cold-water bath after sometime. Another excellent remedy for prickly heat is to apply a paste of neem on the affected skin. You must try to keep your skin as cool as possible by avoiding humidity and excessive heat. By wearing lose fitting clothes, you can allow the sweat to evaporate and prevent skin irritation further.