Prickly Heat
Prickly heat or miliaria rubra
is small, itchy bumps caused by inflammed, plugged sweat ducts.
Symptoms of Prickly Heat
The symptoms of prickly heat are:
- Small, red bumps
- Itching
- Located on the back, chest, and stomach area
A similar condition called miliaria crystalina,
the following symptoms are observed:
- Tiny blisters that look like beads of sweat
- Unlike sweat, these blisters cannot be "wiped away"
Causes of Prickly Heat
Prickly heat develops when the sweat ducts are inflammed and
become plugged. This causes sweat or perspiration to remain in
the skin rather than being secreted out.
In miliaria crystalina, the sweat is trapped at the exit point
of the sweat ducts, right below the outermost layer of the skin.
When Does Prickly Heat Happen?
This skin condition occurs mostly in hot and humid conditions.
It can also happen during cold winter weather, if the person sweats
because of wearing clothings that are too warm.
Prevention of Prickly Heat
Prevent prickly heat by:
- Wearing cool clothings
- Taking cool baths and showers
- Avoiding heavy sweating because of hot temperatures and physical
exertions
- Using air conditioning to cool the room
Treatment of Prickly Heat
There is no cure for prickly heat - however, most of the symptoms
should resolve themselves within a few days.
To alleviate the itching, use an over-the-counter anti-itch cream.
