Prickly heat or heat rash is a common condition that occurs mostly in hot and humid weather. It occurs when the sweat ducts under the skin are blocked. This causes the perspiration to remain trapped beneath the skin. Prickly heat can be mild or severe. It may lead to superficial bumps on the skin or deeper, red lumps. The rash may lead to a slight prickly sensation or intense itching. Heat rash is usually a mild condition and subsides on its own. However, in some cases prickly heat may be severe and medical attention is required. In most cases, prickly heat can be easily relieved at home by cooling the skin and preventing excessive sweating.
Preventing Heat Rash
Most methods of preventing heat rash have the goal of not allowing your child to get overheated and include:
1. dressing your child in weather appropriate, loose fitting clothing, so that he doesn't get overheated.
2. avoiding excessive heat and humidity when possible.
3. avoiding occlusive ointments, including moisturizers, or oil based products on a child's skin, which can also block the sweat ducts.
Heat Rash Treatments
Although heat rash usually goes away on its own in a few days, some children do require treatment, which can include:
1. removing the child from the triggering environment, such as dressing in less clothing, moving inside to a cooler, air conditioned environment, etc.
2.mild strength topical steroids, although these usually aren't needed
calamine lotion
compresses with cool water
antibiotics for secondary infection
