Prickly heat is a common skin irritation in hot and humid climates. Also called prickly heat or miliaria, prickly heat occurs when clogged pores trap sweat under the skin. In the worst cases, prickly heat interferes with the body's temperature-regulating mechanism, causing pain, fever, and fatigue.
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Method 1 of 2: Cure Prickly Heat
Step 1. Know the symptoms of prickly heat
Prickly heat usually occurs on the skin covered by clothing, where moisture and heat cause clothing to stick to the skin. Prickly heat is itchy and looks like a bunch of pimples. Other symptoms include:
- The skin feels sore, swollen, or warm.
- Red lines on the skin.
- The itchy skin oozes pus or fluid.
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or genital area.
- Sudden fever (more than 38°C).
Step 2. Take the person with prickly heat to a cool, shady place
Stay out of the sun, and go to a cool, dry place, around 21°C, if you can. If you can't get into the room, move to a shady area.
Most cases of prickly heat go away on their own as soon as the body cools down
Step 3. Loosen/take off wet tight clothing
Expose the prickly heat to the air to dry. Since blocked sweat gland ducts are the cause of most cases of prickly heat, expose your skin to air to avoid exacerbating the blockage.
Don't use a towel to dry your skin--air-drying is safer
Step 4. Drink plenty of cold liquids
Prickly heat is a symptom of body temperature being too hot. Don't drink hot liquids. Instead, drink lots of cold water to lower body temperature.
Step 5. Take a shower/bath with cold water so that the body temperature drops quickly
The bath water used does not need to be very cold; just cold enough to relax the body. Use an antibacterial soap or mild cleanser to gently clean the prickly area. After bathing/bathing, pat the body with a towel or expose it to air to dry.
Step 6. Don't pop the blister
The blisters contain fluid that can heal the skin. In addition, scar tissue can form if the blisters are ruptured too early. Even if there are blisters that burst, let the skin heal itself naturally; do not scrape.
Step 7. Use over-the-counter medications to soothe the skin
Apply calamine lotion / aloe vera or 1% hydrocortisone cream on the skin that has prickly heat to reduce itching. In more severe cases, antihistamines, such as Benadryl or Claritin, can be used to relieve itching and swelling.
Step 8. See a doctor if prickly heat symptoms get worse or last more than 2 days
Although most cases resolve immediately after cooling the body, prickly heat in severe cases can lead to infections that require professional medical treatment. See a doctor if the pain increases or spreads, white or yellow pus begins to appear from the rash, or the rash doesn't heal. Call the emergency telephone number immediately if you feel:
- Nausea and dizziness
- Headache
- Gag
- Almost fainted
Method 2 of 2: Prevent Prickly Heat
Step 1. When the weather is hot, wear loose clothing made of fabrics that allow airflow
Don't wear clothing that rubs against your skin or traps sweat. Loose clothing made of synthetic fabrics is the best choice.
Step 2. Do not engage in strenuous physical activity in hot and humid places
Prickly heat is generally caused by exercise that causes the body temperature to rise and sweat a lot. If you feel prickly heat forming, rest and cool off.
Step 3. Routinely stay away from heat for 20 minutes
Occasional cooling of the body, removing clothes that are damp from sweat, or entering a cold swimming pool effectively lowers body temperature so that prickly heat does not have time to form.
Step 4. Choose clothes for babies like choosing clothes for adults
Most cases of prickly heat occur in infants, when well-meaning parents dress their child in layers during hot weather. In hot weather, babies should also wear loose clothing made of fabrics that allow airflow.
Just because your baby's feet or hands are cold to the touch doesn't mean he's cold
Step 5. Sleep in a cool, well-ventilated room
Prickly heat can occur overnight as a result of prolonged lying on hot, damp sheets. Use a fan, open a window, or turn on the air conditioner if you wake up sweating and uncomfortable.
Tips
- Always carry water, and perhaps an ice pack, with you when hiking or out in the sun.
- Spend as much time in the shade as possible.
