PRICKLY HEAT

General Information

DEFINITION--A skin disorder characterized by a non-inflammatory, itchy rash caused by obstructed sweat-gland ducts.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Skin.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--All ages, but most common in infants.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS--Clusters of vesicles (small, fluid-filled skin blisters that may come and go within a matter of hours) or red rash without vesicles in areas of heavy perspiration.

CAUSES--Obstruction of sweat-gland ducts for unknown reasons.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Obesity
• Stress.
• Hot, humid weather.
• Genetic factors, such as fair, sensitive skin.
• Plastic undersheets.

HOW TO PREVENT--Avoid risk factors.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor (severe cases only).

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Home care.
• Doctor's treatment, if home care fails.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Secondary skin infection.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Usually curable with treatment. Recurrence is common.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Take frequent cool showers or tub baths.
• Apply lubricating ointment or cream to skin 6 or 7 times a day.
• Use cool-water soaks to relieve itching and hasten healing. Pat skin dry, and dust with cornstarch after and between soaks.
• Wear cotton socks and leather-soled footwear rather than shoes made of man-made materials.
• Expose the affected skin to air as much as possible.
• Don't use binding materials, such as adhesive tape, or wear tight clothing.
• Change diapers on infants as soon as they are wet.
• Avoid sunburn once you have had prickly heat. The body's inflammatory reaction to sunburn may trigger a new outbreak of prickly heat.
• Provide cool, dry environment.

MEDICATION--

• Your doctor may suggest non-prescription steroid cream to apply 2 or 3 times a day.
• Oral antibiotics may be prescribed if there is a secondary bacterial infection.

ACTIVITY--Decrease activity during hot, humid weather or until skin heals.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

Prickly heat doesn't improve in 10 days, despite home care.