JANUARY 2014 - HAPPY NEW YEAR!

PRICKLY HEAT - Advice on what it is

Prickly Heat Rash, also commonly known as Heat Rash, Wildfire Rash or Miliaria Ruba is a condition where  leakage of sweat into the deeper layers of the epidermis (outer most layers of cells in the skin) is caused by obstruction, like blocked pores, provoking local inflammatory reaction - with the typical appearance of redness and/or larger blister-like lesions. 



The lesions are usually tiny white or clear in colour and are found in a number of areas on the body  including;

4 Face

4 Neck

4 Under breasts

4 Groin

4 Elbow folds

4 Abdomen

 

Prickly heat is prevalent in the summer months and particularly in humid climates, such as ours.

It is usually itchy, irritating and uncomfortable and can develop on anyone.

There are however, individuals that will be more prone to prickly heat, they include;

4 Babies / Infants - as their sweat glands have not fully developed

4 Athletes and people who regularly exercise

4 Overweight persons

4 Bedridden persons

The first step in treating any heat rash is to wash the affected area with a non-soap wash i.e. Pinetarsol Gel. Rinse with water and this can be repeated as often as needed and should be done immediately after exercise or prolonged heat exposure.

Also cool packs are a great way to relieve the itchiness, and in more severe cases use of cortisone & antifungal creams may help for resistant rashes. Talk to your GP or Pharmacist about these.

Wearing light cotton or absorbent fabrics that separate the skin especially in the folds of the skin i.e. elbows, knees and groin areas.

Drinking water is also an important prevention process as it;

ü Is helpful for overall hydration

ü Is good for body temperature regulation

 

Let’s look at some factors that aggrivate Prickly Heat;

4 High humidity / temperature

4  Jacuzzi’s, Sauna’s & steam rooms

4  Fever

4  Sunburn

4  Sweating or hyperhydrosis (excess sweating)

4  Tight garments & non-breathable fabrics

4  Application of perfumes, body oils, fragranced lotions (these may cause secondary irritation)

So, in the summer months of Tropical Queensland, it’s important to stay hydrated, and limit activities that make you sweat in excess.  Remember, Calanna Pharmacy have a fantastic product to help with Prickly Heat!