heat rash or aka prickly heat, very annoying in the summer! Prickly Heat can affect anyone at any time. This infuriating condition is caused by candida which is a yeast that occurs naturally on your skin. Trapped perspiration that can sometimes upset the natural balance of skin allowing candida to cause an easily irritated, itchy and often unattractive red rash. Knowing when it may strike is difficult to determine as everyday activities such as sweating at the gym could potentially lead to this skin infection. Common areas where this tends to happen are where the skin rubs together including under the arms, backs of the knees, groin and under the breasts. Causes of prickly heat Prickly heat occurs when your sweat glands become blocked. If you sweat excessively, it is easier for dead skin cells and bacteria on your skin to collect in your sweat glands. If these glands become blocked, the sweat is trapped underneath your skin in tiny swollen pockets. It also seeps into the nearby tissue and irritates your skin. When the pockets burst and release sweat, this causes a stinging, prickling sensation that gives the condition its name. Causes of prickly heat Prickly heat is usually caused by being in a hot climate, which makes you sweat more than usual. Other causes are: > Spending long periods of time in bed (due to an illness or a long-term health condition, for example). Immobility and illness can make you sweat, especially if you have an electric blanket and other warm bedding > Wearing too much clothing in winter > Sitting too close to a fire or heater Symptoms of prickly heat including skin irritation rash The symptoms of prickly heat tend to appear a few days after exposure to hot temperatures. But occasionally, symptoms do not appear for several weeks or months. The rash Prickly heat causes a rash to form on your skin. The rash is normally made up of tiny spots or bumps, surrounded by a patch of red skin. Sometimes, the spots look like tiny blisters. This rash may cause: > Mild swelling > Itching > A stinging or intense prickling sensation The rash can affect any part of your body, but most commonly appears on your: > Back > Abdomen (tummy) > Neck > Upper chest > Groin > Armpits > Hands > Feet If you have prickly heat, your symptoms are usually worse on the areas of your body that are covered by clothing. This is because your clothing can cause friction and make you sweat more often. Treating prickly heat Prickly heat is not a serious condition and rarely requires any specific treatment. Most rashes will disappear naturally after a few days. However, there are a number of steps you can take, which may ease your symptoms: > Avoid excessive heat and humidity where possible. Spend some time in the shade, or take a small fan outside with you. > Being exposed to heat will only make you sweat more, and could make your rash worse. > Wear loose cotton clothing. Avoid wearing synthetic fibres, such as nylon and polyester, as they trap heat more easily than natural fibres. > Keep your skin cool. Taking a cool bath or shower will help to prevent sweating and soothe your skin. You will get considerable relief if you can avoid sweating for a few hours a day by staying in an air-conditioned room. > Calamine lotion can be used on sore and irritated skin. It will help cool and soothe your skin. You can buy it at most pharmacies. > Hydrocortisone cream can treat a rash that feels particularly itchy and irritated. You can buy low-strength hydrocortisone cream from your local pharmacy. However, avoid using this cream on your face, and always follow the instructions.
Posted on: Tue, 23 Jul 2013 06:23:56 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015