Prickly Heat

Sweat rash or prickly heat also known as Miliaria alba is a skin disease characterized by small itchy rashes. This condition is common among tropical areas, and often occurs in summer due to blocked sweat glands and underdeveloped sweat glans for infants. Although common, it is not a serious condition and can be easily treated.

Rashes can appear anywhere in the body of an affected person but commonly can be seen at the following body parts:

• feet
• back
• neck
• groin
• hands
• armpits
• abdomen
• upper chest

Symptoms

• Mild inflammation in affected area
• Stinging or prickling sensation
• Small itchy red rounded bumps or rashes

Causes

• Bacterial infection
• Overweight and sedentary lifestyles
• Excessive sweating causing blockages of sweat glands
• Underdeveloped sweat glands for children and infants

Home Remedies

Talcum Powder:
Apply talcum powder in affected areas, after bathing

Baking soda:
Add a few drops of water in a teaspoon of baking soda and apply in affected area

Ice Pack:
Use as cold compress for immediate relief from prickling sensation

Arrow Root Powder:
Sprinkle the powder in the affected areas after each bathing

Potato:
Rub a sliced raw potato in affected areas

Ginger:
Fresh grated ginger must be boiled in water and let cool, use in sponge bathing

Corn Starch:
Apply in affected areas, after each bath

Oatmeal:
Apply in affected areas after each bath

Other remedies

When outdoors, stay in shaded areas
Avoid heavy moisturizers and lotions
Wear loose clothing, especially made of cotton
Bath often when high heat and humidity occurred
Avoid excessive heat and humidity where possible.