Prickly heat, otherwise called heat rash, occurs when the sweat ducts are blocked and sweat becomes trapped under the skin, according to the Mayo Clinic website. The condition can occur in people of all ages, but it most commonly occurs in infants. Most cases of prickly heat can be soothed with home remedies or they will eventually go away on their own, but more severe cases might require medical treatment.
Symptoms
Symptoms of prickly heat vary, ranging from small blisters on the surface of the skin to red lumps deep under the skin, according to MayoClinic.com. Most infants get prickly heat within the skin folds and on areas of the body where clothing is tight, including the neck, chest, stomach, crotch and buttocks, according to BabyCenter.com. Your infant may also get prickly heat on his head if he wears a hat.
Causes
Infants are most likely to get prickly heat because they have immature sweat ducts that are prone to rupturing, but some events can increase their likelihood of rupturing. Hot and humid weather, being dressed too warmly and wearing clothing that doesn't breathe well can cause prickly heat in your infant. She may also develop prickly heat if heavy ointments and creams have been rubbed on her skin, as such products can block her sweat ducts.
Treatment
Keep your infant cool. Take him to a place that is cool---or at least shaded---and either loosen what he's wearing or take it off completely. Putting him on a towel can help absorb some of the sweat; using chilled, damp wash cloths to wipe his skin can cool down the areas of his body that have a rash. Allow his skin to dry by air and avoid using any ointments, as they can make the prickly heat worse, according to BabyCenter.com. Keep his room cool with a fan or air conditioner if he's sweating at night, but avoid aiming the air directly on his body.
Risks
Your infant is at greater risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke when she has prickly heat, because her ability to sweat is impaired, the Mayo Clinic website states. Keep her as cool as possible and call the doctor if her skin is damp and cool, her pulse is rapid and weak and her breathing is rapid and shallow. Prickly heat can also turn into an infection and appear as inflamed, itchy pustules, according to the Mayo Clinic. She is more likely to develop an infection if she scratches, so trim her nails and consider putting mittens or socks on her hands so she doesn't scratch in her sleep.
Prevention
Dress your infant in loose, lightweight clothing, particularly when the weather is warm. BabyCenter.com recommends avoiding plastic diaper liners and plastic pants as they can make your baby more susceptible to prickly heat. Always look for shaded or cool places outdoors when you have your baby with you, and bring an umbrella or use his stroller shade in times when shade isn't available. Finally, keep him hydrated with regular formula or breast milk feedings.
