Prickly heat is an itchy red skin rash that often causes a stinging or prickling sensation and is often caused by excess sweating. Excessive sweating makes it easier for dead skin cells and bacteria to collect in the sweat glands and causes them to be blocked, trapping sweat under the sun which when seeps into nearby tissue. The trapped skin irritates the skin and causes tiny inflammation pockets which also contain sweat and it is when these pockets burst that causes a stinging/pricking sensation.
Prickly heat usually occurs in the summer months or when traveling to a very hot or humid climate. Babies and children are more likely to suffer with prickly heat due to their immature sweat glands. Overweight people and those who suffer with excess sweating on a regular basis are also likely candidates for prickly heat. Although prickly heat is a common condition in babies, it will not cause and serious damage. If your baby develops a rash and is unwell and you are at all concerned, consult the doctor.
The rash can affect any part of your body, but most commonly appears on your:
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Back
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Abdomen
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Neck
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Upper chest
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Groin
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Armpits
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Hands
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Feet
Symptoms are usually worse on areas of the body which are covered by clothing as clothing causes friction which increases sweating.
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