Prickly heat rash, also called miliaria, is a rash that can develop after a person sweats far more than usual and sweat glands become blocked.
Babies and children can also get prickly heat rash during hot or humid weather because their sweat glands are not fully developed.
Prickly heat can be prevented by avoiding activities that induce sweating, using air conditioning to cool the environment, wearing light breathable fabrics like cotton and in general, avoiding hot and humid weather. Frequent cool showers or cool baths with mild soap can help to prevent heat rash.
Treating with anti-itch preparations such as calamine or menthol or camphor will reduce symptoms. However, caution should be used with oil-based preparations (ointments and oily creams as opposed to water based or aqueous lotions) which may increase blockage to the sweat glands and prolong duration of illness
Prickly Heat Powder, a talc containing dried milk proteins and Triclosan (to fight infection) and cooling menthol is an effective treatment since the powder stays on the skin longer. Regular talcum powder will not reduce the rash but can alleviate burning and itching.
In cases where the rash has developed into open blisters or pustular lesions a doctor should be consulted since more aggressive, medically monitored treatment may be required.